How to delegate a sub-domain to other DNS servers (DNS Provider)

Delegating a sub-domain to a different DNS provider allows you to manage the DNS settings for a specific sub-domain independently from the parent domain. This setup is useful for scenarios like hosting sub-domains on different platforms or managing DNS responsibilities across teams or services.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process step by step to ensure successful delegation.

Understanding sub-domain delegation

Sub-domain delegation works by adding NS (Name Server) records for the sub-domain in the parent domain’s DNS zone. These NS records specify the DNS servers that will manage the sub-domain’s queries.

For example, if the parent domain is example.net, you can delegate subdomain.example.net to a different DNS provider by pointing to their name servers (e.g., ns1.otherdnsprovider.net, ns2.otherdnsprovider.net). This ensures all DNS queries for the sub-domain are handled by the designated DNS provider.

Prerequisites for sub-domain delegation

Before starting the delegation process, make sure the following requirements are met:

1. Active parent domain zone:
   The parent DNS zone (e.g., example.net) must be configured and resolving properly on your current DNS provider.
2. Configured sub-domain zone at new provider:
   Set up a DNS zone for the sub-domain (e.g., subdomain.example.net) at the new DNS provider. Ensure the zone is active and resolves to the correct name servers (e.g., ns1.otherdnsprovider.net).
3. Access to DNS management:
   You need administrative access to the DNS management panel for the parent domain to add the required NS records.

Steps to delegate a sub-domain

Follow these steps to delegate a sub-domain to another DNS provider:

Step 1: Log in to Your ClouDNS Account

• Access the DNS management page for the parent domain (example.net) via your ClouDNS Dashboard.

Step 2: Add NS Records for the Sub-Domain

• Click on “Add new record” and configure NS records for the sub-domain as follows:

Record 1:

Type: NS
Host: subdomain
Points to: ns1.otherdnsprovider.net (replace with the actual name server provided by your new DNS provider)

Record 2:

Type: NS
Host: subdomain
Points to: ns2.otherdnsprovider.net (replace with the second name server provided by your new DNS provider)

Repeat this process for additional name servers if provided.

Step 3: Save Changes

• After entering the NS records, save the changes to update the DNS zone.

Example configuration

Here is an example configuration for delegating subdomain.example.net to another DNS provider:

These are all the steps you need to follow. If you have more questions you can always contact our Technical Support team.