DNS Provider Guides
Step-by-step instructions for popular DNS providers and domain registrars.
Cloudflare
Important Cloudflare Considerations
If you're already using Cloudflare, you have two options:
- Replace Cloudflare - Point DNS directly to AtomicEdge (recommended)
- Stack with Cloudflare - Use Cloudflare → AtomicEdge → Your Server (advanced)
Option 1: Replace Cloudflare (Recommended)
Step 1: Disable Cloudflare Proxy
- Log into Cloudflare dashboard
- Go to DNS settings for your domain
- Find your A record (@ and www)
- Click the orange cloud to turn it grey (DNS only)
- Update the IP address to your AtomicEdge endpoint IP
Step 2: Update DNS Records
Type: A, Name: @, Value: 198.51.100.10, Proxy: DNS only (grey cloud)
Type: A, Name: www, Value: 198.51.100.10, Proxy: DNS only (grey cloud)
Why This Works Better:
- No conflicting security features
- Simpler troubleshooting
- Full AtomicEdge feature access
- No double-proxying performance impact
GoDaddy
Accessing DNS Management
- Log into GoDaddy account
- Go to "My Products"
- Find your domain and click "DNS"
- Or go to Domain Manager → "Manage DNS"
Updating Records
- Find the A record with Name "@" (root domain)
- Click the pencil icon to edit
- Change the Value to your AtomicEdge WAF IP
- Set TTL to 600 (10 minutes)
- Save changes
Repeat for WWW:
- Find or create A record with Name "www"
- Set Value to same AtomicEdge WAF IP
- Save changes
Common GoDaddy Issues
Domain Forwarding Enabled
- Problem: GoDaddy forwarding overrides DNS
- Solution: Disable forwarding in Domain Manager
- Then: Set up proper A records
Parking Page Active
- Problem: GoDaddy shows parking page
- Solution: Remove parking service
- Then: Configure DNS records
Namecheap
Accessing DNS Settings
- Log into Namecheap account
- Go to Domain List
- Click "Manage" next to your domain
- Click "Advanced DNS" tab
Updating Records
- Find the A Record with Host "@"
- Click the edit icon
- Change the Value to your AtomicEdge WAF IP
- Set TTL to 300 (5 minutes)
- Save changes
Add WWW Record:
- Click "Add New Record"
- Type: A Record
- Host: www
- Value: Your AtomicEdge WAF IP
- TTL: 300
Common Namecheap Issues
URL Redirect Active
- Problem: Namecheap redirect service interferes
- Solution: Turn off URL redirect
- Then: Use Advanced DNS for A records
FreeDNS vs PremiumDNS
- FreeDNS: Basic DNS management (usually sufficient)
- PremiumDNS: Advanced features (not required for AtomicEdge)
Amazon Route 53
Accessing Route 53
- Log into AWS Console
- Go to Route 53 service
- Click "Hosted Zones"
- Select your domain
Creating Records
- Click "Create Record"
- Leave Record Name blank (for root domain)
- Record Type: A
- Value: Your AtomicEdge WAF IP
- TTL: 300
- Click "Create Records"
For WWW subdomain:
- Create another record
- Record Name: www
- Record Type: A
- Value: Same AtomicEdge WAF IP
Route 53 Advantages
- Fast propagation: Usually 1-5 minutes
- Global network: Excellent performance
- Advanced features: Health checks, failover, etc.
Google Domains
Accessing DNS Settings
- Log into Google Domains
- Select your domain
- Click "DNS" in the left menu
- Scroll to "Custom Resource Records"
Adding Records
- Name: @ (for root domain)
- Type: A
- TTL: 300
- Data: Your AtomicEdge WAF IP
- Click "Add"
For WWW:
- Name: www
- Type: A
- TTL: 300
- Data: Same AtomicEdge WAF IP
Other Common Providers
Network Solutions
- Account Manager → My Domain Names
- Edit DNS → Advanced DNS Records
- Edit A record → Update IP address
1&1 IONOS
- Control Panel → Domains & SSL
- Manage Domain → DNS Settings
- Edit A record → Change IP address
Bluehost
- cPanel → Zone Editor
- Manage your domain
- Edit A record → Update IP
HostGator
- cPanel → DNS Zone Editor
- Edit your domain's A record
- Change IP to AtomicEdge endpoint
Hosting Provider DNS
When Your Host Manages DNS
Many hosting providers also manage DNS for your domain:
Common Hosting DNS Managers:
- cPanel - Zone Editor or Simple DNS Zone Editor
- Plesk - DNS Settings
- DirectAdmin - DNS Management
- Custom panels - Look for "DNS" or "Domain" settings
Finding DNS Management
- Log into hosting control panel
- Look for "DNS", "Domain", or "Zone Editor"
- Select your domain
- Edit A records
When to Use Hosting DNS
- Convenience: Everything in one place
- Simplicity: No separate DNS account needed
- Integration: May integrate with hosting features
When to Use External DNS
- Performance: Dedicated DNS providers often faster
- Features: More advanced DNS options
- Reliability: Separate from hosting for redundancy
Verification After Changes
Check Your Work
- Use DNS checking tools - whatsmydns.net, dnschecker.org
- Wait for propagation - 5-60 minutes typically
- Test your website - Should load normally
- Check AtomicEdge dashboard - Status should show "Active"
If Something Goes Wrong
- Double-check IP address - Ensure you used correct AtomicEdge IP
- Verify record type - Should be A record, not CNAME for root domain
- Check TTL - Lower TTL (300) for faster updates
- Contact support - We can help verify your DNS configuration
Need Help?
- 💬 Live Chat: Get help with your specific DNS provider
- 📧 Email Support: Send screenshots of your DNS settings
- 🛠️ Managed Setup: We can configure DNS for you (Enterprise)