Domains Tab - Nameservers

Nameservers point to where the Zone Files for a domain are managed. Zone Files (such as A records, MX records, and CNAME records) direct where parts of a domain point to (such as website, email, etc.). Where name servers for a domain are directed can be changed only with the registrar where the domain is currently registered. By default, domains registered with us are pointed at the designated name server for that brand.

• What are Nameservers
• How to Change Nameservers
• What are the default Nameservers for Bluehost
• What are Custom Nameservers
• How to Create Custom Nameservers
• Summary

What are Nameservers

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. However, people usually use the term to refer to 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.

How to Change Your Nameservers

1. Log in to your Bluehost Account Manager.
2. Navigate to the side menu on the left and click Domains.

   

3. Depending on the number of domains in your account the Domains section's interface may look slightly different. Full descriptions of each feature are discussed below.
    
   • If you only have one domain name in your account, you will be redirected to the domain's details page right away.
   • If you have multiple domain names in your account, click the domain name that you need to modify.
   
    
4. Select the Nameservers tab.
   
   
    
5. In the Nameservers section, click the CHANGE NAMESERVERS button.

   
    

6. Input the new Nameservers.
     
7. Click the Save button to ensure that any changes you have made are saved.

   

What are the default Nameservers for Bluehost

Bluehost Default Nameservers:

• ns1.bluehost.com
• ns2.bluehost.com

What are Custom Nameservers

Custom nameservers (also called private or child nameservers) are DNS servers that are associated with a specific domain instead of the default nameservers provided by your hosting provider.

Benefits of Using Private Nameservers:

• Branding: Using your own nameservers allows you to create a more professional and branded look for your website, using your domain name in the nameserver name.
• Flexibility: If you decide to switch hosting providers, you only need to update the IP addresses of your nameservers, rather than changing the nameservers for each domain.
• Control: You have more control over your DNS records, allowing you to manage special settings that might not be available with regular hosting nameservers.
• Privacy and Security: Your domains won't directly link to your hosting provider's public nameservers, offering more privacy and potentially improving security by reducing the need for third-party DNS services.
• Easier for Clients: If you run several websites or offer hosting services, a private nameserver makes it easier for clients to connect their domain to your brand.

How to Create Custom Nameservers

1. Log in to your Bluehost Account Manager.
2. Navigate to the side menu on the left and click Domains.
   
    
3. Depending on the number of domains in your account the Domains section's interface may look slightly different. Full descriptions of each feature are discussed below.
   • ​​​​If you only have one domain name in your account, you will be redirected to the domain's details page right away.
   • If you have multiple domain names in your account, click the domain name that you need to modify.
4. Select the Nameservers tab.
    
5. At the bottom part of the Nameservers page, locate the Custom Nameservers section and click the +ADD button.
    
6. A pop-up window will appear for you to input the details of your custom nameservers.
    
7. Once the details are added, click the ADD button to complete the process.
   
    
8. A confirmation banner will appear at the top once the new custom nameservers are added properly.

Summary

Nameservers translate domain names into IP addresses, directing internet traffic to the correct locations. They manage Zone Files (like A records, MX records, and CNAME records) for websites and emails. You can change nameservers only through the domain's registrar. Bluehost's default nameservers are ns1.bluehost.com and ns2.bluehost.com. Custom nameservers offer benefits like branding, flexibility, control, privacy, and ease for clients. To change or create nameservers, log into your account, navigate to Domains, select your domain, and update the nameservers. Changes may take 24-48 hours to propagate.