Managing DNS settings is a critical aspect of maintaining a well-functioning website. Bluehost, a leading web hosting provider, offers a straightforward interface for editing DNS settings. This guide provides an in-depth look at how you can efficiently manage your DNS records through Bluehost’s platform.

Accessing Your Bluehost Account

To begin editing your DNS settings, you must first log in to your Bluehost account. Navigate to the Bluehost website and enter your credentials to access the control panel. Once logged in, you will be directed to the dashboard.

Navigating to the Domains Tab

After logging in, locate the Domains tab on the left-hand side of the dashboard. This tab is pivotal as it houses the tools necessary for managing your domain settings.

1. Click on the Domains tab.
2. You will be redirected to a page displaying all the domains associated with your account.

Expanding Advanced Tools

To access more detailed DNS management options, you need to expand the Advanced Tools section. Here’s how:

1. Scroll down on the Domains page.
2. Find the ˅ symbol next to the Advanced Tools section.
3. Click on the symbol to reveal additional settings.

Managing Advanced DNS Records

In the Advanced Tools section, you will have the option to manage various DNS records. To proceed:

1. Look for the Advanced DNS Records option.
2. Click Manage next to this option to enter the DNS management interface.

Editing DNS Records

Once in the DNS management interface, you can edit various DNS records including A Records, CNAME Records, MX Records, and TXT Records. Each type of record serves a specific purpose:

A Records

A Records map a domain to an IP address. To edit an A Record:

1. Locate the existing A Record.
2. Click on the Edit button.
3. Update the IP address as needed.
4. Save the changes.

CNAME Records

CNAME Records are used to alias one domain to another. To update a CNAME Record:

1. Find the CNAME Record you wish to modify.
2. Select the Edit option.
3. Enter the new target domain.
4. Save your changes.

MX Records

MX Records direct email traffic for your domain. To adjust MX Records:

1. Identify the MX Record you need to update.
2. Click the Edit button.
3. Input the new mail server details.
4. Save your updates.

TXT Records

TXT Records are often used for verification purposes and to improve email deliverability. To modify a TXT Record:

1. Locate the TXT Record.
2. Click on Edit.
3. Enter the new TXT value.
4. Save the record.

Adding New DNS Records

If you need to add new DNS records:

1. Select the option to Add New Record.
2. Choose the type of record you wish to add (A, CNAME, MX, TXT).
3. Fill in the required fields for the record type.
4. Click Save to finalize the addition.

Removing DNS Records

To remove an outdated or incorrect DNS record:

1. Locate the record you want to delete.
2. Click the Delete button next to the record.
3. Confirm the deletion when prompted.

Verifying DNS Changes

After making changes to your DNS settings, it is essential to verify that they have been applied correctly. You can use various DNS lookup tools online to ensure that your changes are propagating as expected.

Troubleshooting DNS Issues

If you encounter issues with your DNS settings:

1. Double-check your records for accuracy.
2. Ensure there are no conflicting records.
3. Clear your browser cache and DNS cache on your local machine.
4. Wait for DNS propagation, which can take up to 48 hours.

Summary

Editing DNS settings on Bluehost involves a straightforward process of logging into your account, navigating to the Domains tab, and managing your DNS records through the Advanced Tools section. By following these detailed steps, you can efficiently manage your domain’s DNS settings to ensure optimal performance and functionality for your website and email services.

For any further assistance, Bluehost offers comprehensive support through their customer service channels, ensuring that help is readily available if needed.