This article explains the process of connecting a third-party domain by modifying its DNS records. Once these changes are made, the domain and its records must propagate across all DNS servers globally to ensure consistent functionality for all users.
You can link your domain in two ways: by configuring A-records or by modifying the domain's name server (NS) settings. Both methods are viable, and later in this article, you'll learn which option is preferable depending on the situation.
The procedure includes three steps:
1. Adding the domain to your Moto4 account and changing the domain via NS/A records.
2. Connecting the domain to some certain website.
3. Publishing the site.
Which option should you choose - A records or NS records
Connecting a domain via NS records vs A records changes who controls DNS and how much of the domain is delegated.
A Record Connection
An A record points a domain (or subdomain) directly to a server IP address. Your domain stays on your current DNS provider. You manually configure records:
A
AAAA
CNAME
MX
TXT
etc.
Typical use case
You already use:
- custom email
- Cloudflare
- advanced DNS setup
- multiple services
- You only want hosting for the website itself.
NS Record Connection
NS (Nameserver) records delegate the entire DNS zone to another provider.
- MotoCMS becomes the authoritative DNS provider for your domain, all DNS management moves to your Moto4 account.
- In most cases the existing DNS records are picked up by Moto4 system and will be visible in your Moto4 account, but we recommend to copy them to some text editor just in case.
1. A) Connecting a domain through an A record:
Please note: if you don't want the existing domain DNS records (such as MX, TXT, and others) to be disrupted, this method allows you to avoid re-adding these records onto the Moto4 platform. As a result, the services tied to these DNS records will continue functioning without any temporary downtime during reconfiguration.
However, please note that your current subscription plan with your current NS service provider (whose NS records you currently use) should be paid.
- Sign in to your Moto4 account.
- Navigate to your site’s Settings, then go to the Domains tab and select Connect an external domain.
3. In the pop-up window, enter your domain name and click Continue.
4. Switch to the Via DNS records tab, follow the instructions in the new pop-up, and click Done:
-
- Record Type: A
- Host: Can be left blank or set as "@"
- Points to: 35.187.82.108
Save your changes and allow some time for the records to propagate across DNS servers.
Once these steps are completed, the domain will start the propagation process and undergo verification on our side. Please note that the verification status depends on the propagation. Initially, you might see a "Failed to connect" status in your site settings, even if the domain is already functional. The status will update to the correct one within 24 to 48 hours.
1. B) Connecting a domain through NS records:
Please note: by using this connection method, all future changes to your DNS records will be handled directly on our platform. From that point on, you'll be able to manage your DNS settings through our system.
1. Sign in to your Moto4 account.
2. Navigate to your site’s Settings, then go to the Domains tab and click on Connect an external domain.
3. In the pop-up window, enter your domain name and click Continue
4. Follow the instructions provided:
Here are the nameservers you need to copy to your domain registrar account area for your domain:
- ns1.sites.motocms.com
- ns2.sites.motocms.com
2. Connecting the domain to your site in Moto4 account
Now, when you're sure NS or A records are modified accordingly (you can check it here), you need to instruct the domain to open your website. You should go to your Moto4 account > Domains > click the Menu next to your domain > Connect to website:
In the popup which appears after these actions you should see the list of Moto4 websites in your Moto4 account. Select the needed website where you need to point this domain.
Important! To connect a domain your Moto4 website should be on the Pro plan.
3. Publish the site
Last but not least, you need to go to the Websites tab > Edit site. When you're in your website editor, you should click the Publish button to refresh all links on your site.
Don't forget to check website indexing to be enabled under Settings > General Info > Visibility in search results:
NB! Web browsers might show your site as insecure for few hours while your domain is being propagated and SSL certificate is being installed by Moto4 which is done automatically. In case the website isn't avaialble by accessing your domain in 24 hours after changing DNS records or is still considered as insecure by web browsers, please reach out to our support team at support@motocms.com for investigation.
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