Learn how to update DNS records for multiple domains at once using web interface or command line tools. Save time and hassle with these tips.

If you know you are going to be making DNS changes in the future, it is best to change the TTL for your records as low as your service will allow, usually 300, so that when you make your changes they are more likely to propagate quickly.

How do you update DNS records for multiple domains at once?

If you manage multiple domains, you might need to update their DNS records from time to time. DNS records are the settings that link your domain names to the servers that host your websites, email, and other services. Updating them manually can be tedious and error-prone, especially if you have many domains to handle. In this article, you will learn how to update DNS records for multiple domains at once using some tools and techniques that can save you time and hassle.

1 Why update DNS records?

There are several reasons why you might want to update DNS records for multiple domains at once. For example, you might want to change your web hosting provider, migrate your email service, redirect your traffic, or implement security features like SSL certificates. Updating DNS records can help you achieve these goals without losing your online presence or affecting your users' experience.

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2 What are the types of DNS records?

Before you update DNS records, it's important to understand the different types of records and their functions. A records point your domain name to an IP address, CNAME records point your domain name to another domain name, MX records specify the mail servers handling your email messages, TXT records provide additional information or verification for your domain name, and NS records indicate the name servers responsible for managing your DNS records.

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3 How to check your current DNS records?

Before you update DNS records, you should check your current records and make a backup of them. You can use various online tools to query your DNS records, such as Dig, Nslookup, or Whois. These tools can show you the details of your records, such as the TTL (time to live), which is the duration that the records are cached by DNS servers. You can also use tools like DNS Checker or WhatsMyDNS to see how your records are propagated across the world.

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4 How to update DNS records using a web interface?

One way to update DNS records for multiple domains at once is to use a web interface provided by your domain registrar or DNS service provider. Most of them offer a dashboard where you can manage your domains and their records. You can usually edit, add, or delete records individually or in bulk, depending on the features and options available. You can also import or export records from a file, such as a CSV or XML file, which can be handy if you have many records to update.

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Ryan Slack

AI Liaison
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It is very important that you know what you are doing before you update your DNS records. For instance, if you change your MX records or even an SPF record incorrectly you can prevent email from being delivered to you. Some mail services ask you to add an SPF record, but in some cases you need to blend that record with the existing SPF record, especially in cases where you have more that one server sending legitimate email for your domain name. Often a website will send form notification emails using your domain name and an incorrectly configured SPF record can prevent these from being delivered.

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5 How to update DNS records using a command line?

Another way to update DNS records for multiple domains at once is to use a command line tool that can interact with your DNS service provider's API. For example, you can use tools like dnsimple, cli53, or gcloud to manage your DNS records for domains registered with DNSimple, Amazon Route 53, or Google Cloud DNS, respectively. These tools can help you automate and script your DNS updates, as well as perform other tasks like transferring domains, creating zones, or listing records.

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6 How to verify your DNS updates?

After you update DNS records for multiple domains at once, you should verify that your changes have taken effect and that your domains are working as expected. You can use the same tools that you used to check your current records, such as Dig, Nslookup, or Whois, to see if your new records are returned by the DNS servers. You can also use tools like DNS Checker or WhatsMyDNS to see if your records are propagated globally. Additionally, you can test your domains' functionality by accessing your websites, sending and receiving email, or using other services that depend on your DNS settings.

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Ryan Slack

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DNS updates are often not instantaneous. There is a setting called Time to Live (TTL) that suggests how often your local nameserver should check back to see if a DNS record has changed. TTL is set in seconds so a TTL of 300 would be 5 minutes. If your local DNS server hasn't checked a DNS record with a TTL of 300 in more than 5 minutes, it may check in for an update. TTL is only a suggestion and some local DNS servers ignore it and check at much longer intervals. The nameservers you are using may also take some time to update internally, which can further delay the process.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Ryan Slack

AI Liaison
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If you know you are going to be making DNS changes in the future, it is best to change the TTL for your records as low as your service will allow, usually 300, so that when you make your changes they are more likely to propagate quickly.

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Ryan Slack

AI Liaison
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The process of DNS servers around the world updating to match your new record is called "DNS Propagation". There are some websites that will check servers around the world to see if your DNS changes have propagated. Search for "DNS Propagation Checker" to find them.

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How do you update DNS records for multiple domains at once?

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1 Why update DNS records?

2 What are the types of DNS records?

3 How to check your current DNS records?

4 How to update DNS records using a web interface?

5 How to update DNS records using a command line?

6 How to verify your DNS updates?

7 Here’s what else to consider

System Administration

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How do you update DNS records for multiple domains at once?

1

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3

4

5

6

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1 Why update DNS records?

2 What are the types of DNS records?

3 How to check your current DNS records?

4 How to update DNS records using a web interface?

5 How to update DNS records using a command line?

6 How to verify your DNS updates?

7 Here’s what else to consider

System Administration

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