How to delete a server from a DNS cluster in WHM?

If you manage multiple servers in a DNS cluster via WHM and need to remove one (for example, when decommissioning a server or migrating to new hardware), you can do so from the DNS Cluster page. This removes the server from your WHM configuration — it does not delete any data on the remote server itself.

How to Remove a Server from the DNS Cluster

1. Log in to WHM using your root credentials at https://your-server-ip:2087.
2. Navigate to Home » Server Configuration » DNS Cluster.
3. Find the server you want to remove in the list.
4. Click the Delete icon (trash can) next to that server.
5. Click Continue in the confirmation dialog.
6. The server will be permanently removed from your DNS cluster configuration.

Important Notes

• Back up DNS zones before removing. Go to WHM → DNS Functions → Backup DNS Zones and create a backup of all zones. This is especially important if the server you are removing was an active resolver.
• This action only removes the server from your WHM configuration. It does not delete any accounts, data, or DNS zones on the remote server itself.
• If the server was actively serving DNS queries, removal may temporarily affect DNS resolution. Ensure at least two other DNS servers remain in the cluster before removing one.
• DNS changes can take up to 48 hours to propagate globally after removing a nameserver.
• Update your domain registrar if the removed server was listed as a nameserver. Remove it from the nameserver list at your registrar to prevent DNS lookups from trying to reach a non-existent server.

Troubleshooting

• "Server not found in cluster" error: The server may have already been removed, or it was never properly added. Refresh the DNS Cluster page and check the list again.
• No delete icon visible: You may not be logged in as root. Reseller accounts with limited privileges cannot modify DNS cluster settings. Verify your access level.
• Server keeps reappearing after deletion: An external provisioning system (such as WHMCS or cPanel DNS sync) may be automatically re-adding it. Check your WHMCS server configuration and disable DNS syncing for the removed server.
• Website downtime after removing server: The removed server may have been an authoritative DNS server for your domains. Ensure your remaining DNS servers have all the correct zones. Use dig yourdomain.com @remaining-dns-ip to verify records are present.
• Want to temporarily disable instead of permanently remove: Click the Disable toggle instead of the delete icon. This keeps the server in the cluster but stops syncing DNS zones to it.

Need help? Contact our support team.