Nameservers are part of the Domain Name System (DNS) — the system that connects your domain name to your website.
In simple terms, nameservers tell your domain where your website is hosted. When someone types your domain into their browser, they help direct them to the right place so your site can load.
What do nameservers do?
Every domain is linked to a set of nameservers. These nameservers store DNS records, which act like instructions for where different parts of your domain should point.
They help direct:
✓ Your website to your hosting provider
✓ Your emails to your email service
✓ Subdomains (like shop.yourdomain.co.uk) to the right place
Without nameservers, your domain wouldn’t know where to send visitors.
If you’re using a 123 Reg product like Website Builder or Managed WordPress, this is generally all set up for you. Your domain is connected automatically, so you don’t need to worry about the technical side.
Why nameservers matter
Nameservers are what make your domain work online.
You might have registered the right domain name, but until it’s connected to hosting via nameservers, your website won’t appear.
They also give you flexibility. You can update nameservers to point your domain to a different provider, website, or service whenever you need.
Why would you change your nameservers?
Most of the time, you won’t need to change your nameservers. That said, there are a few common reasons you might want to update them:
✓ You’re moving your website to a different hosting provider
✓ You want to use a different email service
✓ You’re connecting your domain to a third-party platform or tool
✓ You need more control over your DNS settings
Changing your nameservers simply points your domain somewhere new, so your website and services continue to work as expected.
How nameservers work
Let’s say you’ve registered a domain and bought hosting.
When you connect the two, you update your domain’s nameservers to match your hosting provider. Once that’s done, your domain knows where your website lives — and visitors can find it.
If you ever move your website to a new provider, you simply update your nameservers again.
Changing your nameservers
Updating your nameservers is usually quick and straightforward, and most providers guide you through it.
If you’re using 123 Reg, you can follow this step-by-step guide:
- How do I change the nameservers for my domain name?
- What are the 123 Reg Nameservers and how do I point to or reset them?
Once updated, changes can take a few hours (sometimes up to 48 hours) to fully take effect across the internet.
Connecting your domain to your website
Nameservers are one of the main ways to connect your domain to your website.
If you’re just getting started or want a full walkthrough, take a look at: How Do I Connect My Domain to My Website? A 123 Reg Guide
