If you're moving your website to a new provider but keeping your domain name registered with Rocketspark, you don't need to transfer anything. You'll only need to update your domain's DNS records (the settings that tell the internet where your website and emails live) so they point to your new website instead of your Rocketspark site. Here's how to do that.
Before you change anything
You'll need the new DNS records from your new website provider. Most providers will give you these when you sign up, usually an A record, a CNAME, or a set of nameservers. Common providers customers move to include Shopify, Wix, Squarespace, Netlify, and Canva, but the same process applies whichever provider you're moving to. If you don't have your new records yet, contact your new provider and ask for their "DNS records" or "domain connection settings".
[VERIFY WORDING: confirm what Rocketspark typically tells customers to ask their new provider for, e.g. "DNS records" vs "connection settings" vs specific record types]
⚠ If you have email accounts on this domain, read the "What happens to my email" section below before you make any changes. Changing the wrong record can stop your emails from arriving.
Update your DNS records
Step 1: Open your domain's DNS settings
Log in to your Rocketspark Dashboard and go to Domain Names. Select the domain you're moving, then open the DNS Settings tab.
Step 2: Delete Rocketspark's existing A record and CNAME
Rocketspark's default records for your website will look something like this:
| Type | Name | Value |
|---|---|---|
| A | 112.109.71.91 | |
| CNAME | www | nz.rocketspark.com |
Find these in your record list and delete them using the bin icon next to each one. Only delete the records for the website itself (the A record and the "www" CNAME), not any other records on the list, such as CNAMEs for other subdomains or MX records for email.
⚠ If you have other CNAME records pointing to
nz.rocketspark.com(for example, subdomains like a members area or a sales page), decide whether these need to move too before deleting anything. Leaving them pointed at Rocketspark after your main site moves may cause them to stop working.
Step 3: Add your new provider's records
Under Add new DNS record, add the new A record and CNAME your new provider gave you:
- Choose the record Type from the dropdown (A or CNAME).
- Enter the Name (leave this blank for your main domain, or enter a subdomain like "www" if that's what your new provider specifies).
- Enter the Value your new provider gave you (an IP address for an A record, or a domain for a CNAME).
- Select Add Record.
Repeat this for each record your new provider asked you to add.
Step 4: Check your changes took effect
Once you've added the new records, they'll appear in your record list. DNS changes don't apply instantly everywhere, so give it some time before checking your new website is showing up.
What happens to my email
This is the part that catches people out, so it's worth checking before you save anything.
If your email is hosted somewhere other than Rocketspark (with your current website provider, Google Workspace, or another email provider), and you don't currently have separate MX records set up, your email may currently be relying on Rocketspark's A record as a fallback. If you change that A record without setting up the right MX records for your email provider, your emails can stop arriving.
To keep your email working, ask your email provider for their MX records and add those alongside your website's new DNS records, rather than relying on the A record.
If Rocketspark is hosting your email accounts and you're moving them too, you'll need your new email provider's MX records (and usually a TXT record for deliverability). Add these at the same time as your website's DNS changes.
If you're keeping your email with Rocketspark but only moving your website elsewhere, don't change your MX records. Only update the A record and CNAME.
Contact Support for help on support@rocketspark.com
Using nameservers instead
Some providers ask you to point your domain using nameservers rather than individual DNS records. If your new provider has given you nameservers rather than an A record and CNAME, you can use these instead.
On the DNS Settings tab, below your list of DNS records, you'll see two options: Use Rocketspark's basic domain settings and Use your own Nameservers. Select Edit Nameservers under "Use your own Nameservers".
[SCREENSHOT: DNS Settings tab, showing the "Use Rocketspark's basic domain settings" and "Use your own Nameservers" panels below the record list]
This opens the Edit Nameservers window. Enter the nameservers your new provider gave you into the Nameserver fields, then select Save. You don't need to fill in all three fields, only enter the nameservers your provider actually gave you.
⚠ Setting custom nameservers overrides your DNS records. Once you save custom nameservers, the individual A record, CNAME, and MX records on the DNS Settings tab no longer apply, your new provider's nameservers take over completely, including for email. Only use this method if your new provider has specifically given you nameservers to use, and make sure any email records you still need are set up with your new provider first.
If you ever want to switch back to Rocketspark managing your DNS, select Use basic DNS settings to return to Rocketspark's standard nameservers and template.
Tips and things to watch out for
- There's no "edit" option on a DNS record. To change one, delete it and add the new value instead.
- Double check the exact values your new provider gives you before adding them. A typo in an A record is the most common reason a website doesn't come up.
- Only delete the records for your website (the A record and "www" CNAME). Leave any MX records or other subdomains' CNAMEs alone unless you mean to change those too.
- If your website and email both stop working after a change, check whether an MX record needs to be added rather than assuming the A record is wrong.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to transfer my domain to point it to a new website? No. If your domain is registered with Rocketspark, it can stay registered with us while pointing to a website hosted anywhere else. You only need to change the DNS records, not the registration.
Will my Rocketspark website still work after I make this change? No. Once your A record and CNAME point to your new provider, your Rocketspark website will no longer be reachable at that domain.
How long does it take for my new website to show up? DNS changes don't apply instantly everywhere, it may take up to 48 hours.
Can I change this back later? Yes. You can update your DNS records again at any time, including back to Rocketspark's own values if you decide to return.
Where do I find the DNS records for my new provider? Providers like Shopify, Wix, Squarespace, Netlify, and Canva each publish their own DNS setup guide with the exact records to use, usually found in their help centre under something like "connect a custom domain". Search for your provider's name plus "custom domain DNS" if you're not sure where to look.
Should I use DNS records or nameservers? Use whichever your new provider asks for. If they've given you an A record and a CNAME, follow the steps above. If they've given you nameservers instead, use the "Using nameservers instead" section, but not both, since setting nameservers overrides your individual DNS records.
Need more help?
If you're not sure which records to change, or something doesn't look right after saving, flick us a message at support@rocketspark.com. We're happy to help.
Related help guides
- Can I self manage my own domain name with Rocketspark?, background on managing your own DNS records
- New Zealand / Australia / UK / US Server DNS Settings, for the reverse process, pointing a domain to Rocketspark
- How to Find Out Who Your Self-Managed Domain Provider Is, useful if a customer isn't sure who manages their domain