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Knowledge Base

VPS & Dedicated Hosting: How to Set Up Custom Name Servers

Custom name servers must manage multiple cPanel accounts on a VPS and a Dedicated Hosting plan. This guide walks through how to set up Custom Name Servers, ensuring your domains point correctly and reliably to your server.

Note: New to custom DNS? Check out our article: What are Name Servers? and Why Use Custom Name Servers?



When to Use Custom Name Servers

If you're hosting multiple websites or reselling web hosting through WHM, setting up private (custom) name servers gives your hosting environment a more professional appearance and full DNS control.

Set Up Custom Name Servers

Add the Custom Nameservers

  1. Log in to your Bluehost Account Manager.
  2. Click the Domains tab on the left navigation menu.
    Domains Tab
    • If you only have one domain in your account, the Domain Overview panel will be displayed immediately.
      Domains tab - New Interface
    • If your account has multiple domains, click on the domain you want to manage to access its management panel. You can also use the Search box to find the domain.
      Domains tab - Search box
  3. From the Domain Overview page, click the Nameservers tab.
    Nameservers tab
  4. At the bottom of the Nameservers page, locate the Custom Nameservers section and click the +ADD button.
    Custom Nameservers ADD button
  5. A pop-up window will appear for you to input the details of your custom nameservers.
    New Custom Nameserver field
  6. Once the details are added, click the ADD button to complete the process.
    New Custom Nameserver Add
  7. A confirmation banner will appear at the top once the new custom nameservers are added properly.
    Confirmation banner

Set Custom A Records for Nameservers

If not already done, you must point these custom nameservers to your server's IP address.

  1. From the Domain Overview page, click the DNS tab.
  2. In Manage Advanced DNS Records, click the + ADD RECORD button.
    Domains tab - DNS tab - + Add Record button
  3. You can either add Single or Multiple Advanced DNS records.
    • If you choose the Single record option, you can only add one DNS record at a time.
      1. Select the record type and enter its values.
    • If you choose the Multiple records option, you can add one or more DNS records.
      1. Select the record type from the dropdown.
      2. Click CONTINUE, then the ADD MORE RECORDS button to add more DNS records.
  4. Enter:
    • Name: ns1 / ns2
    • Value: your server's IP address
    • TTL: default or 14400
  5. Save the record.

Note: For easy instructions on managing DNS records, see our DNS Management.

Register Custom Nameservers with a Third-Party Domain

If your domain is registered outside Bluehost, you must register these nameservers through your registrar's dashboard. This process varies, so here are some helpful links:

Important: Contact your registrar for assistance. Bluehost cannot make changes to external registrar settings.

Summary

Correctly setting up custom name servers is critical to ensuring full control and branding for your VPS and Dedicated Hosting Hosting environment. From configuring A records to updating third-party registrar settings, following these steps guarantees reliable DNS routing and a polished, professional domain setup.

If you need further assistance, feel free to contact us via Chat or Phone:

  • Chat Support - While on our website, you should see a CHAT bubble in the bottom right-hand corner of the page. Click anywhere on the bubble to begin a chat session.
  • Phone Support -
    • US: 888-401-4678
    • International: +1 801-765-9400

You may also refer to our Knowledge Base articles to help answer common questions and guide you through various setup, configuration, and troubleshooting steps.

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