How to point web and mail server to different hostings

To point a web and mail server to different hostings, you'll need to configure your DNS (Domain Name System) settings and update your server settings. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you achieve this:

Prerequisites:

1. You have a domain name registered with a registrar (e.g., GoDaddy, Namecheap).
2. You have a web hosting service (e.g., Bluehost, HostGator) and a mail hosting service (e.g., Zoho, Gmail).
3. You have access to your DNS settings (usually through your registrar or hosting provider).

Step 1: Update DNS settings

1. Log in to your registrar's control panel and navigate to the DNS management section.
2. Create a new DNS record for your domain name:
   • Type: A record (for web hosting)
   • Hostname: @ (or leave blank for the root domain)
   • IP address: The IP address of your web hosting service
   • TTL (Time To Live): Leave it at the default value or set it to a lower value (e.g., 300 seconds)
3. Create another DNS record for your domain name:
   • Type: MX record (for mail hosting)
   • Hostname: @ (or leave blank for the root domain)
   • Priority: 10 (or a value that suits your mail hosting service)
   • Mail server: The mail server of your mail hosting service (e.g., mail.zoho.com)
   • TTL (Time To Live): Leave it at the default value or set it to a lower value (e.g., 300 seconds)

Step 2: Update server settings

1. Update your web hosting service's settings:
   • Update the server's IP address to the one you specified in the DNS A record.
   • Update the server's document root to the desired location (e.g., /var/www/html).
2. Update your mail hosting service's settings:
   • Update the mail server's IP address to the one you specified in the DNS MX record.
   • Update the mail server's configuration to use the desired mail server settings (e.g., mail.zoho.com).

Step 3: Verify the changes

1. Wait for the DNS changes to propagate (this may take up to 48 hours).
2. Test your web hosting service by visiting your domain name in a web browser.
3. Test your mail hosting service by sending an email to your domain name's email address.

Additional tips:

• Make sure to update your DNS settings correctly, as incorrect settings can cause issues with your domain name's functionality.
• If you're using a Content Delivery Network (CDN) or a load balancer, you may need to update their settings as well.
• If you're using a custom domain name for your mail hosting service, you may need to update your mail client's settings to use the custom domain name.

By following these steps, you should be able to point your web and mail server to different hostings. If you encounter any issues or have further questions, feel free to ask!