How to Change Nameservers at Any Domain Provider

Changing nameservers is a common task when you want to point your domain to a different hosting provider or DNS service. The process is generally similar across domain registrars, with slight variations in the user interface.

General Steps to Change Nameservers:

1. Log in to Your Domain Registrar Account

   • Go to the website of your domain registrar (e.g., GoDaddy, Namecheap).
   • Enter your username/email and password to access your account dashboard.

2. Navigate to Your Domain Management Section

   • Look for sections labeled “Domains,” “My Domains,” “Domain Management,” or “Domain List.”
   • Select the domain name for which you want to change the nameservers.

3. Find the Nameserver Settings

   • Within the domain settings, locate the option for “Nameservers,” “DNS Settings,” or “Manage DNS.”
   • This may be under a tab or section called “DNS Management,” “Nameservers,” or “Advanced DNS.”

4. Choose to Use Custom Nameservers

   • By default, domains often use the registrar’s default nameservers.
   • Select the option to use “Custom Nameservers” or “Use my own nameservers.”

5. Enter the New Nameserver Addresses

   • Input the nameserver addresses provided by your hosting provider or DNS service.
   • Nameservers usually look like: alpha1.internetonearth.com, alpha2.internetonearth.com, etc.
   • You may have to enter at least two nameservers.

6. Save or Apply the Changes

   • Confirm and save the changes.
   • The registrar may ask you to verify or confirm the update.

7. Wait for DNS Propagation

   • Changes to nameservers can take anywhere from a few minutes to 48 hours to propagate globally. (sometimes it may take upto 72 hours)
   • During this time, your domain may intermittently resolve to the old or new server.

Specific Steps for Popular Domain Providers

• GoDaddy

1. Log in to your GoDaddy account.
2. Click on your username and select “My Products.”
3. Under “Domains,” find your domain and click “DNS” or “Manage DNS.”
4. Scroll down to the “Nameservers” section and click “Change.”
5. Select “Custom” and enter your new nameservers.
6. Click “Save” to apply changes.

• Namecheap

1. Log in to your Namecheap account.
2. Go to “Domain List” from the left sidebar.
3. Click the “Manage” button next to your domain.
4. Under the “Nameservers” section, select “Custom DNS.”
5. Enter your new nameservers.
6. Click the green checkmark or “Save” button.

Important Tips:

• Double-check nameserver addresses before saving to avoid downtime.
• If your domain is locked, you may need to unlock it before making changes.
• Some registrars may require you to disable privacy protection to change nameservers.
• After changing nameservers, you may also need to configure DNS records (A, MX, CNAME) at the new DNS host.