Point your domain to GOZEN HOST (Nameservers & DNS)¶
You can use GOZEN HOST even if your domain is registered somewhere else. No transfer required.
You only need to point DNS in the right way.
Regional Infrastructure
GOZEN HOST nameservers are strategically distributed across USA and European data centers, providing sub-50ms DNS resolution for regional visitors.
There are two correct methods:
- Method A (Recommended): Change nameservers to GOZEN HOST
- Method B: Keep nameservers at your registrar and point DNS records manually
Before you start¶
Use the nameservers from your Welcome Email¶
GOZEN HOST nameservers can differ per service and cluster. Always use the exact nameservers shown in your GOZEN HOST Welcome Email (or in your Client Area service details).
Default nameservers are commonly:
- ns1.gozenhost.com
- ns2.gozenhost.com
- ns3.gozenhost.com
- zen.gozenhost.com
Do not guess nameservers
If your Welcome Email provides different nameservers than the defaults above, use the ones from the email.
Method A (Recommended): Change nameservers to GOZEN HOST¶
This is the simplest setup and the easiest to support long-term.
What happens when you do this?¶
Your domain’s DNS is managed by GOZEN HOST. That means:
- DNS changes are faster to apply and easier to troubleshoot
- Email records (SPF/DKIM/DMARC) are simpler to keep correct
- You avoid “split brain” DNS problems (records spread across providers)
Steps¶
- Log in to your current domain registrar (where the domain is registered).
- Find DNS / Nameservers / Custom nameservers.
- Replace the existing nameservers with the ones from your GOZEN HOST Welcome Email.
- Save changes.
Propagation time¶
- Nameserver changes can take from minutes up to 24 hours globally (sometimes up to 48).
- During propagation, some visitors may reach the old server while others reach GOZEN HOST.
Best practice
Make nameserver changes at low-traffic hours to reduce confusion during propagation.
Check using DNS Inspect
You can use GoZen's DNS Propagation Checker to verify that your DNS is properly configured
Method B: Keep your registrar nameservers and point DNS manually¶
Use this if you need DNS to remain at your registrar (for example, special DNS features, existing DNS automation, or third-party DNS provider).
You will update DNS records like:¶
Point the website (A record)¶
- Type: A
- Name/Host:
@ - Value: your GOZEN HOST server IP (from Welcome Email)
Point the www subdomain (CNAME)¶
- Type: CNAME
- Name/Host:
www - Value:
@(or your root domain)
Some DNS providers don’t allow CNAME to @
If your DNS provider doesn’t support www -> @, set www as an A record pointing to the same IP.
If you use GOZEN HOST Email¶
You may also need: - MX records (mail routing) - SPF, DKIM, DMARC (deliverability and anti-spoofing)
We strongly recommend following our email guide to avoid broken delivery: - Set up your Email
Why it’s worth having domain + hosting together at GOZEN HOST¶
You can absolutely keep your domain elsewhere, but consolidating can be a win:
- One dashboard, fewer moving parts
- Faster troubleshooting (no “it’s the registrar” ping-pong)
- Periodic bundle benefits like discounts or included services during GOZEN HOST promotions
No pressure, just optional
You can start by pointing DNS today and transfer later if you want. Your site and email can go live without a domain transfer.
Common mistakes (and how to avoid them)¶
“I changed nameservers but nothing happens”¶
- Propagation can take time
- Your browser/ISP may cache DNS
Fix:
- wait up to 24 hours
- test from another network or mobile data
- use a DNS checker tool (optional)
“My site works but email broke”¶
This happens when you switch nameservers but forget to recreate email DNS records.
Fix:
- follow the email setup guide and confirm MX/SPF/DKIM/DMARC:
- Set up your Email
“I updated A record but I still see the old site”¶
Likely causes:
- wrong IP (using old server IP)
- www still points elsewhere
- cached DNS
Fix:
- confirm @ A record and www record both target GOZEN HOST
Summary¶
- Use the nameservers from your GOZEN HOST Welcome Email.
- Recommended: change nameservers to GOZEN HOST for the cleanest setup.
- Alternative: keep DNS at your registrar and point records manually.
- You can keep the domain registered elsewhere and still use GOZEN HOST without any transfer.