Did you know that proper DNS configuration is essential for website performance and security? Whether you’re setting up a new website or transferring your domain, understanding how to configure your DNS settings is crucial. In this tutorial, I will guide you through the steps to self-manage DNS in Google Domains, one of the most popular domain registrars out there.
Key Takeaways:
- Proper DNS configuration is crucial for website performance and security.
- Google Domains is one of the most popular domain registrars.
- Self-managing your DNS settings can give you more control over your website.
- By following this tutorial, you’ll learn how to configure DNS in Google Domains.
- Remember to have your domain name, website, and DNS record instructions handy before you begin.
Identifying Your Domain Registrar
To configure your DNS settings, you first need to identify your domain registrar. If you purchased your domain during Google Workspace sign-up, it is likely registered with Google Domains, GoDaddy, Enom, or DomainDiscount24. You can find your domain registrar information in the Admin console under Account > Domains.
Note down your domain registrar’s sign-in name and password for later steps.
Popular Domain Registrars
| Domain Registrar | Description |
|---|---|
| Google Domains | A domain registration service provided by Google. |
| GoDaddy | One of the largest domain registrars in the world. |
| Enom | A popular domain registrar known for its wide range of domain extensions. |
| DomainDiscount24 | A domain registrar offering affordable domain registration services. |
DNS Configuration in Google Domains
If your domain is registered with Google Domains, you can easily configure your DNS settings directly within the Google Domains interface.
To get started, follow these simple steps:
- Sign in to your Google Domains account using your credentials.
- Select the domain you want to configure and navigate to the DNS section.
- Scroll down until you find the “Custom resource records” section.
- If you need to add an A record, select “A” from the Type dropdown menu.
- Enter the necessary information, such as the IP address provided by your web host, in the corresponding fields.
- Click on the “Add” button to add the A record to your DNS settings.
- If you want to add a CNAME record, choose “CNAME” from the Type dropdown menu instead.
- Enter the alias or host data in the appropriate field, and specify the corresponding “Points to” or “Destination” data.
- Click on the “Add” button to add the CNAME record to your DNS settings.
- For NS records, click on “Use custom name servers” and enter the name server records provided by your web host.
- Save your changes to update your DNS settings.
With Google Domains, you have full control over custom resource records, including A records, CNAME records, and NS records, allowing you to easily connect your domain to your desired services and destinations.
| Record Type | Description |
|---|---|
| A | An A record maps a domain or subdomain to an IP address. |
| CNAME | A CNAME record creates an alias for a domain or subdomain, pointing it to another domain or subdomain. |
| NS | An NS record specifies the authoritative name servers for a domain. |
DNS Configuration in GoDaddy
If your domain is registered with GoDaddy, you can easily configure your DNS settings using the Advanced DNS Settings pane. To get started, sign in to your GoDaddy account and navigate to the DNS console using your sign-in name and password.
To add an A record, follow these steps:
- Select “Edit” from the Host Records table.
- Click “Add New”.
- Choose “A” as the Record Type.
- In the Host Name field, enter “@”.
- Enter the provided IP address in the Address field.
For a CNAME record, follow these steps:
- Select “Edit” from the Host Records table.
- Click “Add New”.
- Choose “CNAME” as the Record Type.
- Enter the alias or host data in the Host Name field.
- In the Address field, enter the portion containing the name of your web host.
If you need to add NS records, you can do so by following these steps:
- Click on “Change” in the Nameservers section.
- Enter the name server records provided by your web host.
Once you have completed these steps, your DNS configuration in GoDaddy will be updated. Remember that it may take some time for the changes to propagate across the internet.
DNS Configuration in Enom
If your domain is registered with Enom, you can easily configure your DNS settings using the Advanced DNS Settings pane. Follow these steps to get started:
- Sign in to the DNS console using your Enom sign-in name and password.
- Select the “Edit” option from the Host Records table.
- Click on the “Add New” button to add a new record.
- Choose “A” as the Record Type for an A record.
- In the Host Name field, enter “@”.
- In the Address field, input the provided IP address.
- Select “CNAME” as the Record Type for a CNAME record.
- Enter the alias or host data in the Host Name field.
- Make sure to include the portion containing the name of your web host in the Address field.
- To add NS records, click on “Edit” in the DNS Information table.
- Enter the name server records provided by your web host.
By following these steps, you’ll be able to easily configure your DNS settings using Enom’s Advanced DNS Settings pane. Take advantage of these features to ensure that your A, CNAME, and NS records are correctly set up for your domain.
DNS Configuration in DomainDiscount24
If your domain is registered with DomainDiscount24, you can easily configure your DNS settings using the Advanced DNS Settings pane. Follow the steps below:
- Sign in to the DNS console using your DomainDiscount24 sign-in name and password.
- To add an A record, select Edit from the Host Records table, click Add New, and choose A as the Record Type.
- Enter @ in the Host Name field and the provided IP address in the Address field.
- For a CNAME record, select CNAME as the Record Type.
- Enter the alias or host data in the Host Name field and the portion containing the name of your web host in the Address field.
- To add NS records, click on Edit in the DNS Information table.
- Enter the name server records provided by your web host.
With these steps, you can easily configure your A record, CNAME record, and NS record in DomainDiscount24, ensuring seamless connectivity and optimal performance for your website.
For a visual guide on DomainDiscount24 DNS configuration, refer to the table below:
| A record | CNAME record | NS record |
|---|---|---|
| Edit > Add New > A Record Type > Enter @ in Host Name > Enter provided IP address in Address | Edit > Add New > CNAME Record Type > Enter alias or host data in Host Name > Enter web host name in Address | Edit > Enter NS records provided by web host |
Using a Custom Domain in Google Sites
If you want to use a custom domain for a site published on Google Sites, you can follow these steps:
- Go to Settings > Custom domains and click on Start setup.
- Enter your domain and verify ownership if prompted.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to connect to your domain registrar.
- You can connect up to five custom domains to one site.
- It may take up to 48 hours for changes to your domain to become visible on the internet.
Using a custom domain can help you create a more professional and branded presence for your Google Site. With a custom domain, you can have a unique web address that reflects your business or personal brand. This can also make it easier for visitors to remember and find your site.
Setting Up DNS Records with Cloud DNS
If you want to set up DNS records for your domain with Cloud DNS, follow these steps. First, sign in to your Google Cloud account and create a Google Cloud project. Make sure that billing is enabled and enable the DNS API for your project.
Next, create a managed public zone in Cloud DNS. This allows you to manage the DNS records for your domain. Within the managed public zone, you can add A or AAAA records to point your domain to an IP address. These records ensure that when someone types your domain name in a browser, they are directed to the correct website.
In addition to the A or AAAA records, you should also create a CNAME record for the www subdomain. This allows users to access your website using the “www” prefix. Finally, don’t forget to update your domain’s name servers to publish your domain and activate the changes you made in Cloud DNS. Please note that it may take up to 48 hours for these changes to propagate across the internet.
