How to update dns records without stopping email delivery

Summary

This guide helps you troubleshoot and resolve: How to update dns records without stopping email delivery. Follow the steps below to fix the issue.

Common Causes

Changing DNS records to point your website to a new server or hosting environment is a common part of managing an online presence. However, DNS also controls where your business email is delivered through MX records. If these records are overwritten or misconfigured during a web hosting change, email delivery can stop without warning. This article explains how to update your DNS records safely while keeping email flowing to your mailboxes.

Quick Fix Steps

1. Log in to your domain registrar or DNS hosting control panel.
2. Locate the DNS management or zone editor section for your domain.
3. Record your current MX records before making any changes.
4. Update only the A record or CNAME record for your website.
5. Leave MX records untouched unless you are also changing email providers.
6. Save the changes and allow time for DNS propagation.

Detailed Instructions

1. Access your DNS management panel

Log in to the control panel where your domain's DNS records are hosted. This is usually your domain registrar, a dedicated DNS provider, or your current web hosting control panel. Look for a section labelled DNS Management, Zone Editor, or Manage DNS.

2. Document your existing MX records

Before changing anything, write down or screenshot every MX record currently listed for your domain. Note the following details for each record:

• Host or name (usually @ or your domain name)
• Priority value
• Points to or value (the mail server address)
• TTL (time to live)

If you use Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, or another business email suite, these records are critical. Overwriting them will stop email delivery even if your website loads correctly.

3. Update only the website record

To point your website to a new server, you typically only need to change the A record or CNAME record for www or the root domain (@). Do not modify, delete, or reorder MX records unless you are also migrating your email service to a new provider.

If your new hosting provider gives you an IP address, update the A record. If they give you a domain name, update the CNAME record for www.

4. Save and confirm the change

Click Save, Update, or Add Record depending on your control panel. Some panels require you to confirm the change via email or two-factor authentication.

5. Check that email is still working

Send a test email to an address on your domain from an external account (such as Gmail or Outlook.com). Reply to the message to confirm two-way delivery. Ask a colleague or staff member to do the same from a different network.

Using SPF, DKIM, or DMARC

If your domain uses SPF, DKIM, or DMARC records to prevent email spoofing, make sure these TXT records remain intact during your DNS update. Changing your web server's IP address does not usually affect these records, but if you are also changing email providers, you will need to update them to match the new mail service.

When to get help

If you are unsure which records control your email, or if you are moving both your website and email to new providers at the same time, it is safer to request assistance. Incorrect MX or SPF records can cause outgoing email to be marked as spam or incoming email to be rejected entirely.

If you host with us, you don't need to do this yourself — just Open a Ticket and our Brisbane team will get it sorted.

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