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.
Migrate your website to us
Before you start, first move your website to our hosting and only then the domain name. This is important, as it prevents your website from being offline while you are migrating it. If you use WordPress, you can use a plugin like WordPress Duplicator to copy the website and database to our hosting. Don't know how to migrate a website or need our help? Then you can use our free migration service if you have at least the Web Hosting Medium.
Change the nameservers of your domain
To forward your domain to Cloud86, preferably use our nameservers so you can manage your DNS with us from then on. You can change these name servers at your current domain name provider. This way we can also manage the DNS for you if you ever run into problems. Our DNS servers are spread over multiple physical locations and are therefore 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 explained there how to change your nameservers.
Note: Before changing the nameservers makes sure to add the DNS Zone in My Cloud86 and copy the DNS Records from your current hosting provider. See for this Add a domain to DNS and Manage DNS settings.
Wait for DNS propagation
DNS propagation literally means “spreading.” When you change your domain's nameservers, various DNS servers around the world must become familiar with your domain's new settings. This process is called “DNS propagation” and generally takes 2-3 hours. In exceptional cases, with what we often call “exotic domain extensions,” this process can take as long as 24 to 48 hours.
If you want to know immediately whether your domain is already being properly forwarded to 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 properly transferred. The IP can be located using Where can I find my server name and ip address?
Troubleshooting
After the DNS change, I still see the old website
You can see on DNSChecker that the nameservers are correct, but your computer is still loading the old DNS data, so you keep seeing the old website. We advise you to first empty your browser cache by following the steps on this website: https://clear-my-cache.com/. Then close your browser completely and restart it. Alternatively, you can use another browser or incognito mode.
If the new website still does not show up after this modification, your modem may have cached the DNS data. This can take several hours to days, depending on your modem settings. You can resolve this by unplugging the modem for 1 minute so that the modem reboots. After that, it is also wise to restart the computer so that all DNS data is reloaded.
If you need some help, you can always reach our support desk by email support@cloud86.io and on weekdays from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm you can also reach us by phone and via the chat in My Cloud86.