Nameservers are part of what makes your domain work. They tell the internet where to find your website, email, and other services. When you need to point your domain to a new hosting provider or service, updating your nameservers is usually the first step.
Where Do I Update My Nameservers?
Nameservers are always managed where your domain is registered, not where it's hosted. Think of it like a phone directory: the registrar is the one that holds your domain's listing, so they're the only ones who can update where it points.
This means:
If your domain is registered with WHC, you can update your nameservers directly from your WHC account, and the steps below will walk you through it.
If your domain is registered with another provider (for example Google Domains), you'll need to log into your account there and make the change. Each registrar has their own process, so refer to their support documentation.
Not sure where your domain is registered? You can look it up using a WHOIS lookup tool (such as who.is) — the registrar will be listed in the results.
Before You Start
Changing your nameservers is a significant action that affects how your entire domain operates. Please read the following before proceeding:
It will affect your website and email. When you switch nameservers, your domain will start using the DNS records on the new nameservers. If those records aren't set up correctly, your website, email, or other services may stop working.
Back up your current DNS records first. Before making any changes, take note of your existing DNS records (you can usually find these in your current registrar or DNS provider's control panel). This way, if anything goes wrong, you have a reference to restore them. Common records to copy include A, CNAME, MX, and TXT records.
Have your new nameserver addresses ready. You'll need the nameserver values from your new hosting provider before you start. If you're pointing your domain to WHC, refer to this article to find the right nameservers for your account.
Plan for propagation time. Once changed, it can take up to 48 hours for the update to fully take effect across the internet. Consider making the change during a low-traffic period if possible.
Updating Nameservers for a Domain Registered with WHC
If your domain is registered with WHC, follow these steps to update your nameservers:
Log in to your Client Area
Navigate to Domains > My Domains.
Select the domain you want to update by clicking on Manage.
Go to the Nameservers section.
Click on Edit.
A pop-up window will appear:
Choose your preferred nameserver option:
Use my domain with a WHC service (recommended): Automatically set the appropriate nameservers for your domain connected to your WHC service. Make sure to select the corresponding service from the drop-down menu.
Use custom nameservers (advanced): Manually enter the nameservers.
Click Apply Changes to save and update your settings.
Want to Manage Your Nameservers Through WHC?
If your domain is currently registered elsewhere but you'd like to manage everything — including your nameservers — from your WHC account, the easiest solution is to transfer your domain to WHC.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a nameserver change take to take effect?
Changes typically propagate within a few hours, but it can take up to 48 hours in some cases. During this time, some visitors may still be directed to your old servers.
Will updating my nameservers cause downtime?
There may be a brief period of inconsistency during propagation, but in most cases the impact is minimal. Planning the change during a low-traffic period helps reduce any potential disruption.
Where do I find the nameserver values to enter?
Your new hosting provider will supply the nameserver addresses — check your welcome email or their support documentation. If you're pointing your domain to WHC, refer to this article to find the correct nameservers for your account.
Can I set custom nameservers?
Yes — when updating your nameservers in your WHC account, you can enter the nameserver addresses provided by any hosting provider or DNS service you want to use.
How do I know the change worked?
You can use a DNS propagation checker such as whatsmydns.net to see whether your new nameservers are visible from different locations around the world.