How to Add Custom Nameservers for Your Domain

Last updated September 11, 2026 · 2 min read · Print

Overview

Custom (child) nameservers let you use your own domain — like ns1.yourdomain.com — instead of your host’s default nameservers. This is required for reseller hosting and recommended for white-label setups.

Step 1: Create Child Nameservers

Log in to your domain registrar’s control panel and create two child nameserver (glue) records, pointing each to your server’s IP address:

ns1.yourdomain.com → your primary server IP
ns2.yourdomain.com → your secondary server IP

Step 2: Point Your Domain

Once the child nameservers are created, update your domain’s nameserver settings to use ns1.yourdomain.com and ns2.yourdomain.com instead of the registrar’s defaults.

Step 3: Wait for Propagation

DNS changes can take anywhere from a few minutes up to 24-48 hours to propagate fully across the internet. Avoid making further DNS changes during this window.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need custom nameservers for a normal website?

No — custom nameservers are mainly needed for reseller hosting or white-label branding. A normal website can just use your host's default nameservers.

How do I check if propagation is complete?

Use a tool like whatsmydns.net to check your nameserver records from multiple locations worldwide.

Was this article helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!