Demystifying Hosted Zones: A Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up Your AWS Route 53 Hosted Zone
Published: 2023-10-17 03:48:30

In the previous blog, we talked about domain purchase steps. Now, it's time to configure a hosted zone for your domain. A hosted zone is a container for DNS records, and it plays a critical role in managing how your domain behaves. In this step-by-step guide, we'll walk you through the process of setting up a hosted zone for your purchased domain in AWS Route 53.

**Step 1: Sign in to AWS Console**
First, sign in to your AWS account if you haven't already. Once you're logged in, navigate to the AWS Management Console.

![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/3122dnegtn8ec3k8qekr.png)
**Step 2: Access Route 53**
From the AWS Management Console, locate the "Services" dropdown in the top left corner and click it. Scroll down to the "Networking & Content Delivery" section, then select "Route 53."

![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/889npqbsuacukq2exrjm.png)
**Step 3: Choose "Hosted Zones"**
In the Route 53 dashboard, on the left-hand side, you'll find a list of services. Click on "Hosted Zones." This is where you can create and manage hosted zones for your domains.


![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/9t63bztucf2fg61zxryk.png)
**Step 4: Create a Hosted Zone**
Now, let's create a new hosted zone. Click the "Create Hosted Zone" button.


![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/dfxtj2z3d5t4gsmdykmr.png)

**Step 5: Configure the Hosted Zone Settings**
In the "Create Hosted Zone" wizard, you'll be prompted to enter the following information:

Domain Name: Enter the domain name you've purchased, like "exampletoday.com."

![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/48m6scmxl65olaig7dqf.png)
Type: You can choose either "Public Hosted Zone" or "Private Hosted Zone." For most cases, select "Public Hosted Zone" for domains meant to be accessible on the internet.

[AWS Route 53](https://aws.amazon.com/route53/)

Once you've filled in these details, click the "Create" button.

**Step 6: Get Name Servers**
After creating the hosted zone, you'll be directed to the hosted zone details page. Here, you'll find a list of records and the name servers associated with your hosted zone. Make note of these name servers, as you'll need to update your domain's DNS settings to point to them.

![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/om0c84kc59dwndsow7v8.png)


**Step 7: Update DNS at Your Domain Registrar**
Go to Registered Domains and click exampletoday.com or Log in to your domain registrar's account where you purchased the domain. Look for the option to manage your domain or update DNS settings.

![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/nurt8q2903eh74zyfqib.png)
Change Name Servers: Update the name servers for your domain with the values provided in your AWS Route 53 hosted zone. These changes might take some time to propagate through the internet, so be patient.


![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/2phmzmofpi3zg0zvqx5l.png)

**Step 8: Add DNS Records**
If you want to set up specific DNS records for your domain, you can do so in the hosted zone. Common DNS records include A (Address) records for pointing to an IP address, CNAME (Canonical Name) records for aliases, and MX (Mail Exchange) records for email routing.

[Supported DNS record types](https://docs.aws.amazon.com/Route53/latest/DeveloperGuide/ResourceRecordTypes.html)

**To add a DNS record:**

In the hosted zone details, click the "Create Record Set" button.
Choose the type of record you want to add and provide the necessary information.

![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/9lxjmap8fygxdoywrpbk.png)
**Step 9: Verify DNS Propagation**
It may take some time (up to 48 hours) for DNS changes to propagate globally. You can use online tools to check the status of your DNS records and ensure they are correctly configured.

You've successfully set up a hosted zone for your purchased domain on AWS Route 53. Your domain is now ready to be used, and you have the flexibility to manage its DNS records and settings as needed.