DNS Configuration with Web Host Manager

You may have heard that DNS is a critical component for resolving domain names to IP addresses. DNS Zone Manager is a feature of cPanel/WHM that allows you to configure DNS and related records from the WHM interface. This post will explain how to utilize the DNS Zone Manager in WHM.

Follow these steps to use your domain name for your server's websites.

How to Configure DNS in WHM

1. Log in to your Bluehost Portal.
2. In the left-hand menu, click Hosting, then select My Plans.
3. On the hosting details page, click the WHM button.

   
    

4. Under the DNS Functions, select DNS Zone Manager.

   
    

5. On the DNS Zone Manager interface, you will find a list of hosted domain names for which you can manage DNS records. You will also have access to shortcuts for adding certain entries (A, CNAME, MX, and DNSSEC).

   
    

6. To manage the DNS records for a specific domain, click Manage.

   
    

Edit Existing DNS

1. Select a domain you want to configure in the DNS Zone Manager, then click Manage.

   
    

2. To edit available DNS records, select a particular DNS record, then click Edit, then Save once done.

   
    

Add New DNS Record

1. In the DNS Zone Manager, select a specific domain you want to configure, then click Manage.

   
    

2. Click + Add Record in the top-right corner.

   
    

3. Select the Record Type, enter the record values, then click Save Record.

   
    

How to Configure Custom Name Servers in WHM

The domains on your system must have an authoritative DNS server. You can configure one yourself on your cPanel server, or use one offered by a third party. A private nameserver enables hosting companies to provide their clients with bespoke addresses, such as ns1.mycompany.com.

Another advantage of using private nameservers is portability and consistent branding. If you migrate to a different hosting server, you can keep the same private nameserver hostnames (for example, ns1.yourdomain.com and ns2.yourdomain.com), which helps minimize changes for your clients and maintain a consistent experience.

cPanel WHM simplifies the configuration of a private domain server. The initial step is to check that the nameserver is active in the Nameserver Selection interface.

1. Log in to your Bluehost Portal.
2. In the left-hand menu, click Hosting, then select My Plans.
3. On the hosting details page, click the WHM button.

   
    

4. Under the Server Configuration, click Basic WebHost Manager Setup.

   
    

5. Scroll down to the Nameservers section. Enter your custom nameservers (for example, ns1.yourdomain.com and ns2.yourdomain.com) in the available fields.

   
    

6. Click Configure Address Records to create the corresponding DNS A records for each nameserver hostname.
7. Verify that each nameserver is associated with the correct IP address, then click Save Changes.
8. egister the nameservers with your domain registrar if they have not already been registered. Once registered, update your domain to use the new custom nameservers.

DNS Propagation

However, if you're not seeing any updates in your DNS information, it could be due to:

• Inconsistent information between the database and the register.
• An invalid or incorrect name server.
• Inconsistent DS record key or certificate.

To resolve the issue, you may:

• Verify that the name server is accurate.
• If this situation ever arises, please contact our domains team so they may investigate further and ensure everything is configured correctly on our end.

Summary

Configuring DNS settings through Web Host Manager (WHM) is a streamlined process facilitated by the DNS Zone Manager. This guide provides comprehensive steps for adding, editing, and managing DNS records, such as A, CNAME, MX, and DNSSEC, which are essential for domain management. Access WHM using your domain or IP, navigate to 'DNS Functions', and select 'DNS Zone Manager' to adjust settings per your needs.