Quick answer: WordPress needs nothing exotic: an A record for the domain and one for www pointing at your VPS, plus SSL once DNS resolves. The only WordPress-specific step is making sure the Site URL matches the domain and protocol you serve.
Overview
Most “WordPress DNS” problems are ordinary DNS or URL-mismatch problems. Set the records like for any site, then align WordPress's two URL settings with reality — that combination covers 95% of cases, including migrations.
Before you start
- Your VPS IP from the Client Area (where to find it).
- WordPress installed and answering on the server (by IP or a temporary hosts-file override).
- Access to the domain's DNS panel.
Step-by-step guide
- Create the records: A
@→ server IP, andwwwas A (same IP) or CNAME to the bare domain (details). - Wait for resolution — verify with
dig +short A example.com. - Issue SSL now that validation can succeed (certbot guide, or the WordPress-specific SSL article).
- Align WordPress URLs (Settings → General, or via wp-cli):
wp option update home 'https://example.com'
wp option update siteurl 'https://example.com'
- If this is a migration, follow the full WordPress migration guide — DNS switch comes last, after the site is tested on the new server.
Common issues
- Redirect loops or broken styles after the switch: Site URL still holds the old domain/protocol — fix the two options above.
- SSL issued for the bare domain only: include
-d www.example.comtoo, or the www version warns. - Switched DNS before testing: visitors hit an unconfigured server; test via hosts file first (cutover tips).
When to contact support
If DNS resolves to the right IP and WordPress URLs are correct but the site still misbehaves, open a ticket — server-side logs usually show the cause quickly.
Frequently asked questions
Does WordPress need special DNS records?
No — a standard A record for the domain and www pointing at your VPS is all DNS needs. The WordPress-specific part is keeping the home and siteurl options in sync with the domain.
Why does WordPress redirect to the old domain after moving?
The home and siteurl options still contain the old address. Update them via Settings → General or wp option update, then clear any page cache to stop the redirects.
When should I switch DNS during a WordPress migration?
Last — after the site is fully copied and tested on the new server via a hosts-file override. Then lower TTL, flip the A record, and issue SSL on the new server.
Related articles
- How to migrate WordPress to Cloud2Y VPS
- How to configure SSL for WordPress
- How to point a domain to Cloud2Y VPS
- How to fix the SSL mixed content issue
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