Digitalocean DNS Setup Guide

Complete digitalocean dns setup guide with step-by-step instructions. Configure A, CNAME, MX, and TXT records for your domain correctly.

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How to Configure DNS Records in DigitalOcean

DigitalOcean provides free managed DNS service for their customers and anyone else. This guide covers setting up DNS records in DigitalOcean.

Step-by-Step Setup Guide

  1. Access DigitalOcean Control Panel Log into DigitalOcean account.
    • Visit cloud.digitalocean.com
    • Log into your DigitalOcean account
    • Click 'Networking' in left menu
    • Select 'Domains' tab
  2. Add Domain to DigitalOcean Register your domain in DigitalOcean DNS.
    • Click 'Add Domain'
    • Enter domain name
    • Select your project (if using projects)
    • DigitalOcean creates nameserver records
  3. Update Nameservers Point registrar to DigitalOcean nameservers.
    • Copy DigitalOcean nameservers from Domains page
    • Log into domain registrar
    • Update nameservers to DigitalOcean's nameservers
    • Propagation takes 24-48 hours
  4. Add DNS Records Create A, CNAME, MX, TXT records.
    • In Domains page, click your domain
    • Click 'Add Record' button
    • Select record type and enter details
    • Save record

Common DNS Record Types on DigitalOcean DNS

  • A Record: Points domain to server IP address Hostname: @, IPv4 Address: 192.0.2.1
  • CNAME Record: Creates subdomain alias to another domain Hostname: www, Fully Qualified Domain Name: example.com
  • MX Record: Routes email to designated mail server Hostname: @, Mail Host: mail.example.com, Priority: 10
  • TXT Record: Email authentication, verification, and SPF records Hostname: @, Text Data: v=spf1 include:_spf.google.com ~all

Troubleshooting Common Issues

  • DigitalOcean nameservers not working: Verify nameservers at registrar exactly match DigitalOcean. Wait 24-48 hours for propagation. Use DNS checker to verify.
  • DNS changes not appearing: DigitalOcean updates DNS within 30 seconds. Check record saved correctly. Refresh browser. Clear DNS cache if testing locally.
  • Website showing DO default page: A record points to default DigitalOcean placeholder. Update A record to your droplet's IP or domain.
  • Email not working: Configure MX records pointing to email provider. Add SPF and DKIM records. Verify email provider DNS values.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Is DigitalOcean DNS free? Yes, DigitalOcean DNS is free for everyone. No registration required. Free global DNS even without DigitalOcean hosting.
  • Can I use DigitalOcean DNS without hosting? Yes, DigitalOcean offers managed DNS standalone. Point any domain's nameservers to DigitalOcean regardless of host.
  • How fast is DigitalOcean DNS? DigitalOcean uses global Anycast DNS infrastructure. Very fast worldwide. DNS changes take effect within 30 seconds.
  • Does DigitalOcean support DNSSEC? Yes, DigitalOcean supports DNSSEC. Can be enabled per domain in DNS settings. Requires DS records at registrar.