Two ways to connect a domain
Your .SX domain is an address. To make it show a website, the internet needs to know where that website lives. There are two ways to tell it:
- Change the nameservers to your web host's. Your host then manages all the settings for you. This is the easiest option and the right one for most people.
- Add DNS records yourself (for example an A record or CNAME), while keeping your current nameservers. Use this when you want to keep control of your DNS or connect several services.
Option 1: Change your nameservers
Your web host or website builder gives you two or more nameservers, usually in your welcome email. They look like ns1.example.com and ns2.example.com.
- Log in to your AnyKey client area and open Domains.
- Choose your .SX domain and open Nameservers.
- Select Use custom nameservers and enter the nameservers from your host, one per box.
- Click Change Nameservers.
The change is sent to the .SX registry straight away. It can take a few hours, and sometimes up to 24 to 48 hours, before every network in the world sees the new setting. This delay is called propagation.
Option 2: Add DNS records
If you keep your DNS where it is and only need to point the domain at a website, these are the records you will meet:
| Record | What it does | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| A | Points a name to an IPv4 address | yourbrand.sx to your web server's IP |
| AAAA | Points a name to an IPv6 address | Same as A, for IPv6 |
| CNAME | Points a name to another name | www.yourbrand.sx to a website builder |
| MX | Says which server receives your email | Email hosting such as Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace |
| TXT | Holds text for verification and email security | Google Search Console, SPF, DKIM, DMARC |
Your website builder or email provider tells you exactly which records to add and what values to use. Copy them carefully: one wrong character is enough to break the connection.
Connecting popular website builders
Builders such as Wix, Squarespace, Shopify and WordPress.com offer both methods. Their "connect a domain" setup will either give you nameservers (Option 1) or a list of A and CNAME records (Option 2). Follow their instructions and enter the values in your AnyKey client area or at your DNS provider.
Don't forget email
Changing nameservers moves all of your DNS, including email. If you already use email on your .SX domain, make sure the MX records are set up at the new DNS host before or straight after you switch, so no messages are lost.
Checking that it works
- Open your domain in a private browser window, so you do not see an old cached copy.
- Try both
yourbrand.sxandwww.yourbrand.sx. - Send a test email to and from your domain address.
- Make sure your site loads over https://. If not, add an SSL certificate at your host.
Advanced: DNSSEC
The .SX registry supports DNSSEC, which protects your domain against forged DNS answers. If your DNS provider uses DNSSEC, contact our support team and we will help you add the DS records at the registry.
Need a hand?
DNS can be confusing the first time. Our team in Sint Maarten is happy to help. Get in touch and tell us where your website and email are hosted.
