How to Check Nameservers of a Domain + Common Problems

In this article, you’ll learn how to check the nameservers of your domain and whether they’re correctly pointing to your hosting service to prevent DNS issues. You can use either WHOIS lookup tools or your system console to check whether or not your domain’s nameservers are properly applied and pointing to the right server.

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Why Check Domain Nameservers?

There are plenty of reasons why you would want to check your domain nameservers. However, the most common scenario is when you’re switching to a new hosting provider.

Your hosting service provides nameservers. For this reason, you need to update the nameservers every time you transfer your domain.

Domain migration can risk your website accessibility if you have incorrect nameservers’ details.

How to Check Nameservers Using WHOIS Lookup Tools?

Here’s how to check your domain nameservers using WHOIS lookup tools.

1. Find Your Web Host Nameservers

First of all, access your hosting control panel to look for the nameservers’ details. In this tutorial, we’ll be using hPanel.

1. Go to Accounts -> Details.
2. Head over to the Nameservers section and note all of the nameservers’ details.

3. If you cannot find them through hPanel, contact Hostinger’s customer support.

2. Use WHOIS Lookup Tool to Find Current Nameservers

There are plenty of WHOIS lookup tools available online to help you find your domain nameservers. In this tutorial, we’ll be using Hostinger WhoIs as an example.

1. Type in your domain name in the search box and hit the Search icon.
2. Your domain details should look similar to this:

3. Compare Nameservers

Next, compare the nameservers you’ve got from your hosting provider and WHOIS lookup tool. If they’re showing the same details, then your domain is set up correctly to your hosting account. If not, contact your hosting company to get further help.

Besides, if you wish to hide the contact details from WHOIS, consider getting domain privacy protection.

How to Check Nameservers Using System Console?

Here we’re going to show you how to use command prompts to check nameservers on Windows, macOS, and Linux systems.

Windows

To do it on Windows, here’s how:

1. Press Windows + R shortcut command on your keyboard. Type in cmd and press OK.
2. Now you should see a command prompt window where we will perform the remaining actions of these steps.
3. Type in the following command:

   nslookup -type=ns yourdomainname.com

4. Here we’re using one of Hostinger’s testing accounts’ domain as an example. Similar information will show up:

Linux

To check your name servers with Linux, follow these steps:

1. Press CTRL + ALT + T to open your Linux computer’s terminal window.
2. Enter the following command:

   dig ns yourdomainname.com

3. Your information should look like this:

macOS

Using macOS, here’s what you need to do:

1. Open macOS Launchpad. This can be done by simply clicking on the F4 key.
2. In its search field type in terminal and press Enter.
3. Enter the following command:

   dig ns yourdomainname.com

4. You can find the server names under Answer Section.

Common Problems When Checking Nameservers

There are some common issues when you need to check nameservers. Here are a few examples:

Domain Is Available for Registration

If the results show that your domain is available and not registered anywhere yet, be sure that you’ve correctly entered your site’s URL. Try to copy it from your domain registrar directly.

Other than that, it’s also possible that the WHOIS lookup tool you use shows you the outdated information. That’s common if you’ve entered a newly registered domain. If this is the case, try using another WHOIS lookup tool.

Nameserver Values Not Showing

Generally, this issue occurs when checking for less common extensions. Make sure that the WHOIS lookup tool you use supports your domain extension.

Conclusion

In this tutorial, you’ve learned how you can easily check nameservers using both your system console or online WHOIS lookup tools. Your domain nameservers are working correctly if the results match with the details in your hosting control panel.

If you have any further questions, let us know in the comments section below.