DDNS Keys


What is a DDNS Key?

DDNS Keys are a set of credentials specific to a hostname or multiple hostnames. DDNS Keys replace account credentials in DDNS configurations.

Why Use DDNS Keys?

  • DDNS Keys offer improved security by having unique credentials that are disassociated from your No-IP account login.
  • No-IP login credentials can be updated without the need to reconfigure update clients.
  • DDNS Keys offer better update client compatibility, especially with updates targeting multiple hostnames.

Creating DDNS Keys

  1. Navigate to the “DNS Records” page within your No-IP account.
  2. Find and click Create DDNS Key for your desired hostname.
  3. Click Generate DDNS Key. This creates the DDNS Key and opens the DDNS Key Setup modal.

The setup modal contains options to change the username to an email address (in case the update client requires it) and adding a friendly name.

This is your only opportunity to copy or save the DDNS Key password.

Screenshot 2023-11-30 at 2.35.46 PM

DDNS Key passwords cannot be recovered. If you lose your DDNS Key password, you must request another from the Modify DDNS Key modal.

Configuring Dynamic DNS

Dynamic DNS (DDNS) can be configured by utilizing the newly created DDNS Key’s assigned username and password.

Setting up Dynamic DNS requires access to a device that physically exists at the remote network and can be done one of two ways.

Our Dynamic Update Client (DUC) can be downloaded on Windows, Mac, or Linux.

Or

Using a device that supports No-IP. Routers, cameras, DVRs and most other devices that can be accessed remotely support our Dynamic DNS service.

PC Setup
  1. Download and install our client on either Windows or Mac.
  2. Install and run the application.
  3. Enter your DDNS Key username and DDNS Key password.
  4. Select the checkbox adjacent to “all.ddnskey.com”.

If you plan to use the Linux client, you can follow our Linux installation instructions.

Router or Other Device Setup
  1. Log into your device. The manufacturer of your chosen device should have provided you with instructions on how to do so. If you lack instructions, check out our Configuring DDNS on a Router guide for some suggestions.
  2. Search for Dynamic DNS or DDNS settings. They are typically found under the “Advanced” options. DDNS settings differ depending on the device, but will typically contain the following fields:

DDNS Provider: No-IP
Username: Your DDNS Key Username / Email
Password: Your DDNS Key Password
Hostname/Domain: all.ddnskey.com
Server/Server Address: dynupdate.no-ip.com
Not every device will ask you for a server or server address. The service still works without issue if the device does not request it.

Fill in the fields with your own information and confirm your settings when finished.

all.ddnskey.com sends the IP address update to all hostnames associated to that DDNS Key. It is still possible to use your own hostname in the hostname field while using DDNS Keys.
+-Double Checking Your Configuration
The IP address on your selected hostname should match your public IP address. You can view your public IP address by checking our port check tool website while connected to the same network as the device being configured.

If the IPs do not match, double check the DDNS settings, check for any firmware updates, and ensure DDNS is Enabled.

Lastly, if your goal is establishing a remote connection to a device or a webpage, you will need to configure Port Forwarding.

Managing Existing DDNS Keys

DDNS Keys can contain singular or multiple hostnames, depending on your needs. They can be managed from the DDNS Key/Groups page.

From the DDNS Keys/Groups page, the “Actions” dropdown will give you the following options.

  • Edit Group - Add or Remove hostnames from the group. Hostnames that share the same group will all receive the same IP address updates.
  • Delete Group - Deletes the group along with the DDNS Key credentials.
  • Modify DDNS Key - Change your username to an email address, assign a new password to that DDNS Key, or edit the “Friendly Name”.
  • Delete DDNS Key - Deletes only the DDNS Key credentials.

If you need further help or have any questions, feel free to contact our support team.