DNS stands for Domain Name System. Think of it as a directory that tells computers where to find services connected to a domain such as example.com. Your website, business email, and third-party verification services may all rely on different DNS records.
The three parts of a typical domain setup
- Domain registrar: the company where your domain is registered and renewed.
- Authoritative DNS provider: the service that holds the active DNS zone and answers questions about your domain’s records. Cloudflare is one possible DNS provider.
- Hosting and email providers: the services that actually serve your website and mailbox content.
These can be operated by different companies. Changing your hosting provider does not automatically transfer domain registration or email hosting.
What happens when someone visits your website?
- A visitor enters
example.cominto a browser. - DNS identifies where that hostname should connect, using the relevant record and any proxy service configured.
- The browser connects to the website or proxy using the address returned.
- The website server sends the page back to the visitor.
Email uses a different process. MX records tell other mail servers where to deliver messages for your domain.
Why DNS changes matter
Updating the wrong DNS record can disconnect your website, interrupt incoming email, or break domain verification. DNS records should be changed only after identifying the responsible service and the exact values it requires.
Who manages my DNS?
You can usually identify the authoritative DNS provider by examining the domain’s nameservers. Ask support if you are not sure; the registrar and DNS host are not always the same organization.
Still need help?
Tell support your domain name and whether you are trying to connect a website, set up email, add a verification record, or change providers. Do not send login passwords.