How to Change Your Domain Nameservers

Connect a domain to DNS

Change nameservers only when you want another service to control the domain’s DNS

Nameservers decide where the DNS records for your website and email are managed. Replacing them does not copy existing records. Prepare the new DNS zone first or the website and email may stop working while the change spreads.

FIRSTCopy every required recordWebsite and email
THENChange the delegationUse exact hostnames
AFTERTest both servicesAllow for caching

Which UKC nameservers should I use?

ServiceNameservers
UKC domain parking toolsns.ukc.uk and ns2.ukc.uk
UKC shared hostingUse the pair for your assigned server, such as ns.ukc10.uk and ns2.ukc10.uk
Another providerUse the exact nameservers supplied by that provider

Prepare before changing anything

Record the current setup

Save the existing nameservers and important DNS records so you have a recovery reference.

Create the new DNS zone

Add the website, mail, verification and other required records at the new provider before delegation.

Check email routing

Confirm MX, SPF, DKIM and any provider verification records. A website-only setup can still disrupt email.

Choose a quiet time

Avoid changing critical business services immediately before a launch, deadline or unattended period.

How to change nameservers in the UKC Client Area

  1. 1
    Open My Domains

    Sign in, select the domain and open its domain-management options.

  2. 2
    Choose Nameservers

    Select custom nameservers if the domain is moving to a different DNS provider.

  3. 3
    Enter the complete pair

    Copy every hostname exactly. Do not add IP addresses unless the interface specifically requests glue records.

  4. 4
    Save and monitor

    Check the public delegation, website and email while old cached answers expire.

Nameserver questions

How long does a nameserver change take?

The registry update can be quick, but resolvers may continue using cached answers. Allow up to 24 to 48 hours for a mixed transition.

Will changing nameservers move my website?

No. It changes who answers DNS. The new records must point to the correct website and email services.

Can I use one nameserver from each provider?

No. Use a coherent authoritative set from one DNS service unless you are operating a deliberately coordinated secondary-DNS arrangement.

Prepare, change, test

Move the DNS zone before moving the delegation

That order gives the website and email the best chance of continuing throughout the transition.

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