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Technical guide
Hosting for a .al domain
The domain is the address, the hosting is where the website lives. Here are the two ways to connect them, what to expect during propagation and how to pick a plan.
Free managed DNS
Nameservers or A record
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Domain and hosting: two different services
They are often confused, but they are separate things. The domain is the name visitors type, for example yourname.al. The hosting is the server that stores your files, database and, often, your mailboxes. DNS is the link between them: when someone opens the domain, DNS tells the browser the server's IP address.
Because they are separate, your .al domain can be registered with one provider while the website sits with another. You just need to configure DNS correctly.
Option 1: change the nameservers
Nameservers decide who manages the domain's entire DNS zone. When you set your hosting provider's nameservers in the domain panel, the hosting company takes over all records: the website, email and subdomains.
ns1.hosting-provider.com
ns2.hosting-provider.comAdvantage: everything is configured automatically from the hosting panel, including email records. Drawback: if you had other records, such as verifications or email with another provider, you must recreate them in the new zone before the switch.
This is usually the simplest option when the website, email and SSL certificate are all on the same hosting.
Option 2: keep the DNS and add an A record
Every domain registered with UpFlare comes with managed DNS at no extra cost. You can keep our nameservers and simply point the website to the hosting server with an A record, while linking www with a CNAME.
@ A 203.0.113.10
www CNAME yourname.al.You will find the IP address in the welcome email or in your hosting panel. If the server also has an IPv6 address, add an AAAA record as well.
Advantage: control stays in one place and you can send email somewhere else without affecting the website. Drawback: you add the email records and any other services yourself.
| Nameservers | A record | |
|---|---|---|
| Who manages DNS | The hosting | UpFlare (or your current DNS provider) |
| Email setup | Automatic from the hosting | You add the MX records |
| Typical case | Everything on one hosting | Services with several providers |
Propagation: why the site does not appear instantly
DNS servers around the world cache answers for a set time, called the TTL. So after a change, some visitors still see the old server while others see the new one. Changes usually take effect within a few hours, but a nameserver change can take up to 24–48 hours.
- Prepare the site on the new hosting before changing DNS, so there is no downtime.
- If you are planning a migration, lower the TTL of your records a few hours ahead.
- Track progress with the DNS checker.
- If your browser still shows the old site, try from another network or clear the browser cache.
Which hosting type suits your site
For most small business sites, portfolios and blogs, shared hosting with cPanel is the right starting point: it includes email, databases and a free SSL certificate through AutoSSL once the domain points to the server.
If your site is built with WordPress, WordPress hosting is optimised for it and makes installation and maintenance easier. For high-traffic projects or special requirements, contact support for advice on the right setup.
Once the site is online, enable HTTPS following the SSL guide. Also remember that, under the regulation, a .al domain that is not put into use for a one-year period may become available again.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use my .al domain with hosting outside UpFlare?
Yes. Just set your provider's nameservers in the domain panel, or keep UpFlare DNS and add an A record pointing to the server's IP address.
Which is better, nameservers or an A record?
If the website and email are on the same hosting, the hosting nameservers are usually simpler. If you use services with several providers, an A record lets you keep DNS in one place.
How long until the site appears on the new domain?
Record changes usually take effect within a few hours. A nameserver change can take up to 24–48 hours to spread across the whole internet.
Does changing hosting affect my email?
It can. If you change nameservers, the MX records must also be correct in the new zone. Otherwise email may go to the old server or not arrive at all.
Checklist before you switch
Email records
MX, SPF and DKIM exist in the zone that will be active after the change.
HTTPS plan
After propagation, check that the SSL certificate was issued for the domain and for www.
Got the domain, need the website?
Register your .al domain and connect it to the hosting you choose, with free DNS included.