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DNS Nameservers Explained: Who Holds the Authoritative Records?

Which DNS provider actually answers for your domain? Nameserver delegation identifies the authoritative DNS service.

Jersey Web video: Who answers for your domain?

1:47 · No narration: the video shows each step as text on screen, and every step is written out below, with buttons that jump the video to it.

Download the on-screen text track (VTT)

The six points in the video

This is a silent video. The headings, explanations and labels below reproduce the information on screen.

  1. Step 1: Find the delegated nameservers

    Check which nameservers the domain registration points towards.

    On-screen labels: Domain registration; Nameserver delegation; Current DNS provider.

  2. Step 2: Separate the provider roles

    The registrar, DNS service and website host can be different companies.

    On-screen labels: Domain registrar; DNS provider; Website host.

  3. Step 3: Review the active DNS records

    Editing an unused DNS account will not update the authoritative answer.

    On-screen labels: Authoritative zone; Current records; Correct account.

  4. Step 4: Preserve the service records

    A change must account for website, email and verification records.

    On-screen labels: Website records; Email records; Verification records.

  5. Step 5: Plan signing and access

    Ask the providers to check DNSSEC requirements and account access.

    On-screen labels: Provider instructions; DNSSEC state; Authorised access.

  6. Step 6: Verify after the change

    Check the authoritative answer and test the affected services.

    On-screen labels: Delegated nameservers; Working website; Working business email.

A practical check for your business

Confirm which nameservers are authoritative before editing DNS. Keep a copy of the intended records and test the services that depend on them after an authorised provider change.

Sources and further detail

Common questions

Which DNS provider actually answers for your domain?

Nameserver delegation identifies the authoritative DNS service. Review all the services before changing nameservers.

Go further

Guide Read the practical guide More context for planning and maintaining your business website. 5 min read → Jargon Buster Nameservers explained Read the related Jargon Buster explanation. Read the explanation →

Review all the services before changing nameservers.

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