This guide explains how to set up custom A records to point your WordPress.com-registered domain to a different host’s IP address. This is the method you would want to use if your new host does not support the name server method.
In this guide
- From your dashboard, click on Upgrades → Domains.
- Click on the domain name you wish to connect to a new host:
- Next, click on DNS records:
- Click Manage, and the next page will show you a list of existing DNS records for that domain.
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Your domain name’s A record points to WordPress.com by default. When you add a new A Record, this will overwrite the default WordPress.com record.
- To add a new A record, click the Add a record button at the top right.
- Select A in the Type dropdown box:
- Enter the optional name in the Name field, only if your host requires it.
- Add the A record in the Points To box. The A record, which also may be called an IP address, will be given to you by your new host. It is typically a set of numbers separated by periods, for example:
123.4.56.78 - In the TTL (time to live) box, enter the provided TTL value or leave the default 3600. Keep in mind that TTL is measured in seconds, so a TTL value of 3600 = 3600 seconds, or 1 hour.
- Click the Add DNS record button to save the custom A record.
The domain will start pointing to your new host shortly, but most hosts require you to take steps to set up the domain on their end as well. Here are instructions for some popular hosting services:
Restoring default A records will remove any custom A Records and quickly point your domain back to your WordPress.com site.
- In your dashboard, go to Upgrades → Domains → DNS records → Manage.
- Click the … (three dots) in the top right corner.
- Click on the Restore default A records option:
- On the next screen, click the Restore button to confirm.
