Can DNSimple manage DNS for a domain you bought elsewhere?
Yes. Add the domain in DNSimple and prepare its zone, the set of records for that name. To make those records active, change the domain’s nameservers at its registrar after you’ve prepared and checked the new zone.
If you only use DNSimple as the registrar, you can choose a different DNS provider. If you use it only for DNS, renew the registration with the registrar that still holds it. Check who handles each job before handing access to someone else.
What does DNSimple charge when it hosts DNS?
The public Solo plan has no base plan fee. It lists US$0.50 per hosted zone each month. Buying or renewing the domain is charged separately.
A DNS query counts a request for a record and is separate from a visit to the site. DNSimple’s annual price list shows US$16.70 each for .com registration, renewal and incoming transfer. Confirm the term and final amount before paying.
| Item | What to check |
|---|---|
| Hosted zone | US$0.50 per zone per month on Solo. |
| DNS queries | Solo includes 50,000 queries per zone per month. Extra queries cost US$0.80 per million, rounded up to the next whole million for each zone. |
| Domain registration | Look up the registration, renewal and transfer rates for the exact domain ending. These are separate from the DNS bill. |
Can you export DNSimple records and use them somewhere else?
DNSimple can export a zone file, a text copy of the records. Read it before importing it somewhere else. Standard records such as A, MX and TXT are separate from any features the old DNS service provided on its own.
DNSimple marks its own ALIAS, POOL and URL records as comments in the export. A new DNS server will ignore those comments. If one of them sends visitors to your app, set up the new provider’s equivalent and verify that it gives the intended result before moving.
What should you verify before switching the nameservers?
Check the new zone includes the records the site and email already use. Keep the old zone available during the change. If DNSSEC is active, check what the registrar’s DS record says to trust and follow a plan agreed with the DNS providers.
If you’re transferring the registration as well, check the separate transfer code and lock requirements for that domain ending. Check who will publish the records during the move. After a real, authorized cutover, verify the website and certificate and use controlled mailboxes to check email.
What access do you need to recover your DNS setup?
Secure the DNSimple account with multi-factor authentication and keep its recovery codes in a private place outside the account. If your registrar is elsewhere, keep its recovery access separately.
Save a recent zone export and write down where the domain renews. An export helps you rebuild DNS records. You still need access to the registrar if you have to change the nameservers or restore the registration.