How to connect a domain name to your hosting account

How to Connect a Domain Name to Your Hosting Account

Connecting a domain to hosting is the last step before your site can go live. The process is simple once you know what to update and where it is stored.

If you are still choosing a name, read How to Choose a Domain Name? first so your branding and SEO are aligned.

Step-by-step connection guide

Use the checklist below to connect your domain correctly and avoid downtime.

1. Collect your hosting details

   Log in to your hosting account and find the assigned server IP, nameservers, and any setup instructions for addon or primary domains.

2. Choose your connection method

   Use nameservers if you want the host to manage all DNS. Use A or CNAME records if you want to keep DNS at your registrar or a third-party provider.

3. Update nameservers at the registrar (optional)

   Replace the current nameservers with the ones provided by your host. Save the change and wait for DNS propagation.

4. Or update DNS records manually

   Create an A record pointing the root domain to your server IP and a CNAME record for www pointing to the root or to the host target. Add AAAA, TXT, and MX records if your host requires them.

5. Add the domain inside your hosting control panel

   In cPanel or your control panel, add the domain as primary or addon and set the correct document root.

6. Wait for DNS propagation

   Changes can take from a few minutes up to 24-48 hours. During this time, the site may load inconsistently.

7. Verify the connection

   Check DNS records with a DNS lookup tool and visit the domain in your browser to confirm it resolves to the correct server.

8. Enable SSL and force HTTPS

   Install a free SSL certificate and redirect HTTP to HTTPS so visitors always see the secure version of your site.

9. Troubleshoot common issues

   Double-check the IP address, clear your DNS cache, and ensure there are no conflicting records for the same host.

Once the domain points to your hosting account and SSL is active, your website is ready to launch.