How to Register Custom Nameservers for Your Domain
Nameservers are the backbone of your domain’s DNS system-they translate human-friendly domain names into IP addresses that computers understand. Think of them like a digital phonebook. When someone types your domain into their browser, nameservers direct them to the right server where your website lives.
For example:
- ns1.your-domain.com
- ns2.your-domain.com
At Vivint Host, we make it easy for you to register your own custom nameservers at no extra cost. Some registrars charge hefty fees for this, but we believe in keeping things simple and affordable for our customers.
This guide walks you through setting up private nameservers if your domain is registered with Vivint Host. If your domain is with another registrar (like GoDaddy, Cloudflare, or Namecheap), the process is similar, but you’ll need to configure glue records through their system-which can take more time and sometimes additional fees. For the smoothest experience, we recommend registering your domain with us first.
Step-by-Step Guide to Registering Custom Nameservers
Follow these steps to set up your own nameservers with Vivint Host:
Step 1: Log in to Your Vivint Host Account
Access your client area using your credentials. If you need help logging in, contact our support team.
Step 2: Navigate to the Domains Section
Once logged in, click on "Domains" in the dashboard.
Step 3: Select Your Domain
Find the domain you want to use for your nameservers and click the three-dot menu (⋮) next to it. Then, select "Manage Domain."
(Example: If your domain is YourBrand.com, select that.)
Step 4: Access Private Nameservers
In the domain management panel, click "Private Nameservers" from the left-hand menu.
Step 5: Enter Nameserver Details
- Fill in ns1.your-domain.com and its corresponding IP address.
- Repeat for ns2.your-domain.com with its matching IP.
(Need your server’s IP? Find it in My Cloud > My Services under your active hosting plan.)
Once both nameservers are entered, click "Save Changes."
Pro Tip: You can edit or remove these nameservers anytime by revisiting this section.
Step 6: Update DNS Records in WHM/cPanel
After registering your nameservers, you must also add A records in WHM/cPanel:
- Log in to WHM.
- Go to Zone Editor and add A records for NS1 and NS2, pointing to the same IPs used earlier.
Step 7: Configure Nameservers in WHM
- In WHM, navigate to Basic WebHost Manager Setup (top-left).
- Enable "Explicitly Set the Nameservers."
- Enter: (ns1.your-domain.com) (ns2.your-domain.com)
- Click "Save Changes."
Verify Your Nameservers
To ensure everything works correctly, use our DNS Checker Tool to confirm your nameservers are active.
Why Use Custom Nameservers?
- Branding: Instead of generic nameservers (like ns1.hostingprovider.com), use your own (ns1.yourbrand.com).
- Control: Manage DNS settings seamlessly under your domain.
- Trust: Professional appearance for clients using your hosting services.
Need Help? Vivint Host Support Has Your Back
Setting up nameservers can be technical, but you’re not alone. If you run into any issues, our 24/7 expert support team is ready to assist-just reach out!
(Bonus: If your domain is registered with Vivint Host, support is even faster!)