Domaintico

GUIDE

How to set nameservers

Point your domain to hosting or a DNS provider safely — and understand what changes (and what doesn’t).

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~4 min read • Updated Feb 25, 2026

Nameservers vs DNS records (quickly)

Nameservers decide which DNS provider controls your DNS. After you change nameservers, you typically manage DNS at the new provider (not inside Domaintico).

  • Use nameservers when your hosting/DNS provider tells you to (e.g., ns1.provider.com).
  • Use DNS records when you want to keep DNS managed in one place (A/CNAME/TXT/MX, etc.).
Safe rule: Don’t change nameservers unless you already have the DNS zone configured at the new provider.

Step-by-step

1

Collect the correct nameservers

Your hosting or DNS provider will give you 2–4 nameservers (example: ns1.provider.com, ns2.provider.com). Copy them exactly.

Tip: Most providers require at least two nameservers.
2

Prepare DNS at the new provider (avoid downtime)

Before switching nameservers, add the essential records at the new DNS provider:

  • Website: A record (or CNAME) + optional www
  • Email: MX records + SPF/DKIM if you use email
  • Verification: TXT records for Google, Stripe, etc.
Read: DNS records basics
3

Open your domain settings in Domaintico

Go to your dashboard and open the domain you want to update. Find the Nameservers section.

4

Switch to custom nameservers

Select Custom nameservers (if there’s a toggle), then paste your provider’s nameservers. Save your changes.

Important: After saving, DNS management may move to the new provider.
5

Wait for propagation

Nameserver changes can take time to propagate globally. Some updates appear quickly, but full propagation can take longer depending on registries and DNS caching.

  • Keep both the old and new DNS zones consistent during the transition (when possible).
  • Avoid making repeated changes back and forth — it can slow troubleshooting.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Switching nameservers before configuring DNS at the new provider (causes downtime).
  • Typos in nameserver hostnames.
  • Forgetting to recreate MX/SPF/DKIM records (breaks email).
  • Changing nameservers when you only needed a DNS record change.

Troubleshooting

My website/email stopped working after changing nameservers.
This usually means the DNS zone at the new provider is missing records (A/CNAME for website, MX/SPF/DKIM for email). Recreate the records at the new provider, then allow time for DNS caching to refresh.
Should I use nameservers or DNS records?
If you want another provider to manage DNS, change nameservers. If you want to keep DNS management in one place and only need to point to services, use DNS records.
How many nameservers do I need?
Most providers require at least two. Some provide 3–4 for redundancy. Always follow your provider’s instructions.

Need help pointing your domain?

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