Knowledgebase

Article Subject

Recommended Domain Nameserver Configuration for Optimal Email Service with iCoreHosting

Quick Answer

If your email is hosted with iCoreHosting but your website is hosted with another provider, we recommend pointing your domain nameservers to iCoreHosting. This helps us manage your email DNS records correctly while still allowing your website to point to your external web hosting server.

Table of Contents

1. Service Direction and Scope
2. Recommended Nameservers
3. Why Point to iCoreHosting Nameservers
4. How to Update Nameservers
5. Common Mistakes
6. Malaysia Acts and Compliance
7. Responsibility Breakdown
8. FAQ
9. Summary

Service Direction and Scope

Managing DNS records can be complex, especially for email services. Email normally requires several DNS records to work properly, including MX, SPF, DKIM, DMARC and related mail service records.

By using iCoreHosting nameservers, your email DNS settings can be managed in one place. If your website is hosted elsewhere, we can still point your website to the external web server using an A record.

Recommended Nameservers

For cPanel Hosting Services

• nscp1.icorehosting.com
• nscp2.icorehosting.com

For DirectAdmin Hosting Services

• nsda1.icorehosting.com
• nsda2.icorehosting.com

Why Point to iCoreHosting Nameservers

1. Complete Email DNS Configuration

Email service depends on several DNS records:

• MX Records: Route incoming email to the correct mail server.
• SPF Records: Help verify allowed sending servers and reduce spoofing risk.
• DKIM Records: Authenticate outgoing email and protect message integrity.
• DMARC Records: Improve email security and policy monitoring.
• A Records: Point services such as webmail, mail, pop, smtp and imap.

2. Simpler DNS Management for Website and Email

If your website is hosted outside iCoreHosting, the website normally only needs one A record pointing to the external web server IP address. Your email DNS records can remain managed by iCoreHosting.

3. Lower Risk of Configuration Errors

Using iCoreHosting nameservers reduces the risk of missing or incorrect email DNS records that may affect email sending, receiving or deliverability.

Service Transparency and SLA Based Note

Nameserver changes do not move your website files, email data or domain ownership. They only change where your domain DNS records are managed. DNS propagation may take up to 24 to 48 hours and depends on global DNS cache and internet provider refresh time.

How to Update Your Domain Nameservers

1. Log in to your domain registrar control panel.
2. Find the nameserver settings for your domain.
3. Update the nameservers to the correct iCoreHosting nameservers.
4. For cPanel services, use nscp1.icorehosting.com and nscp2.icorehosting.com.
5. For DirectAdmin services, use nsda1.icorehosting.com and nsda2.icorehosting.com.
6. Save the changes.
7. Allow up to 24 to 48 hours for DNS propagation.

Common Mistakes

• Using only one nameserver instead of both nameservers.
• Using cPanel nameservers for a DirectAdmin service, or DirectAdmin nameservers for a cPanel service.
• Keeping DNS at another provider but forgetting MX, SPF, DKIM or DMARC records.
• Changing nameservers without preparing the website A record for an externally hosted website.
• Expecting DNS changes to update worldwide immediately.

Malaysia Acts and Compliance

Email services may involve business communication and personal data. Customers should use email services responsibly and comply with applicable Malaysian laws, including the Personal Data Protection Act 2010, Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, and Computer Crimes Act 1997 where relevant. This article is technical guidance only and is not legal advice.

Responsibility Breakdown

Customer Responsibility

• Update nameservers at the domain registrar.
• Confirm whether your service is using cPanel or DirectAdmin.
• Provide the correct external website IP address if the website is hosted elsewhere.

iCoreHosting Responsibility

• Provide the correct nameserver information.
• Assist with email related DNS records when DNS is managed under iCoreHosting.
• Guide customers on pointing website records to an external web server when required.

FAQ

Can I host my website elsewhere and still use iCoreHosting email?

Yes. Your website can point to the external web server using an A record while your email DNS is managed by iCoreHosting.

Will changing nameservers move my website or email data?

No. Nameservers only control DNS management. They do not move files, email data or domain ownership.

How long does the update take?

DNS propagation may take a few hours and can take up to 24 to 48 hours.

What if I am not sure which nameservers to use?

Please contact iCoreHosting Support before making changes.

Use Case

A company hosts its website with a web design provider but uses iCoreHosting for business email. The recommended setup is to point the domain nameservers to iCoreHosting, then set the website A record to the external web server IP address. This keeps email DNS stable while the website remains with the external provider.

Summary

For optimal email service with iCoreHosting, we recommend pointing your domain nameservers to iCoreHosting when your email is hosted with us. This allows important email DNS records such as MX, SPF, DKIM, DMARC and mail related A records to be managed correctly, while your website can still point to another hosting provider.

Version History

Last Updated: 20 May 2026