How to Point a Subdomain or Domain to Another Host Using DNS Records

How to Point a Subdomain or Domain to Another Host Using DNS Records

If you want to point your domain or a subdomain to a service hosted elsewhere — such as Shopify, Wix, Zoho, Google Sites or any external platform — you can do this using DNS records in DirectAdmin without moving your hosting.

When to Use a CNAME Record

Use a CNAME when the third-party service gives you a hostname (e.g. shops.myshopify.com) rather than an IP address.

Important: CNAME records only work on subdomains (e.g. shop.yourdomain.com). You cannot use a CNAME on a root domain (e.g. yourdomain.com). For the root domain, use an A record.

How to Add a CNAME Record in DirectAdmin

1. Log into DirectAdmin
2. Click DNS Management under Domain Settings
3. Click Add Record
4. Set Type to CNAME
5. In Name, enter the subdomain prefix — e.g. shop for shop.yourdomain.com
6. In Value, enter the hostname provided by the third-party service — e.g. shops.myshopify.com
7. Click Save

When to Use an A Record

Use an A record when the third-party service gives you an IP address rather than a hostname.

1. Follow steps 1–3 above
2. Set Type to A
3. In Name, enter @ for the root domain or the subdomain prefix
4. In Value, enter the IP address provided
5. Click Save

How Long Until It Works?

DNS changes typically take effect within 15–60 minutes, though full propagation can take up to 24 hours.

Your existing website and email at Hostking are not affected — only the specific record you changed will point elsewhere.

Need Help?

Our support team is available every day from 7am to 10pm via live chat at hostking.host or by opening a ticket at my.hostking.host.