We recommend starting with our DNS definitions article to get you up to speed before beginning this process.
Performing DNS record changes can be intimidating. While each domain host is different and may have their DNS records in different menus, we can walk you through the basic steps you’ll need to follow in order to make changes.
Before You Start
In order to connect your domain to BoxCast Sites, you will need to ensure that you have established the following:
Who your domain host is (i.e.: GoDaddy, Bluehost, etc).
If you have access to the domain host (i.e.: login credentials).
If you have permissions to edit the DNS records.
If your domain needs to be renewed. Be sure your domain fees are paid for before proceeding.
That your BoxCast Site is in “Published” status and that your custom domain has been added. For steps on how to do this, please reference this article.
Once you’ve confirmed this information, you will want to sign into your domain host with your login credentials to begin.
Locating the DNS Records
As mentioned above, every domain host organizes and categorizes their DNS records in different ways. If you are having trouble locating the DNS records, we recommend reaching out to the domain host’s support team for guidance.
In general, most domain hosts will label their DNS records clearly. They may be located under your “domain portfolio” options on your domain host account, or they may be located in other settings menus on the platform.
Once you have located the DNS records, changing them is typically a simple process, but it can be confusing. Here we will use general steps to guide you through updating the DNS records for your domain. As a reminder: each domain host will organize their DNS records and settings differently. If you’re not sure where to go to update the records, please reach out to your domain host’s support team.
Updating the DNS Records
To update your DNS records, you must have the ability to either add new records or edit existing ones. Most domain hosts will have “default” values for A Records, for example, that cannot be changed. This will not affect your ability to add new values, provided that your account has the appropriate access. If you find that you cannot add or edit DNS records with your credentials, please contact your domain host or webmaster (if applicable) for assistance.
Updating the A Records
Once you have located the A Records section in your DNS settings, you will need to create new ones.
On your domain host, select the option to create a new record.
Select the “A” option. Do not select any other record type as the new values you will be adding will not be recognized if a different record type is selected.
Add in the following symbol to the “host,” “alias,” “target,” or “name” field for the A Record:
@
Be sure to place the @ symbol by itself with no other characters. This includes no spaces or “invisible characters.” Be sure to double-check that extra spaces are not present in this field.
Next, add the following IP addresses to the appropriate field (usually labeled as “value,” “destination,” or “target”):
35.172.94.1
100.24.208.97
As with the previous step, ensure that there are no spaces or invisible characters present in the field(s).
Each domain host will have different ways of inputting new A Records. Some will allow you to add multiple value fields to one A Record so that you can add the IP addresses all at once. Others may require you make individual records for each value.
When you have entered the values in the correct fields, ensure that you click the corresponding “Save” button.
Updating the CNAME
Similarly to the previous step, you will need to ensure that you input the correct values into the correct record type.
With the CNAME, you may need to edit an existing record or create a new one.
Edit an Existing CNAME Record
Check the existing CNAME records listed with the rest of your DNS records. There may be several. If you are able to locate one labeled “www” in the “host,” “alias,” or “name” field, you may be able to edit this record.
At this step, you may need to do one of the following:
If you are able to edit the preexisting “www” CNAME record, remove the existing value (a domain name or URL) and replace it with “s.multiscreensite.com”.
Do not place a “www” before this; the “www” should already be present in the “host,” “alias,” or “name” field of this particular CNAME record.
Save your changes.
If you can locate a preexisting “www” CNAME record but you are unable to edit it, please reach out to your domain host’s support team for assistance.
Creating a New CNAME Record
If you cannot find a preexisting “www” CNAME record, you can create a new one.
On your domain host, select the option to create a new record.
Select the “CNAME” option. Do not select any other record type as the new values you will be adding will not be recognized if a different record type is selected.
Add in the following value to the “host,” “alias,” “target,” or “name” field for the CNAME:
www
Be sure to place “www” by itself with no other characters. This includes no spaces or “invisible characters.” Be sure to double-check that extra spaces are not present in this field.
Next, add the following value to the appropriate field (usually labeled as “value,” “destination,” or “target”):
s.multiscreensite.com
Be sure to place this URL by itself with no other characters. This includes no spaces or “invisible characters.” Be sure to double-check that extra spaces are not present in this field.
When you have entered the values in the correct fields, ensure that you click the corresponding “Save” button.
Note: You may have noticed a field labeled “TTL” on your DNS records. You do not need to change this value. Whatever the default value is set to for each record will be appropriate.
Once these records have been added or updated, your domain host will begin the process of redirecting your website visitors to your new BoxCast Site!
Continue with our next article on what to expect after updating your DNS records.