How to Change a DNS Glue Record in Namecheap (Step-by-Step Guide)
How to Change a DNS Glue Record in Namecheap If your domain uses its own nameservers — for example ns1.yourdomain.com instead of a third-party host’s nameservers — you’re using what’s called a glue record. Glue records tell the internet’s DNS system where to actually find your nameserver, and they need to be updated directly at your domain registrar (in this case, Namecheap) rather than in a normal DNS zone editor.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- What a glue record is and why it matters
- How to change or update a glue record in Namecheap
- How to add a custom DNS record (using a subdomain like
nanoshellnet) once your glue record is set
Table of Contents
How to Change a DNS Glue Record in Namecheap What Is a DNS Glue Record?
A glue record links a hostname (like ns1.yourdomain.com) to an IP address, so that when someone queries your domain, DNS resolvers know exactly where to send the request — without getting stuck in a lookup loop.
You need a glue record any time your domain’s nameserver is a subdomain of the same domain it’s serving. For example:
- Domain:
yourdomain.com - Nameserver:
ns1.yourdomain.com
Since the nameserver itself is part of yourdomain.com, DNS resolvers can’t look up its IP the normal way — that’s where the glue record comes in.
Step-by-Step: How to Change a Glue Record in Namecheap
Step 1: Log In to Your Namecheap Account
Go to namecheap.com and sign in with your account credentials.
Step 2: Open the Domain List
From your dashboard, click Domain List in the left sidebar, then find the domain you want to update and click Manage.
Step 3: Go to the Domain Tab
On the domain management page, click the Domain tab (this is different from “Advanced DNS,” which handles regular DNS records).
Step 4: Find the “Nameservers” Section
Scroll down to the Nameservers area. If your domain is already using custom/personal nameservers, you’ll see an option like “Personal DNS Server” or “Register a New Nameserver.”
Step 5: Register or Edit the Nameserver (Glue Record)
- Click Add Nameserver or the edit/pencil icon next to an existing one.
- Enter the hostname (e.g.,
ns1.yourdomain.com). - Enter the correct IP address (IPv4, and IPv6 if applicable) that this nameserver should point to.
- Click Save or the green checkmark to confirm.
Step 6: Wait for Propagation
Glue record changes typically propagate within a few hours, but can take up to 24–48 hours globally due to DNS caching across the internet.
Tip: Use a tool like
dig NS yourdomain.comor an online DNS propagation checker to confirm the update has gone live.
How to Add a Custom DNS Record (e.g., nanoshellnet)
Once your glue records and nameservers are correctly configured, you can add specific DNS records — such as an A record, CNAME, or TXT record — for a subdomain or service. Here’s how to add a record like nanoshellnet under your domain in Namecheap:
Step 1: Go to Advanced DNS
From Domain List → Manage, click the Advanced DNS tab (not the Domain tab used for glue records).
Step 2: Add a New Record
Scroll to the Host Records section and click Add New Record.
Step 3: Choose the Record Type
Select the appropriate type based on what you’re pointing to:
- A Record — if you’re pointing to an IPv4 address
- AAAA Record — for an IPv6 address
- CNAME Record — if you’re pointing to another domain/hostname
Step 4: Fill in the Details
- Host: enter
nanoshellnet(this createsnanoshellnet.yourdomain.com) - Value: enter the target IP address or hostname
- TTL: leave as “Automatic” unless you have a specific reason to change it
Step 5: Save Changes
Click the green checkmark or Save All Changes button at the bottom of the page.
Step 6: Verify the Record
Allow a short time for propagation, then verify using:
dig nanoshellnet.yourdomain.comor an online DNS lookup tool.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Confusing glue records with regular DNS records. Glue records are managed under the Domain tab; regular records (A, CNAME, TXT, etc.) are managed under Advanced DNS.
- Using the wrong IP address. Double-check the IP you enter for a glue record matches your actual server’s IP exactly.
- Not waiting long enough for propagation. DNS changes aren’t instant — give it time before assuming something is broken.
- Forgetting to update at the registrar level. If your nameservers point to another provider, glue records still need to be correct at Namecheap since that’s your domain’s registrar of record.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a glue record if I’m using Namecheap’s default nameservers?
No. Glue records are only required if your nameserver is a subdomain of the domain it serves (a “self-referencing” nameserver setup).
How long does it take for a glue record change to propagate
Typically a few hours, but it can take up to 48 hours in some cases due to global DNS caching.
Can I add multiple custom DNS records after updating my glue record?
Yes. Once your nameservers and glue records are properly configured, you can add as many host records (A, CNAME, TXT, MX, etc.) as you need under Advanced DNS.
Final Thoughts
Updating a glue record in Namecheap is a quick process once you know where to look — the key is remembering it lives under the Domain tab, not Advanced DNS. After your nameservers are correctly pointed, adding custom subdomains or records (like a nanoshellnet host) is straightforward through the Host Records section.
If you run into propagation delays or unexpected errors, double-check your IP addresses and give DNS a little time to catch up across the internet.