To use your GoDaddy domain with another hosting provider, you need to either change the domain's nameservers or update the A record in GoDaddy's DNS zone. The change takes less than ten minutes inside the GoDaddy panel, though DNS propagation can take up to 48 hours to complete worldwide.
This guide covers both options: changing nameservers entirely (the most common approach) and editing individual DNS records (useful when you want to keep email services on GoDaddy).
Nameservers vs. A Record: Which Should You Use?
Before opening the GoDaddy panel, choose the right method for your situation:
| Method | When to use it | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Change nameservers | You want the external host to manage your entire DNS zone (web, email, subdomains) | GoDaddy stops controlling DNS; the new host controls everything |
| Edit A record | You only want to point the website to another host while keeping email or other services on GoDaddy | Only web traffic changes; all other records remain with GoDaddy |
Changing nameservers is the most common approach because it's the cleanest solution and what most hosting providers request.
How to Change GoDaddy Nameservers
1. Get Your New Host's Nameservers
Before touching GoDaddy, collect the nameservers from the provider you're moving to. They typically look like this:
ns1.provider.comns2.provider.com
You'll find them in your hosting welcome email or inside the new provider's control panel, usually under account information or domain settings.
2. Access the GoDaddy Panel
- Go to godaddy.com and sign in to your account.
- Click your username in the top menu → My Products.
- Under the Domains section, find the domain you want to configure and click the menu button (three dots) or Manage DNS.
3. Update the Nameservers
- Inside the domain panel, scroll to the Nameservers section.
- Click Change or the pencil icon.
- Select Enter my own nameservers (or Custom).
- Remove GoDaddy's current nameservers and enter those of your new hosting provider (at least two).
- Click Save and confirm the change.
After saving, GoDaddy displays a warning that DNS management will move to the new provider. That's exactly what you want.
How to Edit Only the A Record (Without Changing Nameservers)
If you prefer to keep GoDaddy's DNS and only point the website to another server:
- In the domain panel, click Manage DNS.
- Find the A record with the name
@(which points to the root domain). - Click the pencil icon to edit it.
- Replace the current IP address with your new hosting server's IP address.
- Save the change. Do the same for the
wwwA record if it exists separately.
Your external hosting provider will tell you exactly which IP address to use — look for it in their welcome panel or client area.
How Long Does DNS Propagation Take?
DNS propagation time varies. Most changes take effect within 1 to 4 hours, but the technical standard allows up to 48 hours in extreme cases.
- During propagation, some users will see the old site while others see the new one. This is normal.
- You can check propagation status with tools like whatsmydns.net or dnschecker.org.
- The TTL (Time to Live) value on the record affects speed: low values (300 seconds) propagate faster. If possible, lower the TTL 24 hours before making the change.
If your site isn't showing after 48 hours, double-check that the nameservers were entered without extra spaces or typos.
Keeping GoDaddy Email with External Web Hosting
If you use Microsoft 365 or any other email service through GoDaddy and you switch nameservers, you will lose your email configuration. To prevent this:
- Option A: Use the A record method (described above) instead of changing nameservers. GoDaddy keeps control of DNS and email is untouched.
- Option B: After changing nameservers to the new host, manually re-create the MX, SPF, and DKIM records that GoDaddy originally had — now inside the new provider's DNS zone.
Option A is simpler if you only have one or two additional services running through GoDaddy DNS.
Need help migrating your site or configuring DNS without errors? The specialists at elenlace.com can handle the entire process and make sure there are zero interruptions.
For more hosting options and side-by-side comparisons, explore our hosting comparisons section.
Key Takeaways
- Changing nameservers in GoDaddy is the most complete way to point your domain to another hosting provider.
- If you need to keep GoDaddy email or other services intact, edit only the A record instead of changing nameservers.
- Find your new host's nameservers in their control panel or welcome email.
- DNS propagation takes between 1 and 48 hours; lowering TTL before the change speeds things up.
- Track propagation progress with tools like dnschecker.org or whatsmydns.net.
Ready to move your GoDaddy domain to a better host? The team at elenlace.com can guide you through a complete site migration at no cost.
FAQ
Can I change GoDaddy nameservers if the domain has a transfer lock?
Yes. The transfer lock only prevents the domain from being transferred to another registrar. Changing nameservers is not a transfer, so it's allowed even when the lock is active.
What happens to my website while DNS propagates?
During propagation, some visitors see the old site and others see the new one depending on which DNS server their device queries. The site doesn't "disappear" — traffic gradually shifts to the new server.
How do I know when my new nameservers are active?
Go to dnschecker.org, enter your domain, and select the NS record type. You'll see which nameservers each region of the world is reporting. When most locations match the new nameservers, propagation is complete.
Can I undo a nameserver change in GoDaddy?
Yes, at any time. Go back to the nameservers section for the domain in GoDaddy, select Default to restore GoDaddy's original nameservers, or enter whichever nameservers you need. The propagation process repeats.
Further reading
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