After registering a domain name, you need to connect it to your hosting provider so your website can be accessed online.

How to Connect a Domain Name to a Hosting Provider

Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

After registering a domain name, you need to connect it to your hosting provider so your website can be accessed online. This guide will walk you through the process of linking your domain to your hosting provider.

 

Step 1: Get Your Hosting Provider’s Nameservers

A nameserver tells the internet where to find your website. Hosting providers have their own nameservers, which you need to update in your domain settings.

 

Where to Find Your Hosting Provider’s Nameservers?

  • When you purchase hosting, your provider will send you an email with your nameservers.
  • You can also find them in your hosting account’s dashboard under DNS settings or Nameservers.

Common Nameservers for Popular Hosting Providers:

Bluehost:

  • ns1.bluehost.com
  • ns2.bluehost.com

SiteGround:

  • ns1.siteground.com
  • ns2.siteground.com

Hostinger:

  • ns1.dns-parking.com
  • ns2.dns-parking.com

GoDaddy Hosting:

  • ns1.godaddy.com
  • ns2.godaddy.com

If unsure, check your hosting provider’s support page for the correct nameservers.

 

Step 2: Access Your Domain Registrar’s Settings

Now, you need to update your domain’s settings with the new nameservers.

 

2.1 Log in to Your Domain Registrar Account

  1. Go to your domain registrar’s website (e.g., GoDaddy, Namecheap, Google Domains).
  2. Log in to your account.

 

2.2 Find the Domain Management Section

  1. Look for “My Domains” or “Domain Management” in your account.
  2. Click on the domain name you want to connect.

 

2.3 Access the DNS or Nameserver Settings

  1. Find the DNS Settings or Nameservers section.
  2. If your domain is set to default nameservers, you’ll need to replace them with your hosting provider’s nameservers.

 

Step 3: Update the Nameservers

 

3.1 Replace the Existing Nameservers

  1. Select “Custom Nameservers” (or a similar option).
  2. Enter the nameservers provided by your hosting provider.
  3. Example:
  • Primary Nameserver: ns1.yourhostingprovider.com
  • Secondary Nameserver: ns2.yourhostingprovider.com

 

3.2 Save the Changes

Click Save or Update to confirm.

 

3.3 Wait for DNS Propagation

Changes can take a few minutes to 24 hours to update across the internet.

You can check the progress using DNS Checker.

 

Step 4: Verify Connection in Your Hosting Account

 

4.1 Log in to Your Hosting Account

Open your hosting provider’s website and log in.

 

4.2 Add Your Domain to the Hosting Account

  1. Go to the “Domains” or “Add a Domain” section in your hosting account.
  2. Enter your registered domain name.
  3. Click “Add” or “Connect”.

 

4.3 Check the Website Connection

  1. Open your browser and type your domain name (www.yourdomain.com) to see if it loads.
  2. If not, wait for DNS propagation to complete.

 

Step 5: Install an SSL Certificate (Optional but Recommended)

SSL encrypts your website and makes it secure (shows a padlock in the browser).

 

How to Enable SSL?

Many hosting providers offer free SSL (e.g., Let’s Encrypt).

  1. Check your hosting account’s Security or SSL section to enable it.
  2. If your hosting provider doesn’t offer free SSL, you may need to buy one.

 

Conclusion

Connecting your domain name to a hosting provider is a crucial step in launching your website. By updating your nameservers, verifying the connection, and securing your site with SSL, you’ll have a fully functional website ready for visitors.