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How to Manage the DNS Zone on HostGator

This guide shows how to edit the DNS records of a domain registered with HostGator. You can use it to point your domain to your Hostvento hosting.

Domains and DNS2 min read9 steps

What is a DNS zone?

DNS is like a phone book for the internet. It turns a website name into a number that computers understand. A DNS zone is the page of that phone book that belongs to your domain. It holds small entries called records. Each record says where something goes, such as your website or your email.

You edit the zone where your domain's nameservers point. Nameservers are the computers that hold the zone. If your domain uses HostGator nameservers, you edit the zone at HostGator.

Warning: A wrong record can take your website or email offline. Write down the old values before you change anything.

Before you start

  • Have your HostGator login ready.
  • Find the values you need to add. For Hostvento hosting, the server IP address is in your welcome email. If you cannot find it, ask Hostvento support.

Steps

  1. Log in to your HostGator customer portal.
  2. Open the Domains section.
  3. Click your domain name.
  4. Open the DNS tab.
  5. Read the existing records and note their values.
  6. To add a record, click the add button. Choose the type and fill in the host and the value. An A record links a name to an IP address. A CNAME record links one name to another name. An MX record tells the world where email goes.
  7. To change a record, use its edit option, update the value and save.
  8. To delete a record, use its delete option. Only delete what you are sure about.
  9. Save your changes.

If your domain points to a HostGator hosting plan, you can also open cPanel and use the Zone Editor tool there. Use whichever place your nameservers point to.

After the change

DNS changes do not show at once. They can take from a few minutes to some hours to spread. This waiting time is called propagation. Clear your browser cache and test again later.

Tip: HostGator may change its menu names. If a label differs, look for words like DNS or Domain settings.

Need help with the Hostvento side? Open a support ticket.

Quick recap

  • A DNS zone holds the records of your domain.
  • Edit it at the company whose nameservers your domain uses.
  • In HostGator, open Domains, pick your domain and find the DNS tab.
  • Note old values before you edit.
  • Allow time for changes to spread.