Nameservers function as the navigational system for your domain, directing visitors to the correct hosting server. If you’ve recently moved your website to a new host, updating your nameservers is essential to ensure your site loads properly for all users.
We understand that this process can appear technical or intimidating, especially if you're concerned about disrupting your site or losing access.
To help, we’ve developed this step-by-step guide with clear instructions, visuals, and practical tips designed specifically for beginners. Our goal is to make the process of updating your domain’s nameservers straightforward and stress-free, allowing you to confidently connect your domain to your new web hosting provider.
Nameservers determine which server controls your domain’s DNS settings and handle the process of translating domain names into IP addresses. When you change hosting providers, your website will only function correctly once you update the domain to point to the new host.
This guide will walk you through how to point your domain to a new web host by updating its nameservers. This allows you to transfer your website to a different hosting provider while still using your existing domain name.
Why Update a Domain’s Nameservers
A common reason to change nameservers is to connect your domain to a new hosting provider. For instance, if you’ve recently migrated your website to a different host, your domain may still be linked to the previous provider. Until you update the nameservers, visitors may not be directed to your new site.
What Are Nameservers?
Nameservers are a fundamental component of the Domain Name System (DNS) that links your domain name to the server where your website is hosted. When someone enters your domain into a browser, nameservers direct the request to the appropriate server so the website can be displayed.
In simple terms, nameservers act like a GPS for your domain, guiding visitors to the correct destination by connecting the domain name to the right web hosting server.
Why and When Should You Change Domain Nameservers?
You may need to change your domain’s nameservers for a few important reasons. One common situation is when you move your website to a new hosting provider. In this case, updating the nameservers ensures that visitors are directed to the new hosting environment, which is crucial because your previous host may remove your site’s files once your plan expires, making the site inaccessible if the nameservers are not updated. Another reason to change nameservers is when setting up a web application firewall (WAF) like Cloudflare or Sucuri. These services often require pointing your domain’s nameservers to their platform so they can filter incoming traffic at the DNS level and protect your site from malicious activity. Apart from these scenarios, changing nameservers is generally not necessary, although you might occasionally need to adjust specific DNS records such as MX records for professional email setup. With these considerations in mind, let’s review how to update your domain’s nameservers and point them to your new hosting provider.
How to Update Nameservers on MokoHost
Changing your nameservers is a straightforward process. While the exact steps may vary slightly depending on your domain registrar, the overall procedure remains consistent across most platforms.
Step 1: Log in to your MokoHost mPortal
Head to the MokoHost client portal and sign in to your account.
Step 2: Navigate to your domain management area
Go to Domains → Manage Domain (next to the domain you want to update), follow the image and click on the manage domains progressively.
(1)
(2)
(3)
Step 3: Select “Nameservers”
Within the domain settings, find the Nameservers section.
Step 4: Switch to using custom nameservers
Choose the option labeled “Use Custom Nameservers.”
Step 5: Enter the new nameservers
Input the four MokoHost-managed DNS nameservers:
- 10186.dns1.managedns.org
- 10186.dns2.managedns.org
- 10186.dns3.managedns.org
- 10186.dns4.managedns.org
This enables DNS management via MokoHost.
Step 6: Save the changes
Submit or confirm the update. The change will begin propagating across the internet.
Step 7: Wait for propagation
DNS changes typically take a few hours to propagate globally, though it can sometimes take up to 48 hours.
Step 8: Manage DNS records (optional)
Once the new nameservers are active, you can add or modify DNS records (A, CNAME, MX, TXT, etc.) under the DNS Management section in your mPorta
Conclusion
Updating your domain's nameservers on MokoHost is a simple yet essential step when switching hosting providers or configuring services like a web application firewall. By pointing your domain to the correct nameservers, you ensure your website remains accessible and functions properly. if you are moving to a new host or enhancing your site’s security, following the outlined steps will help you make the transition smoothly. If you encounter any issues during the process, MokoHost’s support team is always available to assist you.
