How to Configure Secondary DNS

Secondary DNS is when you declare a second set of nameservers as being authoritative for managing your DNS configurations. It is also called a Dual Provider configuration since it requires the use of two DNS providers’ services. Read more about how Secondary DNS works here. 

This tutorial will teach you how to configure Secondary DNS in the DNS Made Easy control panel. A few steps will require you to have access to your registrar’s and primary provider’s control panel. Make sure you have those credentials before proceeding. 

1. Allow Transfers

Configure your primary DNS provider to allow zone transfers to DNS Made Easy. You will need to complete this step through your primary provider’s control panel. 

2. Create a Secondary IP Set

A Secondary IP Set is a set of one or more master name server IP addresses for a secondary DNS domain. This is step is required in order for you to add a domain to your secondary provider (DNSME). 

Learn how

3. Add Your Domain(s)

Please note, this is not the same as adding a domain through our Managed DNS Services. You will need to add your domains through our Secondary DNS services. 

Learn how

4. Notify Your Registrar

Update your domain through your registrar (where you bought your domain) to use the DNS Made Easy nameservers. If you are using a Primary/Secondary or Hidden Primary configuration, you may only need to list DNS Made Easy nameservers or both providers’ nameservers.

5. Create NS Records

Update your primary providers’ NS records for your domain. This should match what you entered in step #4 through your registrar. 

6. Configure Updates

Configure your primary name server/provider to NOTIFY DNS Made Easy should any update be made. If a traditional NOTIFY is not possible then DNS Made Easy will revert to the serial number check found in the SOA record.