How to Change Domain Nameservers
Sep 12, 2024, 12:00 AM by Nasredeen Abdulhaleem# How to Change Domain Nameservers (General Guide)
Changing your domain’s nameservers is a common task when you want to point your domain to a different hosting provider or DNS service. Although the process can vary slightly depending on your domain registrar, this general guide will help you make the necessary changes.
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## Step 1: Log In to Your Domain Registrar Account
1. Go to the website of the company where you registered your domain (e.g., GoDaddy, Namecheap, Google Domains, etc.).
2. Log in with your account credentials.
_ (Domain Registrar Login Page)_
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## Step 2: Locate Your Domain Management Section
1. After logging in, navigate to your domain management area. This is typically labeled as **Domains**, **My Domains**, **Domain List**, or something similar.
2. Find the domain for which you want to change the nameservers.
_(Domain List in Registrar Dashboard)_
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## Step 3: Access the Nameserver Settings
1. Click on the domain name to access its management settings.
2. Look for the option to manage **DNS** or **Nameservers**. This could be under **DNS Settings**, **Nameserver Settings**, or something similar.
_ (Nameserver Settings in Domain Management)_
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## Step 4: Update the Nameservers
1. In the nameserver settings, you will typically see options to enter custom nameservers. Replace the existing nameservers with the new ones provided by your hosting or DNS provider.
2. Nameservers usually look like:
- `ns1.skynet.africa`
- `ns2.skynet.africa`
3. Make sure you enter all of the required nameservers (usually at least two).
_ (Nameserver Update Form Image)_
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## Step 5: Save Your Changes
1. After entering the new nameservers, make sure to save or apply your changes. This button might be labeled as **Save**, **Apply**, or **Update**.
2. The registrar will usually notify you that the changes are successful.
_ (Save Changes to Nameservers Image)_
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## Step 6: Wait for DNS Propagation
1. DNS changes can take anywhere from a few minutes to 48 hours to fully propagate across the internet. During this time, your website might not be fully accessible from all locations.
2. You can use online tools like **whatsmydns.net** to check the status of DNS propagation.
_ (DNS Propagation Check Image)_
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## Step 7: Verify That Your Domain Is Pointing to the Correct Server
1. After propagation is complete, verify that your domain is pointing to the correct server by visiting your website or using DNS lookup tools.
2. If everything is working properly, your website should load from the new server.
_ (Website Verification Image)_
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## Step 8: Troubleshooting
- **Incorrect Nameservers:** Double-check that the nameservers you entered are correct. Small typos can prevent your website from resolving.
- **Propagation Delays:** Be patient. It may take up to 48 hours for the changes to fully propagate.
- **Contact Support:** If your website still isn’t working after 48 hours, contact your hosting provider or registrar for support.
_ (Contact Support Image)_
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## Conclusion
Changing nameservers is a simple but crucial step when switching hosting providers or managing your DNS externally. By following the general steps outlined in this guide, you can easily update your domain’s nameservers, regardless of your registrar. Remember to allow time for DNS propagation, and don’t hesitate to reach out to support if you encounter any issues.
This guide can be adapted for specific registrars by following their detailed instructions, but the core steps remain the same across platforms.
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