DDNS Keys

Last updated: November 24, 2025

What is a DDNS Key?

DDNS Keys are a unique set of credentials tied to one or more hostnames. DDNS Keys replace No-IP account credentials in Dynamic DNS configurations. DDNS Keys automatically generate a username and password to enter in your device or update client.

Article Summary

  • Navigate to “DNS Records” in your No‑IP account and click Generate  DDNS  Key to create credentials for a hostname or hostname group.
  • Copy the DDNS Key’s username and password (shown only once) and save them securely. The password cannot be recovered later.
  • In your update client or router’s DDNS settings, use the DDNS Key credentials instead of your account login, and set hostname to all.ddnskey.com.
  • Manage the DDNS Key via the “Keys/Groups” page: you can add or remove hostnames, modify the password, or delete the key entirely.
  • Use DDNS Keys for improved security, better credential isolation, and compatibility with multi‑hostname updates.

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 a DDNS Key

  1. Navigate to the “DNS Records” page within your No-IP account.
  2. Edit an existing hostname by clicking on it.
  3. Click Enable Dynamic DNS then Save to submit your changes. This opens the Setup Dynamic DNS modal. (The Enable Dynamic DNS option is also available when creating a new name.)

Select an option and download a client if desired then click Next.

Screenshot 2025-07-24 at 4.55.04 PM

Add an Update Client Description (Friendly Name) then click Generate DDNS Key.

 

Screenshot 2025-07-24 at 5.13.06 PM


You should now see your DDNS Key Username and DDNS Key Password. This is your only opportunity to copy or save the DDNS Key password.

Screenshot 2025-07-24 at 5.11.49 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.
+-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.
DDNS Key credentials are only valid once. If you need to login to a client again for any reason, you must delete the DDNS Key and create a new one.

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