What an NS record is
An NS (name server) record says which servers are in charge of a domain's DNS. Every other record of the domain is stored on those servers.
example.com. 86400 IN NS ns1.dnsprovider.com.
example.com. 86400 IN NS ns2.dnsprovider.com.The names tell you who runs the domain's DNS. That is often not the company where the domain was bought.
NS records live in two places
The same list exists twice: at the registry (set through your registrar, where you bought the domain) and inside the zone itself (set at your DNS provider).
The registry's copy is the one that sends traffic to your provider. If you change DNS provider and only edit the zone, nothing moves. Change the name servers at the registrar.
Common NS mistakes
- Editing records at the wrong company. Changes made at a provider the NS records do not point to have no effect. Run this lookup first to see who is in charge.
- One name server only. If it goes down the whole domain disappears. Use at least two, on different networks.
- A mixed list during a move. Half the resolvers ask the old provider and half ask the new. Copy every record to the new provider before you switch.