Dynamic DNS With DDNS Keys

Last updated: April 30, 2026

In order to configure Dynamic DNS, a DDNS Key must be created for your hostname.

This article covers:

  • How to create a DDNS Key
  • How to configure DDNS using your DDNS Key

 

Creating a DDNS Key

You create a DDNS Key by enabling Dynamic DNS when creating or editing your hostname. Here are step-by-step instructions to create a DDNS Key:

  1. Navigate to the “DNS Records” page within your No-IP account.
  2. Find and click your hostname.
  3. Select Enable Dynamic DNS and Save / Create With DDNS Key.
  4. Select your operating system, then click Next.
  5. Enter any description for the DDNS Key (friendly name). Then click Generate DDNS Key.

You will see the following modal:

DDNS Key modal with automatically generated password and username

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

These are the credentials you will use to login to the DUC or to enter in your device. This is your only opportunity to copy or save the DDNS Key password as 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

If the goal is to configure a remote connection to a device, you must next configure updates to the hostname (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.