When it comes to running a website, there are a lot of moving parts. One of the most important decisions you’ll have to make is choosing a web hosting provider. But what happens when you decide to switch web hosts? Do you need to change your DNS hosting too?
In this article, we’ll answer the question: do I need to change DNS hosting when I change website hosts? We’ll discuss the differences between DNS hosting and web hosting, and explain how to make the transition from one host to another. Let’s get started!
What Is DNS Hosting?
Before we get into the specifics of changing DNS hosting when you switch web hosts, let’s take a step back and discuss what DNS hosting is. DNS stands for Domain Name System, and it’s the system that translates domain names into IP addresses.
When someone types your domain name into their browser, their computer sends a request to a DNS server, which looks up the corresponding IP address and sends it back. This is how your website is able to be found on the internet.
DNS hosting is the service that provides the DNS server. The DNS hosting provider is responsible for managing the DNS server, making sure it’s up and running, and ensuring that it’s secure.
What Is Web Hosting?
Now that we’ve discussed DNS hosting, let’s talk about web hosting. Web hosting is the service that provides the physical server space for your website. It’s the service that stores all of your website’s files and makes them available to visitors.
When you purchase web hosting, you’re renting space on a server. The web hosting provider is responsible for managing the server, making sure it’s up and running, and ensuring that it’s secure.
Do I Need To Change DNS Hosting When I Change Website Hosts?
Now that we’ve discussed the differences between DNS hosting and web hosting, let’s answer the question: do I need to change DNS hosting when I change website hosts?
The short answer is no, you don’t need to change DNS hosting when you change website hosts. Your DNS hosting provider will remain the same, regardless of who is hosting your website.
However, there are some cases where you may need to change your DNS hosting. For example, if you’re switching to a new domain name, you’ll need to update your DNS settings to point to the new domain name.
How To Change DNS Hosting When You Change Website Hosts
If you do need to change DNS hosting when you switch website hosts, the process is relatively simple. Here’s what you need to do:
1. Contact your new web hosting provider and ask them for their DNS server information.
2. Log into your current DNS hosting provider and update the DNS records to point to the new DNS server information.
3. Wait for the DNS records to propagate. This can take up to 48 hours, so be patient.
4. Test your website to make sure everything is working properly.
What To Do If You Don’t Want To Change DNS Hosting
If you don’t want to change DNS hosting when you switch website hosts, there are still some things you can do.
First, you can ask your new web hosting provider if they offer DNS hosting services. Some web hosting providers offer both web hosting and DNS hosting, which makes the transition easier.
Second, you can use a third-party DNS hosting provider. There are a number of reputable third-party DNS hosting providers, such as Cloudflare and DNSimple.
Finally, you can use a DNS redirect. A DNS redirect is a way to point your domain name to a different website without changing your DNS hosting. This is a good option if you don’t want to change DNS hosting, but still want to switch web hosts.
Conclusion
Do I need to change DNS hosting when I change website hosts? The answer is no, you don’t need to change DNS hosting when you switch web hosts. However, there are some cases where you may need to change your DNS hosting, such as when you switch to a new domain name.
If you do need to change DNS hosting, the process is relatively simple. Just contact your new web hosting provider and ask them for their DNS server information, log into your current DNS hosting provider and update the DNS records, and wait for the DNS records to propagate.
If you don’t want to change DNS hosting, you can ask your new web hosting provider if they offer DNS hosting services, use a third-party DNS hosting provider, or use a DNS redirect.
No matter what you decide to do, make sure you test your website after making any changes to make sure everything is working properly.
