Change nameservers while keeping your website and email working

Before you start

A nameserver change moves control of DNS answers to a new provider. It does not itself move website files or email. You need access to the domain registrar and both the old and new DNS providers.

Prepare the move

1. Export or save the old DNS records. List websites, subdomains, email and other services using the domain.
2. Add the domain at the new DNS provider. Review imported records individually: automatic discovery may miss records.
3. Compare A, AAAA, CNAME, MX and TXT records in particular. Preserve email SPF, DKIM and DMARC settings and service verification records.
4. If DNSSEC is enabled, follow the new provider's migration instructions. A DS record pointing to the old signing configuration can break resolution if it is not handled during migration.
5. At the registrar, replace the nameservers with the exact names supplied by the new provider. Editing an NS row in the old DNS zone alone is usually insufficient.

Verify the migration

Test the website with and without www, subdomains, and sending and receiving email. Keep the old DNS service available through the transition. Enable DNSSEC at the new provider according to its instructions once the move is verified.

If something stops working

Compare the affected service's records with your original copy. If the entire domain fails, check nameservers and DNSSEC. Record the change time and contact support before making further broad changes.