If you bought your domain from one company and hosting from another, you need to connect them. The video shows the process with a popular hosting provider; the same steps work for most providers.
Two ways to connect
Option 1: Change the nameservers (simplest)
- In your hosting account, find the nameservers you have been given (usually two, like ns1.host.com and ns2.host.com).
- Log in where you bought the domain and open its DNS or nameserver settings.
- Replace the existing nameservers with the hosting company's ones and save.
Your hosting company now manages all DNS records for the domain.
Option 2: Point DNS records
- Keep the domain's current nameservers.
- Add or edit the A record for @ to your hosting server's IP address.
- Add a CNAME for www pointing to your domain.
Use this option if your email or other services already use the domain's DNS.
How long it takes
DNS changes usually start working within an hour but can take up to 48 hours worldwide.
Do not break your email
If you use business email on the domain, make sure the MX, SPF and DKIM records are copied to the new DNS before switching nameservers. Our SPF and DMARC record generator helps you set the email records correctly.
Final checks
Install an SSL certificate on the hosting side, then check that both yourdomain.com and www.yourdomain.com load the site over https.
Want the full picture? This article is part of Business websites: the complete guide, our in-depth guide with everything in one place.
