If you'd rather manage your domain's DNS through another provider, you can point your domain to their nameservers (the settings that tell the internet which company looks after your domain's records). This guide walks you through changing your nameservers in Rocketspark, how long it takes, and how to switch back if you need to.
Change your nameservers (point your domain elsewhere)
Nameservers decide who manages your domain's DNS records. By default your domain uses Rocketspark's nameservers, so Rocketspark handles the records that connect your website and email. When you enter custom nameservers, you're handing that job to a different DNS provider.
⚠ Before you change anything: Changing your nameservers moves all of your domain's DNS management to the other provider. That includes the records for your website and your email. If those records aren't set up correctly on the new provider, your site can stop loading and your email can stop working. Make sure your new provider has the right records ready before you switch.
- Log into your Rocketspark Dashboard using your log-in details.
- Click Domain Names in the left-hand menu.
- Find the domain you are looking to change the nameservers on, click the pencil icon to the left of the domain name.
- Click the DNS Settings tab.
- It doesn't matter whether you are in basic or advanced DNS, click Edit Nameservers.
- A pop-up box will ask you to enter/edit your nameservers. Enter the relevant nameservers.
- Click Save, and your nameservers will be updated.
How long nameserver changes take
Nameserver changes can take up to 24 hours to apply across the internet. During that time some people may still reach your old setup while others see the new one, which is normal while the change works its way through.
If nothing has updated after 24 hours, it's worth double-checking that the nameservers were entered exactly as your provider gave them to you, then get in touch with us.
Switching back to Rocketspark's nameservers
You can move your domain back to Rocketspark's nameservers at any time. Head to the same Edit Nameservers window and set it back to Rocketspark. Like the original change, this can take up to 24 hours to take effect.
Tips and things to watch out for
- Enter the nameservers exactly as your provider gives them to you. A small typo is one of the most common reasons a change doesn't work.
- Give it time. Most changes are working well before 24 hours, but the full update can take that long, so try not to worry if it's not instant.
- Remember that email travels through DNS too. If your email runs on your domain, moving your nameservers affects it as well as your website.
Frequently asked questions
What are nameservers?
Nameservers are the settings that tell the internet which company manages your domain's DNS records. Whoever your nameservers point to is in charge of connecting your website, email, and anything else on your domain.
What's the difference between nameservers and DNS records?
Nameservers decide who manages your records. DNS records are the individual settings (like the ones for your website and email) that live with whoever your nameservers point to. If you only need to change one record, you may be able to edit it in Rocketspark without changing your nameservers at all.
Will changing my nameservers affect my email?
Yes. Your email settings are part of your domain's DNS, so moving your nameservers moves your email management to the new provider too. Make sure your email records are set up there before you switch.
How long do nameserver changes take to work?
Up to 24 hours. Most changes happen sooner, but allow a full day before assuming something has gone wrong.
Can I switch back to Rocketspark's nameservers?
Yes, any time. Go back to the Edit Nameservers window and set it to Rocketspark. This also takes up to 24 hours to take effect.
My website or email stopped working after I changed my nameservers. What now?
This usually means the records on your new DNS provider aren't set up correctly yet. Check with that provider that your website and email records are in place, and if you're still stuck, get in touch with us.
Need more help?
If you're still stuck, flick us a message at support@rocketspark.com and we're happy to help.