Step-by-step Guide to connect a domain to a server or hosting?

If you’ve just switched your website to a new hosting provider or are considering starting a new website, you’ll need to connect your domain name to a server or hosting. Your domain should be linked to the web host before you launch your website.

There are a variety of methods you can connect your domain to a server or host, such as transferring the domain to a new hosting provider. However, domain transfers typically cost additional fees.

The second approach is to update the domain’s DNS A record to reflect your new IP address. However, A records are designed to point to static IP addresses. If the IP address of your website changes, your website will not function until you update the record.

Lastly, change the NameServers for the domain. This is the most suggested method because you will be able to transfer your domain’s DNS control to the new hosting provider without having to change your domain’s registrar.

This post will explain how to connect your domain to a server using NameServers.

So let’s get started…

Step-by-step Guide To connect a Domain To A Server Or Host

You have your website hosted with another service provider, and you have been provided with the NameServers for your domain name.

To connect your domain to a third-party hosting plan using NameServers (your hosting provider must’ve provided you NameServers), you must set them as Custom for your domain. It is possible to accomplish this in the following ways:

STEP 1: Retrieve the New Nameserver Configuration Values

To begin, obtain a list of your new hosting provider’s NameServers. Typically, this information is available on the company’s documentation page or via post-purchase email. If you’re not able to locate the information, contact your hosting provider.

All DNS-related information is available at Hostinger under Hosting -> Accounts -> Details.

The list of NameServers looks like this:

• ns1.dns-example.com
• ns2.dns-example.com

Typically, a web hosting provider gives two or more NameServers. Take note of all of these addresses since you’ll need to input them into the management panel of your domain registrar.

STEP 2: Appropriately Apply the New NameServers Values

After redirecting a domain name to a new host, the domain’s existing NameServers must be replaced.

How to do it:

• Log into your domain registrar’s control panel.
• Look for the option to configure the NameServers for your domain. Each registrar operates in a unique manner. However, the required options are typically located on a menu called Domain Management, Domain Overview, or something along those lines.
• Go to Domains -> [your domain name] -> DNS / NameServers in hPanel.
• Select the Change NameServers option from the Expand Change NameServers menu.
• Fill numerous variables, such as Nameserver 1 (primary nameserver) and 2 (secondary nameserver). 
• In the corresponding fields, enter the NameServers. For instance, a nameserver that begins with ns1 should be assigned to the Nameserver 1 column; a nameserver that begins with ns2 should be assigned to the Nameserver 2 field, and so on.

STEP 3: Let the DNS Propagation Take Effect

After configuring the NameServers, you must wait for the DNS propagation to take effect. Typically, the process takes up to 24-48 hours for your domain to circulate after the NameServers have been updated.

So, these are the three steps that you should follow to connect a domain to a server or hosting. Hopefully, this guide has been informative for you and assisted you in connecting your domain to hosting.

If all this seems too much to you, contact Go4Hosting. We will help you with the best and most affordable hosting plans. Moreover, our team will be readily available to assist you in connecting your domain to a server seamlessly!