Member Avatar for Azmah

I currently have a domain attached to a tumblr site. The tumblr site uses A-Records to enable the domain to be 'connected' as such. I want to now transfer it to a host that uses nameservers for the domain. Prior to setup (ie. when I purchased the domain) it had the A-Record set by Godaddy, and I changed 9I still kept the original). What will I need to do now to use the nameservers section and not A-Records.

I would also like to transfer my domain away from GoDaddy. How can I do this and are charges incurred?

Thankyou.

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by RTFMID10T

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Short summary and practical plan based on the thread: Tumblr uses A/CNAME records to serve a custom domain, and a hosting provider that uses its own nameservers will take over DNS for that domain. As noted, nameservers are what make DNS records visible to the internet — the safe, low-downtime migration is to create the DNS zone at the new host first, copy the existing A/CNAME/MX/TXT entries (so Tumblr or email keep working), then switch the registrar’s nameservers to the host’s nameservers. Tumblr’s help shows the exact requirements for a Tumblr‑connected root and www (A → 66.6.44.4, CNAME www → domains.tumblr.com). (https://help.tumblr.com/domain-connections/)

Minimal‑downtime checklist: 1) At the new host, add a DNS zone and recreate all records currently in GoDaddy (A/@, CNAME/www, MX, SPF/DKIM TXT). 2) Lower the TTL 24–48 hours beforehand to speed propagation, make the change, then raise TTL back after things stabilize. 3) Change the nameservers at GoDaddy (the Nameservers section in the Domain Settings) and wait for propagation. 4) Keep the old host alive for 48 hours to catch stragglers. Guidance on changing nameservers at GoDaddy and the difference between changing A records vs. nameservers is available in GoDaddy’s docs; general TTL best practices are discussed in DNS guides. (https://help-center.dc-aws.godaddy.com/help/edit-my-domain-nameservers-664) (https://domaindetails.com/kb/technical-guides/understanding-dns-ttl)

If the intention is to transfer registration away from GoDaddy (not just change nameservers): unlock the domain, turn off WHOIS/privacy, obtain the EPP/Auth code from GoDaddy, and initiate the transfer at the new registrar. Transfers can be blocked within 60 days of registration or a recent registrant contact change (ICANN transfer policy); registrars are allowed to charge a transfer fee and, by convention/registry rules, a successful transfer generally adds one year to the registration. Plan DNS and email carefully because the transfer process itself does not move website files. (https://www.godaddy.com/help/get-the-auth-code-for-my-domain-1685) ()

Quick troubleshooting notes tied to the thread: confirm the registrant/admin email (transfer approvals go there); disable Cloudflare proxy/SSL on the domain while switching if using Tumblr; verify MX and SPF/DKIM after the switch; and monitor from multiple locations with DNS checkers. As quipped, copying the existing records exactly is the safest route — copy & paste, then test.

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Member Avatar for skilly

copy & paste

Member Avatar for RTFMID10T

if you have a new domain host and you set the A-Record you need to make sure the Name servers are pointing to the name servers of that host. the Name Servers resolve addresses and if you set an A record on that site only those Name Servers will know where to look.

I've always preferred godaddy over most other hosts and its easier and i hate domain.com and their methods. If you ever know anyone setting up a mail server tell them to avoid domain.com like the plague. Hope that helps

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