This topic provides answers to frequently asked questions (FAQ) regarding Alibaba Cloud Domain Name System (DNS) servers.
Modify DNS servers
How can I change DNS servers for a domain name?
Domain name registrars provide the capabilities of changing DNS servers. To change DNS servers for a domain name, you must contact the registrar of the domain name. If your domain name is registered with Alibaba Cloud, you can change DNS servers in Alibaba Cloud. For more information, see Change DNS servers for a domain name.
How can I specify a DNS server for a subdomain name?
To specify a DNS server for a subdomain name, go to the DNS Settings page of the relevant second-level domain name and add a name server (NS) record that points the subdomain name to the name of the DNS server allocated by your DNS service provider. For more information, see Add DNS records.
Can I use DNS servers provided by different service providers at the same time?
The registrar of your domain name determines whether you can use DNS servers provided by different service providers at the same time. If your domain name is registered with Alibaba Cloud, you can use DNS servers provided by the different service provider for the domain name at the same time.
Note: If you want to use a DNS server provided by Alibaba Cloud DNS and a DNS server provided by a third-party service at the same time, make sure that the resolution data is consistent in the two services. Otherwise, domain name resolution may not take effect, or a resolution exception may occur.
What is the difference between changing DNS servers for a domain name and configuring domain name resolution?
Changing DNS servers for a domain name indicates the operation to change the names of DNS servers that are registered at the registrar of the domain name. Configuring domain name resolution indicates the operation to resolve a domain name to an IP address that can be used for computer communication.
Does the change of DNS servers for a domain name affect the resolution of the domain name?
It depends on the data preparation during the modification. If you change DNS servers for a domain name before resolution data is migrated, the resolution of the domain name is affected. For more information about the migration of resolution data, see Smooth domain name imgration to Alibaba Cloud DNS.
How long does it take for the change of DNS servers for a domain name to globally take effect?
Generally, after you change DNS servers for a domain name, it takes 24 to 48 hours for the updated settings to take effect on global DNS nodes.
When I attempt to change DNS server names, why am I asked to try again later because an operation is in progress?
The general cause is that Alibaba Cloud DNS is automatically changing the DNS server names assigned for the free edition to those assigned for a paid edition. We recommend that you wait 5 minutes and log on to the Alibaba Cloud DNS console to check the status of the DNS servers.
Is DNS resolution affected if I change the DNS server names of a paid instance that I have purchased?
Whether the change of DNS server names affects DNS resolution depends on your domain name registrar. For more information, see the following table.
Domain name registrar | Change mode | Impact |
Third-party DNS service provider | Change the DNS server names assigned for the free edition of Alibaba Cloud DNS to those assigned for a paid edition of Alibaba Cloud DNS. | The change has no impact on DNS resolution. |
Third-party DNS service provider | Change the DNS server names assigned for a third-party DNS service provider to those assigned for a paid edition of Alibaba Cloud DNS. | Smooth migration can be implemented without interrupting your business. For more information, see Smooth domain name imgration to Alibaba Cloud DNS |
Alibaba Cloud | Change the DNS server names assigned for a third-party DNS service provider to those assigned for a paid edition of Alibaba Cloud DNS. | Smooth migration can be implemented without interrupting your business. For more information, see Smooth domain name imgration to Alibaba Cloud DNS |
Alibaba Cloud | Change the DNS server names assigned for the free edition of Alibaba Cloud DNS to those assigned for a paid edition of Alibaba Cloud DNS. | The change has no impact on DNS resolution. |