A nameserver is where your DNS settings are stored. DNS settings define how your domain name behaves
What are Nameservers?
Nameservers are the computers that store DNS settings and respond to directory requests made automatically by your brower or email application. A nameserver gives the nameserver owner control over where your domain name points, it does NOT give the owner control over the domain name itself.
What are DNS Settings?
DNS settings convert domain names into computer-readable IP addresses. Think of DNS settings like a directory of different departments in a company. It contains details of where to go if you want to send or receive mail. It contains details of where to go if you want to view the website. It contains details about where to go for identification and verification.
How do they work together?
When you enter a domain name into a brower, the browser will contact the nameserver and ask "where do I find your web pages?", the nameserver responds with directions to the "webpage department". This all happens within a second or two and usually is invisible. If your browser gets no response, it will display the famous "404 page not found" message - this is where it comes from!
Where do I change my Nameservers?
Nameservers for each domain can be set in your dashboard after you log in. dashboard > Domains (button at top of screen) > Select the checkbox next to the domain(s) > Manage Nameservers
Where do I change my DNS Settings?
If you use third party nameservers, all DNS settings changes must be made by that third party, please contact their support.
If you use our nameservers, you can elect to use our managed or self-managed DNS settings (both are free):
- managed DNS settings (supported changes) we make the changes for you - just Contact Us with the settings you require in a ticket
- self-managed (unsupported changes) - login into your dashboard, select services and make the changes yourself
By default all new registrations use managed DNS settings.
To use self-managed DNS settings, create an order for self managed DNS settings (web hosting section, its free of charge) and it will be added to your account. Please ensure you switch to the self managed nameservers (details are in your activation email).
Please note: changes to nameservers and DNS settings take time to replicate across the internet. Usually you will see results in 2-3 hours, but it can take as long as 48 hours.
Still need help?
If all else fails Contact Us