If your domain is registered with another provider, you may need to point it to HostworX nameservers before your hosting services can work correctly.
Nameservers control where your domain DNS records are managed.
When your domain uses HostworX nameservers, your website, email, and DNS records can usually be managed through your HostworX hosting service.
What Are Nameservers?
Nameservers tell the internet where the DNS records for your domain are managed.
Your domain can only use one active set of nameservers at a time.
If your domain points to HostworX nameservers, HostworX DNS records will be used.
If your domain points to another provider’s nameservers, DNS records must usually be managed at that provider instead.
Before You Start
Before changing nameservers, make sure you understand what services are currently running on your domain.
Changing nameservers can affect:
- Website hosting
- Email delivery
- Subdomains
- DNS records
- External services
- Verification records
- SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records
If your domain already uses external email such as Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, or Zoho Mail, make sure the required email DNS records are added after changing nameservers.
Step 1 – Get the HostworX Nameservers
You will need the HostworX nameservers for your hosting account.
These are usually provided in your hosting welcome email.
If you are unsure which nameservers to use, here are HostworX DNS Servers
ns1.hostworx.co.za
ns2.hostworx.co.za
directadmin.resolving.co.za
Use the exact nameservers provided by HostworX for your hosting service.
Step 2 – Log Into Your Domain Registrar
Log into the account where your domain is registered.
This may be:
- Your domain registrar
- Your previous hosting provider
- A domain management portal
- The company where you purchased the domain
If you are unsure where your domain is registered, contact HostworX Support for assistance.
Step 3 – Open the Domain Management Area
Find the domain you want to update.
Locate: Your domain name, example: yourdomain.co.za
Open the domain management or DNS settings area.
The wording may differ depending on the provider.
Look for options such as:
- Nameservers
- DNS Settings
- Manage Domain
- Domain Settings
- Change Nameservers
Step 4 – Change the Nameservers
Select the option to use custom nameservers.
Enter the HostworX nameservers exactly as provided below.
ns1.hostworx.co.za
ns2.hostworx.co.za
directadmin.resolving.co.za
Do not use these example nameservers unless HostworX has specifically provided them to you.
Step 5 – Save the Nameserver Change
After entering the correct nameservers, save the change.
Click: Save
or
Click: Update Nameservers
The wording may differ depending on your domain registrar.
Step 6 – Allow DNS Propagation
Nameserver changes are not always instant.
Propagation can take a few minutes, a few hours, or sometimes up to 24 to 48 hours.
During this time, your website or email may not work consistently for everyone.
Step 7 – Test Your Website and Email
After propagation, test your services.
Check:
- Website loads correctly
- Webmail works
- Email sends and receives
- SSL works
- Subdomains load correctly
- External services still verify correctly
If you use Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, Zoho Mail, or another external email provider, confirm that the correct MX, SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records are active.
Important Notes
Please keep the following in mind:
- Nameserver changes affect the entire domain.
- DNS records must exist at the active nameserver provider.
- If email DNS records are missing, email may stop working.
- Nameserver changes may take up to 24 to 48 hours to propagate.
- Do not repeatedly change nameservers while troubleshooting.
- Use the exact nameservers provided by HostworX.
When Should I Contact HostworX Support?
Contact HostworX Support before changing nameservers if:
- You use external email.
- You are unsure where DNS is currently managed.
- You have important TXT, SPF, DKIM, or DMARC records.
- You have subdomains pointing to external services.
- You are moving a live website.
- You are not sure which HostworX nameservers to use.
Conclusion
Pointing your domain to HostworX nameservers allows your DNS to be managed through your HostworX hosting service.
Before changing nameservers, make sure important website, email, and verification records are copied or recreated if needed.
After updating nameservers, allow time for DNS propagation and test your website and email carefully.
