Nameserver Change: Migration Guide

Migrate to new DNS servers without losing your traffic.

Changing nameservers (NS) is a major operation that can interrupt all your services if poorly executed. NS are configured at registrar level and point to servers hosting your DNS zone. An NS change means all DNS queries for your domain will go to new servers. If the zone isn't ready on new NS, your domain becomes inaccessible. Preparation is key.

Problems During NS Change

  • Site inaccessible because zone doesn't exist on new NS
  • Lost emails because MX aren't configured
  • Propagation takes days instead of planned hours
  • Old NS continue receiving queries for a long time

Common Mistakes

  • Zone not prepared: You change NS before recreating all records at new provider.
  • High NS TTL: NS record TTL at TLD level is often 48h. NS propagation is slower than A record propagation.
  • Forgotten records: You copied main records (A, MX) but forgot subdomains, SPF, DKIM...

NS Migration Procedure

  1. Fully export your current DNS zone (all records).
  2. Create and configure complete zone at new DNS provider.
  3. Test new NS: dig @new-ns1.example.com yourdomain.com
  4. Once validated, change NS at registrar level and monitor propagation.

Migration Monitoring with MoniTao

MoniTao accompanies your migration:

  • Verification that new NS respond correctly before switch
  • Monitoring new NS propagation worldwide
  • Alert if a critical record disappears during migration

Stress-Free NS Migration

  • Prepare new zone 1 week before actual migration
  • Have a colleague validate new zone: 4 eyes see more errors
  • Keep old NS functional for 1 week after change
  • Plan a rollback: be able to restore old NS if problems arise

FAQ - NS Change

How long does NS propagation take?

Longer than a simple A record. Expect 24-48h for global propagation, sometimes 72h.

Can I test new NS before migrating?

Yes, query them directly with dig @new-ns. Verify your entire zone is there.

What happens during propagation?

Some resolvers use old NS, others new ones. Both must return the same data.

Should I delete old NS immediately?

No. Keep them active and synchronized for 1 week. Queries may still reach them.

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