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Knowledge Base
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Use Custom Name Servers

What are Name Servers?

For your website to be easily accessible on the internet, you need domain name servers. These servers act as the root location for your website's name and help direct traffic to it. It is crucial to be aware of the IP address of your name server, just like a store owner should know their physical address.

Knowing your name server becomes important in various situations, such as when you purchase a domain name from a registrar that is different from your web hosting platform. You must point your domain name to the correct location in such cases. Similarly, if you switch to a new web hosting company, you can redirect your domain name to your new hosting provider's name servers. By doing so, you can avoid any traffic disruption and continue using your existing domain name.

Why Use Custom Name Servers?

Not all websites require custom name servers (private name servers), but there are advantages to having one. By using custom name servers, you can improve your branding, easily switch to hosting providers, and have greater control over your DNS, privacy, and security.

Note:
  • If you purchased your domain from Bluehost, you could manage your domain name servers through your Domain Manager. Remember that any updates to your name servers can take up to 72 hours to propagate.
  • If you did NOT purchase your domain from us, you cannot change the name servers here because we don't control the domain. Please contact the domain's registrar (where you bought the domain) and ask how to update the name server. Most domain registrars have a tool that you can use to do this yourself. Simply remove the current name servers and change them with the name servers from your welcome email.

How Do I Create/Update Custom Name Servers?

To create or update custom name servers, follow these steps:

  1. Log in to your Bluehost Account Manager.
  2. Click the Domains tab on the left side of your Account Manager homepage.
  3. Click the Custom Nameservers tab.
    Domains tab and Custom Nameservers tab
  4. In the Manage Name Servers section, you can:
    • Enter your custom name server in the first input box to create or edit, and then click Go.
    • Enter your existing custom name server in the second input box to replace an existing one.
      Fields to enter custom nameservers
  5. Once you select the first option, you will then be routed to a page to enter the server IP address. Then click Go.
    Fields to enter custom nameservers
  6. Confirm the information is correct, then click Save Changes.
    Fields to enter custom nameservers

Your new DNS settings will begin to propagate as soon as you save your changes. Each ISP updates at a different rate, usually taking 24 - 72 hours to complete worldwide. During this time, your emails will be down, and your web traffic will be directed to either the old or new host, depending on the visitor's ISP.

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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