This guide explains how to change the nameservers for your domain name.
You may need to update your nameservers when connecting a domain to new hosting, moving your website to a different provider, or switching DNS management from one company to another. Updating the nameservers tells the internet which provider should control the DNS records for your domain.
If your domain is registered separately from your hosting, the nameserver change is usually made with the company where the domain name is currently registered rather than inside your hosting account itself.
In this article, we will cover
- Where nameserver changes are made
- What information you need before updating them
- How to save the new nameservers
- What to expect after the change
Find out where your domain is registered
Before making any changes, confirm where your domain name is registered. This is important because nameservers are normally changed at the domain registrar, not in cPanel and not inside your website files.
For example, if your website is hosted with Falcomms but the domain was purchased elsewhere, you will usually need to sign in to the registrar account for that domain and make the update there.
If you are unsure where the domain is registered, check your original purchase emails or account records first.
Get the correct nameserver details
Before you begin, make sure you have the correct nameservers you want to use. These are usually provided by your hosting company or DNS provider.
Nameservers often look something like ns1.example.com and ns2.example.com. They must be entered exactly as provided, including any numbers, spelling, or punctuation.
It is a good idea to copy and paste them if possible, as a small typing mistake can stop the domain from pointing correctly.
[Screenshot Placeholder – nameserver details provided by hosting company]
Update the nameservers at your registrar
Log in to the account where your domain is managed and locate the domain settings page. Look for the section labelled Nameservers, DNS, or Domain Management.
Replace the existing nameservers with the new ones you have been given, then save the changes.
Some providers may offer both default nameservers and custom nameservers. If you are entering specific values manually, choose the custom option if needed.
[Screenshot Placeholder – domain registrar nameserver update screen]
Wait for the update to take effect
After saving the new nameservers, the change may take time to update fully across the internet. This is known as DNS propagation.
During this period, some users may reach the new website or email service while others still see the previous one. This is normal and does not always mean anything is wrong.
It is also important to understand that changing nameservers does not move website files, copy databases, or transfer emails by itself. It only changes which DNS provider controls the domain.
Check the domain after the update
Once you have made the change, test the website again after some time has passed. You may also want to check whether email and any subdomains are working as expected, especially if they rely on the same DNS zone.
If the domain still does not appear to be working correctly after the update has had time to propagate, double-check that the nameservers were entered correctly and that they match the values provided to you.
Need help?
If you are unsure where your domain is registered or which nameservers you should enter, our support team will be happy to assist.
