You can find a video tutorial in the article Video Tutorials – DNS Servers.
This article deals with changing a domain's DNS servers (NSSET), i.e. the location of the DNS records the domain will use. If you want to change DNS records on our DNS servers, follow the instructions in DNS – Domain Records.
In this article you will learn:
- How WEDOS DNS servers work
- How to prepare a domain for changing DNS servers (NSSET)
- How to change DNS servers (NSSET) in the customer administration
- How to change DNS servers in bulk
- Common problems
- Frequently asked questions
WEDOS DNS Servers
VEDOS uses WEDOS DNS servers. You can set these DNS servers for CZ domains using the NSSET WEDOS; for other domain extensions, use the following list:
ns.wedos.net
ns.wedos.cz
ns.wedos.eu
ns.wedos.com
If a domain has only these DNS servers set, it uses DNS records set according to these instructions. If a domain uses DNS servers from another provider, it ignores the DNS records set at VEDOS.
A domain can use WEDOS DNS servers even if it is registered with another provider. In that case, set the specified NSSET or DNS servers (sometimes NS records) according to your domain registrar's instructions.
Avoid combining WEDOS DNS servers with DNS servers from another provider for a single domain!
Preparation for changing DNS servers (NSSET)
By changing DNS servers (NSSET), you change the source of DNS records, i.e. the instructions for directing the domain. This change propagates across the Internet relatively slowly, usually within 6 – 48 hours. The measures listed here will help limit service unavailability and outages while the change is in progress.
Before submitting a DNS server (NSSET) change, take the following preparatory steps:
- Verify that DNS records for the domain exist on WEDOS servers, or add the domain to DNS according to the instructions in DNS – Adding a Domain.
- Check and, if necessary, correct WEDOS DNS records according to the instructions in DNS – Domain Records.
- Set the required DNS records on the original DNS servers (NSSET) as well.
- Temporarily disable DNSSEC according to the instructions in Domains – DNSSEC.
If you want to direct a domain to services automatically within WEDOS DNS, follow the instructions in Domains – Service directing.
If you are changing DNS servers due to deploying the WEDOS Protection ⧉ service, keep in mind that after adding the domain you will be changing its A and AAAA records. Detailed information can be found in the article Protection – Add a Domain ⧉.
Changing DNS servers in the customer administration
Changing DNS servers takes place gradually over 6 – 48 hours.
You can change DNS servers if you have access to the domain administration. Proceed with the following steps:
- Log in to the customer administration ⧉.
- In the top menu, select Domains.
- Select from the list the domain whose DNS servers (NSSET) you want to change.
- In the left menu, select Change DNS servers.
- Adjust the settings (they differ for CZ domains and other domains).
- Click the Submit button.
Changing DNS servers takes place gradually over 6 – 48 hours.
The next procedure differs for CZ domains, where you set the NSSET, and for other domains, where you set the DNS servers directly.
CZ Domains
The CZ.NIC registry simplifies DNS server setup with an NSSET – a simple identifier that contains a complete list of DNS servers, so you do not need to enter them separately.
The WEDOS NSSET identifier is WEDOS.
When setting an NSSET, you choose one of three options:
- Default WEDOS NSSET sets our NSSET. DNS records will therefore be managed by us.
- Set an existing NSSET sets an NSSET from another provider stored in the CZ.NIC registry. The provider of the DNS servers will tell you the identifier. If this identifier does not exist, choose the following option.
- Create and set a new NSSET creates a new NSSET containing the selected DNS servers. You can choose your own identifier, technical contact, and a list of DNS servers – one DNS server per line.
Delete the prefilled WEDOS DNS servers; they are only a sample for filling in the form. Make sure that you enter only servers from one provider.
Other Domains
For all domains other than CZ domains, you enter DNS servers as a list. You have two options here:
- Default WEDOS DNS servers sets our DNS servers. DNS records will therefore be managed by us.
- Set custom DNS servers sets the DNS servers entered in the list – one DNS server per line.
Delete the prefilled WEDOS DNS servers; they are only a sample for filling in the form. Make sure that you enter only servers from one provider.
Bulk DNS server change
You can also change domain DNS servers in bulk. Proceed as follows:
- Log in to the customer administration ⧉.
- In the top menu, select Domains.
- Check the domains you want to change in the overview (or select all).
- In the actions with selected items menu, select change DNS servers.
- Click the Perform button.
- On the next page, fill in the form:
- If you want to use WEDOS DNS servers, check the option use default WEDOS DNS servers.
- If you want to enter other DNS servers, for CZ domains enter the NSSET name, or create one; for other domains, enter a list of DNS servers – one DNS server per line.
- Click the Continue button.
- On the next page, confirm the choices by clicking the Finish button.
Common problems
Common problems with changing DNS servers include:
- The old website is still displayed
- The website became unavailable
- There are error messages in the administration
The old website is displayed
Problem: After changing the DNS servers, the original website is still displayed.
Cause: Changing DNS servers takes place gradually over 6 – 48 hours.
Solution: Before changing DNS servers, direct the domain to the new website also at the original provider. Changing records is usually faster than changing servers. After changing the DNS servers, wait at least 48 hours. If the problems persist, clear your browser cache according to these instructions ⧉.
The website is unavailable
Problem: The domain has had WEDOS DNS servers set for more than 48 hours, but it still does not work. It displays the error messages “we can't find this page” or “this website is not available”.
Cause: There are problems with resolving the new DNS servers. Common causes are:
- Shut down DNS servers of the original provider before the changes propagate.
- Setting DNS servers from more than one provider.
- Unverified domain owner email (if verification is required), or another issue at the registry.
- A problem with DNSSEC (if configured).
Solution: Whenever you change DNS servers, make sure that you enter only servers from one provider.
For generic domains (COM, INFO, WEBSITE, ...) also verify that the domain owner's email is verified. Verification is done via the link in the message that WEDOS sends after successful registration. You can request a resend of the verification email via the contact form ⧉. After successful verification, the domain will start using the set DNS servers within the usual 6 – 48 hours.
The domain does not point to this webhosting
Problem: The VEDOS administration reports the error The domain does not point to this webhosting.
Solution: The problem is related to one or both of the problems listed above. Therefore, go through their solutions.
Frequently asked questions
How do I find out which DNS servers the domain currently uses?
You can find the list of DNS servers currently set for the domain on the same page where you perform their change. Which specific servers the domain really uses within 48 hours after the change is practically impossible to determine – part of the Internet uses the new ones, part the original ones.
Can I use WEDOS DNS servers even if my domain and webhosting are elsewhere?
Yes, you can, and it is currently free of charge. Set the DNS servers (NSSET) according to your domain registrar's instructions.