How do I add custom DNS before I use 20i's nameservers?

As standard, any new package that is created or migrated into 20i gets given our default DNS. This will ensure the site and all its services, such as email, will function at 20i.

If your package uses custom DNS, you’ll need to add your existing DNS records before updating your domain’s nameservers to 20i. Doing this ensures a seamless transition from your previous host and avoids downtime for services like email.

Before Changing Nameservers

Before updating your nameservers to point to 20i, copy the current DNS records from your existing host. This ensures all services, particularly email, continue to function as expected.

Common record types include:

A – Points your domain to an IP address

MX – Specifies your domain’s mail server

CNAME – Aliases one domain to another

TXT – Text record, often used for verification or for email configuration (e.g., SPF/DKIM)

MX records are the most common custom records you may want to retain following a migration, so make sure these are added first if you wish to continue using your current mail setup.

Adding Custom DNS in My20i

To add your custom DNS records:

Log in to My20i.

Go to the Manage Hosting list.

Select Options > Manage for the package you have created or migrated in.

Click Manage DNS.

Here, you’ll see three main fields when adding a record:

Name – The domain or subdomain (e.g. www.domain.com)

Type – The record type (A, MX, CNAME, TXT, etc.)

Data – The value or destination (e.g. IP address, mail server, or verification string)

Example records:

Once you’ve entered all required records, click Update DNS to save your changes.

Using Pre-Configured or Imported DNS

To simplify setup, 20i provides a pre-configured DNS dropdown menu with standard records for popular services.
For example, if you’re using Google for email, you can select the “G Suite (Email only)” option to automatically add the required records.

Alternatively, you can import a zone file directly using the Import Zone File button at the top of the Manage DNS page.

Updating Nameservers to 20i

Once all necessary DNS records have been added or imported, you can safely update your domain’s nameservers to 20i:

• ns1.stackdns.com
• ns2.stackdns.com
• ns3.stackdns.com
• ns4.stackdns.com

This ensures that all records are correctly applied and visible in DNS lookups, allowing your services to function correctly at 20i.

Notice: Save money on domain name renewals by transferring your domains easily to 20i - nameservers will also update at the same time as the transfer. If your domains are with 123-Reg, Fasthosts, GoDaddy or Heart Internet you can save up to £6.11 on each domain you transfer in - You'll also get a free years renewal on many popular TLDs such as .com, .org and .net. Compare our prices.