diff --git a/source/reference/program/mongos.txt b/source/reference/program/mongos.txt
index eb9a1b4cfa1..5a6b39d6aec 100644
--- a/source/reference/program/mongos.txt
+++ b/source/reference/program/mongos.txt
@@ -5,7 +5,6 @@
 ``mongos``
 ==========
 
-
 Synopsis
 --------
 
@@ -198,22 +197,20 @@ Options
    specify either 1 configuration server or 3 configuration servers,
    in a comma separated list.
 
-   .. note::
-
-      :program:`mongos` instances read from the first :term:`config
-      server <config database>` in the list provided. All
-      :program:`mongos` instances **must** specify the hosts to the
-      :option:`--configdb` setting in the same order.
+   All
+   :program:`mongos` instances **must** specify the hosts to the
+   :option:`--configdb` setting in the same order.
 
-      If your configuration databases reside in more that one data
-      center, order the hosts in the :option:`--configdb` argument so
-      that the config database that is closest to the majority of your
-      :program:`mongos` instances is first servers in the list.
+   You can change the :option:`--configdb` configuration but only if all
+   :program:`mongos` and :term:`shards <shard>` are brought down and
+   then up with a new :option:`--configdb` string. Only the
+   :program:`mongos` and the shards keep track of this setting. The
+   config servers do not.
 
    .. warning::
 
       Never remove a config server from the :option:`--configdb` parameter, even if
-      the config server or servers are not available, or offline.
+      the config server or servers are not available or offline.
 
 .. option:: --test