Name Server Management at DNSimple

Last updated October 26, 2026

DNSimple name servers
Understanding name servers
Pointing a domain to DNSimple
Changing delegation
Name server sets and vanity name servers
Troubleshooting
Reference
Related articles
Have more questions?

Name servers decide which DNS provider answers for your domain. To use DNSimple DNS, delegate the domain to the four DNSimple name servers, at DNSimple if the domain is registered here, or at your registrar if it is not. This page links to every name server guide, from the basics to troubleshooting.

DNSimple name servers

DNSimple Name Servers - The four name server hostnames and their IP addresses, and whether you need to change anything.

Understanding name servers

What is a Name Server? - What authoritative name servers are, and why DNSimple’s cannot be used as a resolver.
Domain Delegation and Name Servers Explained - How delegation, name servers, and DNS hosting fit together, and which guide matches your situation.
What Is Domain Delegation? - How delegation works and what it means to point a domain at a DNS provider.
Recursive vs Authoritative DNS Resolvers - The difference between resolvers that look up answers and servers that hold them.
What Are Vanity Name Servers? - What vanity name servers are, why they exist, and when glue records are required.
What Are Glue Records? - How glue records prevent circular lookups for in-bailiwick name servers.
How DNS Caching and TTL Affect DNS Changes - Why delegation changes can take up to 48 hours to reach every resolver.

Pointing a domain to DNSimple

Pointing a Domain to DNSimple - Overview of the delegation process depending on where your domain is registered.
Delegate a DNSimple-Registered Domain to DNSimple - How to set DNSimple as the DNS provider for a domain you registered with us.
Delegate a Domain from Another Registrar to DNSimple - How to update delegation at an external registrar to use DNSimple name servers.

Changing delegation

Change delegation to another DNS provider - How to point a DNSimple-registered domain at a different DNS provider.
Adding NS Records for a Subdomain - How to delegate a subdomain to another provider’s name servers with NS records in your zone.
Updating Zone NS Records for a Hosted Domain - How to update the NS records published at the apex of your zone.

Name server sets and vanity name servers

Name Server Sets - How to create and use reusable groups of name server hostnames.
Manage Vanity Name Servers - How to enable, delegate to, and disable up to four vanity name servers on Enterprise plans.

Troubleshooting

Troubleshoot DNSimple Name Servers - Steps to confirm delegation is correct and resolve common resolution issues.
Troubleshoot Email and Subdomains After Delegation - Why email or a subdomain fails after delegation, starting with records that were not copied over.
Troubleshoot Domain Resolution Issues - Broader resolution troubleshooting covering WHOIS, propagation delays, and dig verification.

Reference

Name Server Delegation Checklist - The delegation targets, what to check before you switch, and commands to confirm the change.
Name Servers Glossary - Definitions for delegation, glue records, registrar, registry, vanity name servers, and other name server terms.
NS Record Format - The RDATA structure, canonical zone file representation, and DNSimple fields for NS records.
Name Server Management Interface Reference - The controls and limits on the Edit Delegation, Name Server Sets, Vanity Name Servers, and Zone NS Records screens.

DNS at DNSimple - The records DNSimple serves once a domain is delegated here.
DNS Security Extensions (DNSSEC) at DNSimple - DS records have to be updated when you move DNS to another provider.
Domains and Transfers at DNSimple - Registration and transfer at the registrar that publishes your delegation.

Have more questions?

If you have any questions about name server management at DNSimple, contact support, and we will be happy to help. You can also read more about DNS hosting at DNSimple.