How to Change Nameservers for Your Domain
Nameservers control where your domain's DNS is managed. If you want to connect your domain to ApnCloud hosting or another DNS service, you may need to replace the current nameservers with the new nameservers provided for your service.
Follow the steps below to change the nameservers for your domain safely.
1. Find the Correct Nameservers
Before making any changes, locate the nameservers you need to use.
If you are connecting your domain to an ApnCloud hosting service, check your service activation details or ApnCloud Client Area for the correct nameserver information.
Nameservers usually look similar to:
ns1.example.com
ns2.example.comAlways use the exact nameservers provided for your service.
2. Log In to Your Domain Registrar
Go to the website of the company where your domain is registered and log in to your account.
Open the domain management section and select the domain whose nameservers you want to change.
3. Find the Nameserver Settings
Look for an option such as:
- Nameservers
- Manage Nameservers
- DNS Settings
- Custom Nameservers
- Domain DNS
The exact option name depends on your domain registrar.
4. Select Custom Nameservers
If the registrar is currently using its default nameservers, choose the option to use custom nameservers.
You should then see fields where you can enter the new nameservers.
5. Enter the New Nameservers
Remove the old nameservers if required and enter the new ones.
For example:
Nameserver 1: ns1.example.com
Nameserver 2: ns2.example.comDo not use the example values above. Enter the actual nameservers provided for your hosting or DNS service.
6. Review the Nameservers Carefully
Before saving the changes, check for:
- Spelling errors
- Missing characters
- Extra spaces
- Incorrect nameserver order
A small typing error can prevent your domain from resolving correctly.
7. Save the Changes
Click Save, Update, Change Nameservers, or the relevant confirmation button provided by your registrar.
Some registrars may ask you to confirm the change through email or account verification.
8. Wait for DNS Propagation
Nameserver changes do not always become active immediately.
DNS propagation may take some time because DNS information can be cached by internet providers, browsers, and DNS resolvers.
During this period, some users may still reach the old hosting service while others may already reach the new one.
9. Check Your Website and Services
After the nameserver change begins propagating, check your domain and any services associated with it.
Verify that:
- Your website loads from the correct server
- Your domain resolves correctly
- SSL works correctly
- Email services are still working
- Required DNS records are available
10. Be Careful with External Email Hosting
If your domain uses a separate email provider, changing nameservers may also change which DNS zone is active.
Before changing nameservers, keep a copy of important email-related DNS records such as:
- MX
- SPF
- DKIM
- DMARC
Make sure any required records are recreated in the new DNS zone if necessary.
Common Nameserver Problems
If the domain does not work correctly after changing nameservers, check:
- The correct nameservers were entered
- The domain is active and not expired
- The new DNS zone contains the required records
- The domain has been added to the correct hosting account
- DNS propagation has had enough time to complete
Important Tips
- Do not change nameservers repeatedly while propagation is in progress
- Keep a copy of important DNS records before making changes
- Use only the nameservers provided for your intended service
- Check website and email services after the change
- Do not share your domain registrar password with anyone
Need Help?
If you have changed your nameservers but your domain is still not resolving correctly, please open a Support Ticket from your ApnCloud Client Area.
Include your domain name, the nameservers currently configured, and a clear description of the issue. Never include your registrar or account password in a support ticket.
