Change nameservers on GoDaddy: Guide to Changing Nameservers at GoDaddy
If you’re an experienced website owner, you’re likely acquainted with the process of changing nameservers. Whether you’re transferring your website to a new host or updating your domain settings, updating nameservers is an essential task that every website owner should know. This article will focus on the technical details of changing nameservers at GoDaddy, one of the leading domain registrars and hosting providers globally.
GoDaddy is renowned for its user-friendly interface and its suite of powerful tools for managing domain names and hosting services. Changing nameservers at GoDaddy is a straightforward process that expert users can accomplish with ease. After reading this article, you’ll have the technical know-how and confidence to update your nameservers without any difficulty.
What are Nameservers?
Before we dive into the step-by-step process of changing nameservers at GoDaddy, it’s important to understand what nameservers are and why they are important for your website.
Nameservers are like the GPS of the internet. They are the servers responsible for translating domain names into IP addresses, which are used to locate and identify websites on the internet. When you type a domain name into your web browser, the nameservers help to direct your browser to the correct IP address, where the website is hosted.
Changing nameservers allows you to point your domain name to a different web hosting provider, where your website files and data are stored. This is essential when you are moving your website to a new hosting provider, or if you want to use a different hosting service while keeping your domain with the same registrar.
Step-by-Step Guide to Change Nameservers at GoDaddy
Now that we understand the importance of nameservers, let’s take a look at how to change nameservers at GoDaddy. Follow these steps to update your nameservers with ease:
Step 1: Log in to your GoDaddy account
Go to GoDaddy.com and log in to your account using your username and password. Once logged in, you will see a list of your domain names and hosting services. Click on the “Manage domains” option to view a list of all the domain names you have registered with GoDaddy.
Step 2: Select the domain you want to manage
Find the domain name for which you want to change the nameservers, and click on it to select it. This will take you to the domain management dashboard, where you can make changes to the domain settings.
Step 3: Access the Nameservers section
Once you are in the domain management dashboard, look for the “Nameservers” section. This is where you can update the nameservers for your domain. Click on the “Change” button to proceed to the next step.
Step 4: Enter the new nameserver information
In the nameserver settings, you will see fields where you can enter the new nameserver information. You will typically have to enter two nameserver addresses, which are provided by your new web hosting provider. These nameserver addresses will look something like “ns1.example.com” and “ns2.example.com.” Enter the nameserver addresses provided by your new hosting provider into the respective fields.
Step 5: Save your changes
After entering the new nameserver information, click on the “Save” or “Update” button to save your changes. It may take some time for the changes to take effect, as the new nameserver information needs to propagate across the internet. Once the changes have been saved, your domain will be pointed to the new hosting provider’s servers.
Frequently Asked Questions about Changing Nameservers at GoDaddy
Q: How long does it take for nameserver changes to take effect?
A: Nameserver changes typically take anywhere from a few hours to 48 hours to propagate across the internet. During this time, some users may still see your website at the old hosting provider, while others will see it at the new hosting provider, depending on their internet service provider and location.
Q: Do I need to update my nameservers if I am only changing web hosting within GoDaddy?
A: If you are moving your website to a new hosting plan within GoDaddy, you do not need to change your nameservers. You can simply update the hosting settings within your GoDaddy account, and your website will be moved to the new hosting plan without the need to change nameservers.
Q: What happens if I enter the wrong nameserver addresses?
A: If you enter the wrong nameserver addresses, your website may not be accessible until the correct nameservers are entered. Make sure to double-check the nameserver information provided by your new hosting provider before making any changes.
Q: Can I revert to the old nameservers if I make a mistake?
A: If you make a mistake when entering new nameserver information, you can always revert to the old nameservers by going back to the “Nameservers” section in your GoDaddy account and selecting the option to use the default nameservers provided by GoDaddy.
Q: Do I need to contact customer support to change nameservers at GoDaddy?
A: No, you can change nameservers on your own through the GoDaddy account dashboard. However, if you encounter any issues or need assistance, GoDaddy’s customer support team is available 24/7 to provide guidance and help with any domain-related tasks.
Conclusion
Changing nameservers at GoDaddy is a simple and important task for website owners. By following the step-by-step guide provided in this article, you can confidently update your nameservers to point your domain to a new hosting provider. Understanding the process of changing nameservers is essential for managing your website, and it is a skill that every website owner should have in their toolkit. If you have any additional questions or need further assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to GoDaddy’s customer support team for help.