What is a Nameserver & Why it Matters For Your Website

Have you ever wondered how simply typing a website name takes you to the right site? The process happens in seconds, but behind the scenes, a critical system is at work—nameservers. These unsung heroes of the internet translate human-friendly domain names like ‘[example].com’ into numerical IP addresses that computers use to locate websites. 

Nameservers are a key part of the Domain Name System (DNS), ensuring that when someone searches for your site, they reach the right server. For website owners, understanding nameservers is essential for keeping a site accessible, fast and secure. 

If you’ve registered a domain with one provider but hosted your website elsewhere, you need to configure your nameservers correctly. Nameservers also play a crucial role in managing emails, redirecting domains and setting up private nameservers. 

A properly configured nameserver setup ensures seamless website performance, uninterrupted access and a smooth experience for visitors. Let’s dive deeper into how they work. 

Nameserver definition: What is a nameserver?   

A nameserver, also known as a “DNS name server,” translates human-friendly domain names into IP addresses. It acts as a directory, guiding computers, tablets and other devices to the correct location within the Domain Name System (DNS). By responding to queries, nameservers ensure that users can easily access websites using familiar domain names instead of complex numerical addresses. 

Any server with DNS software can work as a caching nameserver. But people usually use the term to mean servers run by hosting providers. These servers handle and manage domain names for their clients. They make sure that: 

• Website names are linked to IP addresses in the right way, helping to send traffic to the correct web server.  
• DNS questions are answered quickly, which is important for the speed and dependability of getting to websites.  
• Knowing this role is important for managing website operations. It is especially true when setting up your site’s settings. This helps ensure your site is available and works well on the internet.   

Nameservers vs DNS  

There is often confusion between nameservers and the Domain Name System (DNS). To clarify, nameservers are a crucial part of DNS, not separate from it.  

What is a Nameserver function in DNS?  

DNS is often compared to the internet’s phone book, but instead of matching names with phone numbers, it connects domain names to IP addresses. Within the DNS, nameservers play a crucial role in this process. 

Translating Domain Names to IP Addresses: Nameservers convert user-friendly domain names into numerical IP addresses, allowing computers to locate the correct servers. This translation eliminates the need for users to remember long strings of numbers, making website access seamless and efficient. 

Here’s how it works in practice when you enter a URL like [example].com:   

• URL parsing: The domain name is broken down into parts.  
• Top-level domain (TLD) query: The .com part directs the query to a TLD nameserver.  
• Second-level domain (SLD) query: The TLD server then points to the nameserver responsible for [example], which could be managed by a registrar or hosting service.  
• Resolution: This nameserver provides the IP address back to your browser, which then connects to the web server hosting the site.  

This entire process, which happens in milliseconds, ensures that when you want to visit a website, you can simply type in a memorable domain name instead of a complicated IP address. Nameservers are thus crucial for the smooth operation of DNS, ensuring quick and accurate navigation across the web.   

Also read: What is DNS (Domain Name System) and How Does it Work? 

Why are nameservers important? Key benefits for your website 

Nameservers are a key part of keeping your website online and running smoothly. They connect your website’s name to its actual location on the internet. Choosing the right nameservers helps ensure your site is always available, loads quickly and even helps with email delivery. It’s also a good idea to have a backup nameserver in place in case the primary one fails, helping maintain uninterrupted service for your site. 

1. They keep your website online  

If nameservers aren’t set up correctly or stop working, people won’t be able to reach your website. This can lead to:  

• Frustrated visitors  
• Lost business opportunities  
• A damaged brand reputation  

For businesses, website downtime can be costly. Imagine an online store going offline during a big sale or a company’s site crashing during an important launch. These issues can hurt sales and the company’s image.  

2. They help your website load faster  

People expect websites to load quickly and slow sites drive visitors away. Nameservers affect your site’s speed and reliability by:  

• Helping pages load faster when using a good DNS provider  
• Reducing delays by using servers in multiple locations  
• Keeping your site online with a reliable provider  

A fast website improves user experience, helps with search rankings and can increase sales or sign-ups.  

3. They give you control over your domain  

When you buy a domain, it usually comes with default nameserver records from the company you bought it from. But you can change these anytime to:  

• Switch to a new hosting provider  
• Manage your own DNS settings  

This flexibility makes it easier to move your website or customize settings as needed.  

4. They help your emails get delivered  

Nameservers also control email delivery by managing MX (Mail Exchange) records, which directs emails to the right servers. If these records aren’t set up correctly, you might face:  

• Undelivered or lost emails  
• Communication issues with customers  
• Business disruptions  

Nameservers, including DNS NS records, may not always be top of your mind, but they are essential for keeping your website running. They help people find your site, improve speed, give you control over your domain and ensure emails are delivered. Choosing the right nameservers helps keep your website fast, reliable and always online. 

Where are your domain’s nameservers located?  

Log in to your Bluehost account and go to the Manage button on your sidebar. In that menu, click DNS and then go to the Name Servers section.   

There, if you set up your WordPress website with Bluehost, you’ll see Bluehost’s nameservers.   

ns1.bluehost.com  

ns2.bluehost.com  

Typically, there are at least two nameservers in place for backup and redundancy. This setup ensures that if one server fails, customers can still reach the correct destination, maintaining seamless access to your website.   

You can also modify your DNS records in the DNS Manager, within your Bluehost account. This allows you to modify records such as A records, CNAME, MX records and TXT records, which control how your domain connects to different services.  

Nameserver lookup  

If you didn’t set up your website with Bluehost or are uncertain about your nameservers’ location, several online tools can help you track them down, including a DNS Checker search bar:  

• Bluehost WHOIS Lookup: Bluehost offering WHOIS services (e.g., [domaintools].com) displays registration details, including your domain’s nameservers.  
• ICANN DNS Lookup Tool: Managed by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), this tool (available at lookup.icann.org) provides detailed DNS information, including your nameservers.  

Why use these tools?  

Beyond locating your nameservers, these resources are valuable for:  

Verification: Confirming that your nameservers are correctly configured and pointing to the intended hosting provider or server.  

Troubleshooting: Ensuring your domain resolves properly to avoid access issues.  

By using these tools, you can quickly clarify where your domain’s nameservers are directed, making it easier to manage or update your DNS settings as needed.   

How to set up a custom nameserver   

If you set up your domain name and web hosting with Bluehost, your default nameservers would come from Bluehost. But there are reasons you might want to set up a custom nameserver instead.   

Once you learn what a nameserver is, you can assess whether setting up a private nameserver is beneficial for your business. This may be necessary if you need to change your nameserver or reconfigure your website’s structure.   

You don’t need a private nameserver for every website. But having one has several benefits. This is especially important for businesses, agencies and more advanced users.  

Benefits of using private nameservers  

Custom branding  

Instead of using nameservers from your hosting provider (like ns1.bluehost.com), you can create custom nameservers that show your own domain (like ns1.yourdomain.com).  

This helps strengthen your brand and makes it look more professional.  

Easier for clients to see  

If you run several websites or offer hosting services, a private nameserver makes it easier for clients to connect their domain to your brand.  

Greater flexibility when changing hosting providers  

If you change web hosting providers, a private nameserver lets you move domains without changing nameserver settings for several websites.  

You only need to update the IP addresses of your nameservers, not the nameservers for each domain.  

More control over DNS, privacy and security  

A private nameserver lets you manage your DNS records directly. This allows for special settings that might not be available with regular hosting nameservers.  

It also gives more privacy, since your domains won’t link directly to your hosting provider’s public nameservers.  

It can improve security by lowering the need for third-party DNS services.  

Updating a custom nameserver in Bluehost  

To update custom nameservers in your Bluehost account, follow these steps:  

• Log in to your Bluehost Account Manager: Access your account using your credentials.  
• Navigate to the Domains section: Click on the “Domains” tab located on the left side of your Account Manager homepage.  
• Access Custom Nameservers: Within the Domains section, select the “Custom Nameservers” tab.  

• Manage Name Servers: To create or edit a custom nameserver, enter your desired custom nameserver in the first input box and click “Go.”  

• To replace an existing custom nameserver, input the current custom nameserver in the second input box.  
• Enter the Server IP Address: If you’re creating a new custom nameserver, you’ll be prompted to enter the associated server IP address. After entering the IP address, click “Go.”  

• Save Changes: Review the information for accuracy and click “Save Changes” to apply the updates.   

Modifying nameservers with other registrars  

Each registrar has its own whole process of updating nameservers. Bluehost provides instructions for correctly pointing your domain name to Bluehost’s servers.   

Typically, you’ll need to navigate to the DNS settings section of your hosting provider’s dashboard. From there, you can modify your website’s records to point to Bluehost’s nameservers.   

You can also transfer your domain to Bluehost, letting you control your website all in one location. To ensure a smooth and disruption-free transfer, make sure your nameservers are pointed to Bluehost first. 

How long does it take for nameservers to update?  

When you change DNS records, it takes time for the updates to propagate across the internet. This process, known as DNS propagation, can take up to 48 hours  

Changes can be seen soon after you update, but it could still be updated in other regions. So, allow up to 48 hours for your nameservers to propagate fully.   

You can check the status of your update on tools like DNSchecker.org.  

How to check which nameservers your website is using  

Ensuring your website’s nameservers are correctly configured is essential for its smooth operation. Let’s explore various methods and tools to help you determine the nameservers your website is currently using.  

How to check nameservers using WHOIS lookup tools 

You can find your web host’s nameservers using WHOIS lookup tools or by checking your hosting provider’s control panel. Here’s how you can do it:  

• You can find your web host’s nameservers by accessing your hosting control panel to find the provider’s nameserver details.  
• There are various lookup tools available online where you can enter your domain name and retrieve your domain details.  
• You can compare the nameservers from your hosting provider with the ones you found using the WHOIS lookup tool. If they match, your domain is set up correctly. If not, contact your hosting company for assistance.  

Also read: How to use Whois lookup 

How to check nameservers on different operating systems  

You can check your domain’s nameservers using built-in command-line tools on Windows, Linux and macOS. Follow the steps below based on your operating system.  

Windows:  

• Press Windows + R, type cmd and click OK to open the Command Prompt.  
• In the Command Prompt, enter the following command: nslookup -type=ns [yourdomain].tld   
• This will display the nameservers associated with your domain.  

Linux:  

• Open the terminal by pressing CTRL + ALT + T or searching for “Terminal.”  
• Enter the following command: dig +short ns [yourdomain].tld  
• The output will list the nameservers assigned to your domain.  

macOS:  

• Open Spotlight Search by pressing Command + Spacebar and type Terminal, then press Enter to launch it.  
• Run the following command: dig +short ns [yourdomain].tld  
• This will return the nameservers configured for your domain.  

These methods allow you to verify whether your domain is pointing to the correct hosting provider. If you recently changed your nameservers, remember that DNS updates may take 24 to 48 hours to fully propagate.  

Website security & Nameservers: Protecting your domain 

Your website and domain name are like your home on the internet. Just as you lock your doors at night, you need to protect your online space. Hackers and cybercriminals may try to attack your website or steal sensitive information. Let’s go over how to keep your site secure and running smoothly.  

DNSSEC: Extra protection for your website  

DNSSEC (Domain Name System Security Extensions) acts like a special lock for your website’s address book. Here’s why it’s important:  

• What it does: DNSSEC adds a digital signature to your DNS records, making it much harder for hackers to trick visitors into going to a fake website.  
• Why you need it: Without DNSSEC, cybercriminals could redirect your visitors to a fraudulent site to steal passwords or spread malware.  
• How to use it: Most domain registrars offer DNSSEC and many provide easy tools to enable it.  

If you use Bluehost WordPress hosting, you’re already protected. We automatically enable DNSSEC for all hosted websites, adding an extra layer of security.  

DDoS protection: Preventing large-scale attacks  

DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attacks are one of the biggest threats to websites. Here’s what you need to know:  

• What it is: In a DDoS attack, hackers flood your website with fake traffic, slowing it down or crashing it completely.  
• Why it’s bad: If your site goes offline, you could lose business, frustrate visitors and damage your reputation.  
• How to stop it: Choose a hosting provider with built-in DDoS protection that detects and blocks these attacks.  

With Bluehost WordPress hosting, you get strong DDoS protection. Our system uses smart firewalls and other tools to keep your website online, even if someone tries to overwhelm it with fake traffic.  

By using DNSSEC and DDoS protection, you can significantly reduce security risks and keep your website safe for visitors. Taking these steps now can save you from major problems in the future.  

Final thoughts  

Nameservers are a key part of how the internet works, helping you access websites without needing to remember complex numbers. They make browsing easier and if you understand how they work, they can also help you manage your website. Whether you’re connecting your domain to your web host’s nameservers or setting up your own, knowing how to manage nameservers is important. 

With Bluehost’s DNS Manager or your registrar’s tools, you can easily find and update your nameservers. If you set up custom nameservers on Bluehost, you can use a simple nameserver checker to ensure everything is set up correctly.   

Need a dependable web host? Explore Bluehost WordPress hosting plans to get started today.  

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