Are you setting up a website with Bluehost as your hosting provider? One important step in the process is configuring your nameservers. In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about Bluehost nameservers and how to set them up correctly.
What are Nameservers?
Before we dive into Bluehost nameservers specifically, let’s first understand what nameservers are and why they are important. A nameserver, also known as DNS (Domain Name System) server, is responsible for translating domain names into IP addresses. Every website has an IP address, but instead of remembering a long string of numbers, we use domain names to access websites. When someone types in a domain name, the nameserver will determine the corresponding IP address and direct the user to the correct website.
Nameservers are crucial for website owners as they connect their domain name with their hosting provider. Without properly configured nameservers, your website will not be accessible to visitors.
Understanding Bluehost Nameservers
Bluehost offers its own nameservers which are ns1.bluehost.com and ns2.bluehost.com. These nameservers point to the main Bluehost server where your website’s files are stored. When you sign up for a Bluehost hosting account, these nameservers will automatically be assigned to your domain name.
How to Set Up Bluehost Nameservers
Now that you understand the importance of nameservers, let’s go through the steps to set up Bluehost nameservers for your domain.
Step 1: Log into Your Bluehost Account
The first step is to log into your Bluehost account. Once logged in, click on the “Domains” tab at the top of the screen.
Step 2: Choose Your Domain
Under the “Domain” section, you will see a list of all the domains associated with your Bluehost account. Select the domain for which you want to change the nameservers.
Step 3: Update Nameservers
On the left side of the screen, click on “Nameservers”. Here, you can update your nameservers by either selecting Bluehost’s default nameservers or entering custom nameservers. If you are using Bluehost as your hosting provider, it is recommended to use their default nameservers.
Step 4: Save Changes
Make sure to click “Save Nameserver Settings” at the bottom of the screen to save your changes.
Common Issues with Bluehost Nameservers and How to Fix Them
While setting up Bluehost nameservers is a straightforward process, there are some common issues that users may encounter. Here are a few solutions to fix these issues:
Nameserver Not Found
If you receive an error message stating that the nameserver cannot be found, double check that you have entered the correct nameserver information. Also, make sure that you have not misspelled anything.
Nameserver Not Responding
If you get an error message saying that the nameserver is not responding, this could indicate that the nameserver is temporarily down. In this case, you can try again later or contact Bluehost support for assistance.
Domain Not Pointing to Bluehost Nameservers
If you have updated your nameservers but your domain is still not pointing to Bluehost, it could be due to DNS propagation. This process can take up to 24 hours, so you may need to wait for your changes to take effect.
Frequently Asked Questions about Bluehost Nameservers
What if I want to use a different hosting provider but keep my domain registered with Bluehost?
You can still use Bluehost as your domain registrar and point your domain to your chosen hosting provider by updating the nameservers in your Bluehost account.
Can I use custom nameservers with Bluehost?
Yes, you can enter custom nameservers in your Bluehost account if you are using a different hosting provider.
How do I find out what my current nameservers are?
You can check the nameservers for your domain by performing a WHOIS lookup or by contacting your domain registrar.
Can I change my nameservers back to Bluehost’s default ones after using custom nameservers?
Yes, you can always revert back to using Bluehost’s default nameservers by following the steps outlined earlier in this guide.
Is there an extra cost for using Bluehost nameservers?
No, there is no additional cost for using Bluehost’s default nameservers. However, if you choose to use custom nameservers with a different hosting provider, there may be additional charges.
Conclusion
Nameservers are an essential aspect of setting up a website, and it is crucial to configure them correctly to ensure your website is accessible to visitors. With this guide, you now have a better understanding of Bluehost nameservers and how to set them up for your website. If you encounter any issues, don’t hesitate to reach out to Bluehost support for assistance.
