How to Create Custom NameServers – Here’s the Process

Introduction

Creating custom nameservers adds a personalized and professional touch to your domain and gives you greater control over your DNS settings. This guide will walk you through the process, step-by-step, to help you set up custom nameservers, regardless of your registrar or hosting provider.

Step 1: Log into Your Domain Registrar Account

The first step is logging into the account where you registered your domain (like GoDaddy, Namecheap, or Bluehost). Once you’re logged in, locate the DNS Settings or Nameserver Settings section. This area may be under different names for each registrar, so here’s a quick guide for popular ones:

• GoDaddy: Go to DNS Management.
• Namecheap: Check Private Nameservers Guide.
• Bluehost: Visit DNS Setup.
• 1&1 IONOS: Check IONOS DNS Guide.

If you can’t find it, just search “custom nameserver” in your registrar’s help section for more specific instructions.

Step 2: Access DNS Management or Nameserver Settings

Once you’re in your registrar account, go to the DNS Management or Nameserver Settings section. This section is where you can change or add new nameservers.

Step 3: Set Custom Nameservers

Now, select the Custom Nameservers option. Some registrars may call this Private Nameservers or Personal Nameservers.

Example:

• Custom Nameserver 1: ns1.yourdomain.com
• IP Address 1: 123.456.78.90
• Custom Nameserver 2: ns2.yourdomain.com
• IP Address 2: 123.456.78.91

Step 4: Enter Custom Nameserver Details

1. In the Custom Nameserver section, enter the details for each nameserver:

• Hostname: This is usually ns1.yourdomain.com and ns2.yourdomain.com.
• IP Address: Enter the IP addresses for each nameserver. For example:
  • ns1.yourdomain.com – 123.456.78.90
  • ns2.yourdomain.com – 123.456.78.91

Step 5: Save Changes and Wait for Propagation

After entering the custom nameserver details, click Save. Changes may take some time to propagate across the internet (anywhere from a few minutes to 48 hours).

Step 6: Update A Records for Custom Nameservers

To ensure the custom nameservers work properly, you’ll need to create A records pointing to each nameserver’s IP address. This step varies depending on where you manage DNS settings:

Option A: DNS Managed by Domain Registrar

1. In the DNS section of your registrar, add an A record for each nameserver:

• ns1.yourdomain.com → 123.456.78.90
• ns2.yourdomain.com → 123.456.78.91

Option B: DNS Managed by Hosting Panel (e.g., cPanel, Plesk)

1. Log into your hosting panel (e.g., cPanel or Plesk).
2. Go to Zone Editor or DNS Settings.
3. Add A records for ns1.yourdomain.com and ns2.yourdomain.com, linking them to their respective IP addresses.

Step 7: Verify Custom Nameservers

To confirm that your custom nameservers are working:

1. Use a tool like DNS Checker or the nslookup command.
2. Enter your domain name and verify that the nameservers are pointing to the correct IP addresses.

Step 8: Update Additional DNS Records (If Necessary)

If you have other DNS records (like A, CNAME, or MX records) for your website or email, make sure they are correctly configured with your custom nameservers. Update these records as needed.

Example:

• A record for www.yourdomain.com pointing to your web hosting IP.
• MX record if you use custom email servers.

Managing DNS in Hosting Panels (Optional)

If you manage DNS settings through your hosting panel, here’s how to update A records for custom nameservers:

In cPanel

1. Go to Zone Editor under Domains.
2. Click Manage next to your domain.
3. Add an A record for each custom nameserver.

In Plesk

1. Open DNS Settings.
2. Add an A record for each custom nameserver.

Conclusion

You’ve successfully created custom nameservers for your domain! Custom nameservers offer better control and add a professional touch to your online presence. Remember, DNS changes can take time to propagate, so be patient.

With these steps, you’re now equipped to manage your domain’s DNS settings more flexibly. Happy configuring!