Dnsmasq does not re-read its config files on SIGHUP ([1]). Since a config directive (host-record) is used, a service restart is required in order for the record to be available. [1] "Notes [...] SIGHUP does NOT re-read the configuration file." - http://www.thekelleys.org.uk/dnsmasq/docs/dnsmasq-man.html Change-Id: I84ab94b6c1ae61fccc1b1aba5df52a000b1fa449