The Domain Name System (DNS) is responsible for translating domain names into IP addresses, enabling users to access websites seamlessly. cPanel, one of the most widely used web hosting control panels, allows users to manage DNS settings efficiently.
There are several reasons why you may need to reset DNS in cPanel, including:
✅ Fixing incorrect DNS configurations
✅ Resolving website downtime due to misconfigured records
✅ Reverting changes after testing new settings
✅ Preparing for a domain migration or hosting switch
Resetting DNS in cPanel restores the default settings assigned by your hosting provider, ensuring that your domain resolves correctly. This guide provides a step-by-step approach to resetting DNS in cPanel.
Prerequisites
Before resetting DNS in cPanel, ensure that:
✔ You have access to your cPanel account.
✔ You understand that resetting DNS will remove all custom records (e.g., A, CNAME, MX, TXT records), requiring you to reconfigure them if necessary.
✔ Your domain is correctly pointed to your hosting provider’s nameservers.
How to Reset DNS in cPanel
Step 1: Log into Your cPanel Account
Open your web browser and go to your cPanel login page (https://yourdomain.com/cpanel or https://yourserverip:2083).
Enter your cPanel username and password, then click Log in.
Step 2: Open the DNS Zone Editor
In the cPanel Dashboard, scroll down to the Domains section.
Click on Zone Editor.
Locate the domain you want to reset and click Manage to access its DNS records.
Step 3: Delete Existing DNS Records
You will see a list of all DNS records for your domain.
Click the Delete button next to each record to remove them.
Confirm the deletion if prompted.
Step 4: Restore Default DNS Settings
Once all records are deleted, go back to the Zone Editor homepage.
Click on + Add Record to manually re-add the default records.
Alternatively, you can contact your hosting provider to reset the DNS settings to their default state.
Step 5: Save and Apply Changes
After restoring the necessary records, click Save or Apply Changes.
DNS changes will start propagating across the internet, which may take 30 minutes to 72 hours.
Checking DNS Propagation
To confirm that your DNS reset has been applied successfully, you can use online tools like:
🔹 WhatsMyDNS
🔹 MXToolbox
These tools allow you to check whether the DNS records have been updated globally.
Common Issues After Resetting DNS and How to Fix Them
1. Website Not Loading After Reset
🔹 Ensure that your domain is pointing to the correct nameservers.
🔹 Check if the correct A record is in place (it should point to your server’s IP).
2. Emails Not Working
🔹 Verify that your MX records are correctly set up for your email provider.
🔹 If using a third-party email service (e.g., Google Workspace, Microsoft 365), re-add their MX records.
3. DNS Changes Not Reflecting
🔹 Clear your browser cache and DNS cache (ipconfig /flushdns on Windows).
🔹 Wait for DNS propagation (usually takes a few hours to 48 hours).
Resetting DNS in cPanel is an effective way to resolve domain misconfigurations and restore default settings. By following this guide, you can successfully reset and reconfigure your DNS settings to ensure your website functions properly. If you encounter any challenges, reach out to your hosting provider for assistance.
Managing DNS effectively improves website uptime, email functionality, and overall domain performance.