How to configure custom name servers

If you have a reseller, managed VPS, or Dedicated Server account with Petal Host, you can set up and use custom name servers (for example, ns1.yourdomain.com and ns2.yourdomain.com). This article explains the complete two-step process: adding A records and registering the name servers with your domain registrar.

Before you start

If you do not know how to log in to the Customer Portal, please see: How to access the PetalHost Customer Portal.

You will need your hosting account's IP addresses. Log in to the Customer Portal to find your server's IP addresses under your active service details.

Adding A records for the custom name servers

Name servers require A records that point ns1.yourdomain.com and ns2.yourdomain.com to your server's IP addresses.

For reseller hosting accounts

1. Log in to WebHost Manager (WHM).
2. From the home screen, click DNS Functions, then DNS Zone Manager.
3. Locate your primary domain and click Manage.
4. Create the first A record:
   • Name: ns1
   • TTL: 14400
   • Type: A
   • IPv4 Address: Your first server IP (example: 162.159.24.43)
5. Click Save Record.
6. Repeat for the second A record:
   • Name: ns2
   • TTL: 14400
   • Type: A
   • IPv4 Address: Your second server IP (example: 162.159.25.30)
7. Click Save Record.

For VPS/Dedicated Server accounts

Petal Host automatically configures A records for VPS/Dedicated servers. To verify, use these commands (replace yourdomain.com with your domain):

ping ns1.yourdomain.com
dig ns1.yourdomain.com

Registering the custom name servers

Domains registered with Petal Host

1. Log in to the Customer Portal.
2. On the menu bar, click DOMAINS, then MY DOMAINS.
3. Click the domain that will use custom name servers.
4. In the Manage sidebar, click Private Nameservers.
5. Under Register a NameServer:
   • Nameserver: ns1.yourdomain.com
   • IP Address: Your first server IP
6. Click Save Changes.
7. Repeat for ns2.yourdomain.com with the second IP address.

Domains registered with third-party providers

Log in to your registrar's control panel and look for "Register custom nameservers" or "Register hostname". Enter:

• ns1.yourdomain.com → First server IP
• ns2.yourdomain.com → Second server IP

Contact your registrar's support if you cannot find the option.

Activating custom name servers (resellers only)

Reseller customers must submit a support ticket after registering name servers:

1. Go to Support Tickets.
2. Provide the names of your new custom name servers (ns1.yourdomain.com, ns2.yourdomain.com).
3. Petal Host Support will add them to the DNS cluster.

Questions?

If you need help setting up A records, registering name servers, or activating them for reseller accounts, contact Petal Host support via support ticket or LiveChat.