It is possible to keep your domain registered with another provider and not transfer it to Cloud86. However, it is important to ensure that your domain is redirected to our hosting, otherwise you will continue to use the web hosting of your previous provider.
Step 1: Transfer your website to us
Before you start, transfer your website to our hosting first and then the domain name. This is important because it prevents your website from being offline for a while while you are migrating the website. If you use WordPress, you can easily copy the website and database to our hosting using a plugin like WordPress Duplicator. Don't know how to migrate a website or need our help? Then you can use our migration service when you have at least the Webhosting Medium package.
Step 2: Change the nameservers of your domain
To redirect your domain to Cloud86, use our nameservers if possible, so that you can manage your DNS with us from now on. You can change these nameservers at your current domain name provider. This also allows us to easily manage the DNS for you if you run into trouble. Our DNS servers are located in multiple physical locations, making them safe to use.
You can use our DNS servers by changing the nameservers of your domain to:
- ns1.cloud86.nl
- ns2.cloud86.nl
- ns3.cloud86.eu
If you're not sure how to do this, contact your current hosting provider or check any FAQs available. Usually, it is clearly explained there how to change your nameservers.
Step 3: Wait for DNS propagation
DNS propagation literally means "spreading". When you change the nameservers of your domain, various DNS servers around the world need to become familiar with the new settings of your domain. This process is called "DNS propagation" and generally takes 2 to 3 hours. In exceptional cases, for what we often call "exotic domain extensions", this process can take up to 24 to 48 hours.
If you want to know immediately whether your domain is already being redirected correctly in different parts of the world, you can enter your domain on the DNSchecker website. If the displayed IP address matches the IP address of your website listed in the Plesk control panel or My Cloud86, then the DNS has been transferred correctly