Why Change DNS Nameservers at GoDaddy?

DNS nameservers act as the internet’s phonebook, translating human-readable domain names (like example.com) into machine-readable IP addresses. When you change your nameservers, you’re telling the internet where to find your website’s files and email services. Common reasons for updating nameservers include:

Switching web hosts: If you move your website to a new hosting provider, you’ll need to update your nameservers to point to the new host’s DNS servers.
Using a third-party DNS service: Services like Cloudflare, Amazon Route 53, or Google Cloud DNS require you to update your nameservers to their own.
Improving performance or security: Some users switch to premium DNS providers for faster resolution, better uptime, or advanced security features.
Setting up a CDN: Content Delivery Networks (CDNs) often require custom nameservers to route traffic efficiently.
Managing email separately: If your email is hosted with a different provider (e.g., Google Workspace, Microsoft 365), you may need to update nameservers or DNS records accordingly.

Before You Begin: Important Preparations

Before changing your nameservers, take these precautions to ensure a smooth transition:

Backup your current DNS records: Screenshot or export all existing DNS records (A, MX, CNAME, TXT, etc.) from your GoDaddy account. This ensures you can restore settings if something goes wrong.
Verify new nameservers: Confirm the correct nameservers with your new hosting provider or DNS service. These are typically provided in a welcome email or your account dashboard.
Check TTL settings: Lower the TTL (Time to Live) for your DNS records to 300 seconds (5 minutes) at least 24 hours before the change. This reduces propagation time and minimizes downtime.
Avoid peak traffic times: Schedule the change during low-traffic periods to reduce the impact on visitors.
Ensure DNS records are replicated: If you’re moving to a new DNS provider, make sure all necessary records (MX for email, CNAME for subdomains, etc.) are already set up there before switching nameservers.

Step-by-Step Guide to Changing DNS Nameservers at GoDaddy

Step 1: Log in to Your GoDaddy Account

Visit GoDaddy’s website and sign in using your username, customer ID, or email and password. If you have two-step verification enabled, complete the authentication process.

Step 2: Navigate to the Domain Management Section

Once logged in, you’ll land on your GoDaddy dashboard. Under the “Products” section, locate and click on “Domains.” This will display a list of all domains registered under your account.

Step 3: Select the Domain You Want to Update

Find the domain for which you want to change the nameservers and click on the three-dot menu (⋮) next to it. From the dropdown, select “Manage DNS.”

Step 4: Access the Nameservers Settings

On the domain management page, scroll down to the “Nameservers” section. Here, you’ll see your current nameservers (usually GoDaddy’s default, such as ns63.domaincontrol.com and ns64.domaincontrol.com). Click the “Change” button to proceed.

Step 5: Choose Your Nameserver Option

GoDaddy offers two main options:

Default (GoDaddy nameservers): This keeps your DNS managed by GoDaddy. Use this if you’re not switching providers.
Custom (I’ll use my own nameservers): Select this option if you’re switching to a third-party DNS provider or hosting service. Enter the new nameservers provided by your host or DNS service. You’ll need at least two nameservers, but some providers require more.

Step 6: Enter the New Nameservers

If you selected “Custom,” enter the new nameservers in the provided fields. Double-check for typos, as incorrect entries can cause your website and email to stop working. Example:

ns1.yourhostingprovider.com
ns2.yourhostingprovider.com

Step 7: Save Your Changes

After entering the new nameservers, click “Save” or “Continue.” GoDaddy may prompt you to confirm the change, especially if Domain Protection is enabled. Follow any additional verification steps, such as entering a 2SV code sent to your phone or authenticator app.

Step 8: Wait for DNS Propagation

DNS changes are not instant. Propagation—the process of updating DNS records across the internet—can take anywhere from a few minutes to 48 hours. During this time, some visitors may still be directed to your old nameservers. Monitor your site’s availability using tools like DNS Checker or What’s My DNS.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

Even with careful planning, issues can arise. Here’s how to address the most common problems:

Website or email downtime: If your site or email stops working, verify that all DNS records (A, MX, CNAME, etc.) are correctly set up with your new provider. Missing or incorrect records are the most common cause of downtime.
DNS propagation delays: If changes aren’t reflecting after 48 hours, clear your browser cache or use a different network/device to check. You can also flush your local DNS cache (on Windows, run ipconfig /flushdns in Command Prompt; on macOS, use sudo dscacheutil -flushcache).
Incorrect nameservers: Double-check the nameservers provided by your new host. If you entered them incorrectly, repeat the process with the correct details.
GoDaddy verification requirements: Some domains with Domain Protection may require additional identity verification before changes take effect. Ensure your contact information is up to date in your GoDaddy account.
Email delivery issues: If emails bounce after the switch, confirm that your MX records are correctly configured with your new DNS provider.

Best Practices for a Seamless Transition

Test before finalizing: Use a temporary hosts file entry or a tool like Host-Tracker to preview your site on the new server before fully switching nameservers.
Monitor after the change: Keep an eye on your website and email for at least 72 hours post-change. Use uptime monitoring tools like UptimeRobot or Pingdom to alert you of any issues.
Update all services: If you use third-party services (e.g., SSL certificates, CDNs, or security plugins), update their configurations to reflect the new DNS settings.
Communicate with stakeholders: Inform your team, clients, or users about the planned change, especially if downtime is expected.

Pro Tips for Advanced Users

Use DNSSEC for security: If your new DNS provider supports DNSSEC, enable it to protect against DNS spoofing attacks.
Leverage CDN for performance: If you’re using a CDN like Cloudflare, configure it to cache your site globally and improve load times.
Set up redirects: If you’re migrating to a new host, set up 301 redirects for any changed URLs to preserve SEO rankings.
Check for mixed content: After switching, ensure all resources (images, scripts, stylesheets) load over HTTPS to avoid security warnings.
Automate DNS management: For developers, consider using APIs (like GoDaddy’s or Cloudflare’s) to automate DNS updates and reduce human error.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How long does it take for DNS changes to propagate?

Propagation typically takes 24–48 hours, but it can vary depending on your domain’s TTL settings and ISP caching policies. Lowering the TTL before making changes can speed up the process.

Can I revert to GoDaddy’s default nameservers?

Yes. Simply follow the same steps and select “Default” in the nameservers section. However, ensure all necessary DNS records are still present in your GoDaddy account.

Will changing nameservers affect my email?

Yes, if your email is hosted with your previous provider. Before switching, ensure your MX records are correctly set up with your new DNS provider to avoid email disruptions.

What if I enter the wrong nameservers?

If you enter incorrect nameservers, your website and email may become inaccessible. Double-check the nameservers provided by your new host. If you make a mistake, revert to the previous nameservers immediately and correct the error.

Do I need to change nameservers if I’m only updating DNS records?

No. If you’re only updating individual DNS records (e.g., A, CNAME, MX), you can do so without changing nameservers, provided your domain uses GoDaddy’s default nameservers.

Can I use both GoDaddy and a third-party DNS provider?

No. Your domain can only use one set of nameservers at a time. If you switch to a third-party provider, all DNS management must be done through their platform.

What is DNS propagation, and why does it take so long?

DNS propagation is the time it takes for updated DNS records to spread across the internet’s DNS servers. The delay is due to caching by ISPs and other DNS resolvers, which respect the TTL value of your records.

Conclusion

Changing DNS nameservers at GoDaddy is a straightforward process, but it requires careful preparation and attention to detail. By following this guide, you can minimize downtime, avoid common pitfalls, and ensure a smooth transition to your new hosting or DNS provider. Always back up your DNS records, verify new settings, and monitor your site post-change to address any issues promptly. With the right approach, you can update your nameservers confidently and keep your online presence running smoothly.

Recommended For You