How do I host my DNS with Forte?

Instead of copying DNS records into your existing DNS provider, you can let Forte host your DNS. Once you point your domain's nameservers at Forte, connecting a website or service on that domain configures the records for you — nothing to copy or paste.

Why host DNS with Forte

• Roles and permissions. Control who on your team can change DNS, using the same Forte roles and permissions as the rest of your account.
• Automatic sync. Websites and services you connect on the domain are configured for you — traffic and TLS-validation records are written automatically and locked so they can't be broken by hand.
• Global DNS infrastructure. Forte DNS runs on Amazon Route 53's globally distributed authoritative DNS network. AWS says its DNS data plane is designed for 100% availability, including during severe events.
• Direct record control. Edit A, AAAA, CNAME, MX, TXT, NS, CAA, and SRV records in the console or with the forte dns CLI.

Set it up

1. In the console, open Domains and choose Host a domain.
2. Enter your domain. Use the whole domain (example.com) to move all your DNS to Forte, or a subdomain (app.example.com) to keep the rest with your current provider.
3. Forte assigns four nameservers — ns1–ns4.tryforte.dev. At your domain registrar, replace your domain's nameservers with these four.
4. When the change propagates (this can take a few hours), the zone shows Active. Choose Validate to re-check at any time.

Moving an existing domain without downtime

When you create a zone, Forte scans for common records on your current DNS. The scan is a starting point, not a complete copy of your zone. Compare the results with your current DNS provider and import any missing records before you switch nameservers. You can also paste a BIND zone file to bring records over in bulk.

Automatic endpoint configuration

Once your domain is on Forte DNS, add a custom domain to a website or service as usual — Forte writes the traffic and certificate records into your zone for you. Those records are marked managed and locked so they can't be edited by hand.

Editing records

Open a zone to add or edit A, AAAA, CNAME, MX, TXT, NS, CAA, and SRV records. Records Forte manages for you are shown but locked.

Before you switch: DNSSEC

If your domain has DNSSEC enabled at your registrar, turn it off before changing nameservers — otherwise your domain will stop resolving. Forte warns you when it detects DNSSEC on a domain you're moving.

If a zone is stuck on Awaiting nameservers, confirm the nameservers at your registrar match the four Forte shows, then contact support.