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How to Change GoDaddy Name Servers

While HostGator cannot modify name servers at third-party registrars on your behalf, we can provide you with instructions on how to do so. Here's how you can change your name servers at GoDaddy.

Why change name servers?

You may be asking yourself, "Why do I need to change my domain's name servers?" If you purchased HostGator hosting, but your domain is over at GoDaddy, you essentially need to tell your domain that it needs to look at HostGator for its website files and emails. You do this by updating the name servers. After updating your name servers, you may choose to then work on transferring your domain over to HostGator so that you can manage the domain and hosting all in one place. If you are interested in transferring your domain, check out the article How Can I Transfer My Domain to HostGator?

How to Point a GoDaddy Domain to HostGator

While we try to make sure you have the most up-to-date information, GoDaddy is a third party, and the steps to update your domain's name server may change without us knowing.

Step 1: Find your hosting account information

The first step is to find out which name servers you should use for your HostGator hosting account. This varies by server and hosting. For instructions on how to find out your name servers, please read the article:

Step 2: Change the name servers

  1. Log in to your GoDaddy Domain Control Center.
  2. Click on your domain name, then navigate to the Domains Settings section. 
  3. Click Manage DNS found in the Additional Settings section.
  4. Click Change in Name servers
  5. Choose the option Enter my own nameservers (advanced).
  6. On the next page, enter your two HostGator name servers.
  7. Click Save or Connect to finalize the changes.
  8. Click a check on the box next to Yes, I consent to the update of name servers.
  9. You may receive a verification email to confirm the change.
  10. Once confirmed, you can now see your updates by logging back into your GoDaddy account and navigating to the Nameservers section again.
Note: Once you have made changes to your name servers at the registrar (GoDaddy), there will be 24-48 hours of DNS propagation time during which your website and email may not be available.

HostGator customers can change their domain DNS within the Customer Portal and cPanel interface. For more information, please see the following articles: