What are name servers (NS records)?

Name servers are the servers that hold and answer the DNS records of your domain. NS records name them.

What they do

When someone looks up your website or mail server, the question ends at your name servers. They return the A, MX, TXT and other records you have set up. If no name server answers, the domain effectively cannot be found online.

Where they are set

The list of name servers is registered with the registry of your domain's top-level domain, usually through your registrar. It must match where you actually edit your records.

Why there are several

A domain normally lists at least two name servers, so lookups keep working if one is unreachable.

What changing them means

Switching name servers moves control of all DNS records to a new provider. Records that are not copied over stop working, which is why mail and website records should be in place before the switch.

DNS Domain Detective shows the name servers of a domain, so you can see who answers for it. Open DNS Domain Detective

Related tips

DNS Domain Detective is now available on the App Store.

Last reviewed: 2026-11-02

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This page gives general information and is not legal, financial or medical advice. [email protected]