Your simple guide to web hosting.

Connecting Your Domain to Your Hosting (Pointing DNS for Noobs)

Introduction

You've got your domain name (your website's address) and your web hosting (where your website lives). Now it's time to connect them! This process is often called "pointing your DNS" or "updating nameservers." It might sound technical, but we'll break it down simply.

What you'll achieve: You'll learn how to tell your domain name where to find your website on your hosting account. Prerequisites: * Your domain name registration login details (where you bought or manage your domain, e.g., GoDaddy, Namecheap, Google Domains). * Your web hosting account login details. * The "nameserver" addresses provided by your web hosting company (usually found in your welcome email or hosting control panel).

What are Nameservers, Anyway?

Think of the internet as a giant address book. * Your domain name (e.g., myawesomesite.com) is like the name of a person you want to find. * The IP address of your hosting server (a string of numbers like 123.45.67.89) is like their actual street address. * Nameservers are like special directories that tell the internet: "When someone types myawesomesite.com, send them to the server at IP address 123.45.67.89."

Your hosting provider gives you at least two nameserver addresses (e.g., ns1.hostingcompany.com and ns2.hostingcompany.com). You need to tell your domain registrar (where you bought your domain) to use these nameservers.

Step-by-Step: Connecting Your Domain

The exact steps vary slightly depending on your domain registrar, but the general process is:

  1. Find Your Hosting Nameservers:

    • Log in to your web hosting account.
    • Look for information labeled "Nameservers," "DNS Details," or "Account Information." This is often in your welcome email, dashboard, or a support/help section.
    • You'll typically get two nameserver addresses (sometimes more). Copy these down exactly.
    • Example nameservers: ns1.bluehost.com, ns2.bluehost.com OR dns1.namecheaphosting.com, dns2.namecheaphosting.com.

  2. Log In to Your Domain Registrar:

    • This is the company where you purchased your domain name (e.g., GoDaddy, Namecheap, Google Domains, etc.).
    • Important: This is not necessarily the same as your hosting company, though sometimes it can be if you bought your domain and hosting together.

  3. Find DNS / Nameserver Management Area:

    • Once logged in to your domain registrar, look for your list of domains.
    • Select the domain you want to connect to your hosting.
    • Look for options like "Manage DNS," "DNS Settings," "Nameservers," or "Change Nameservers."

  4. Change the Nameservers:

    • You'll likely see the current nameservers (often default ones from the registrar).
    • There should be an option to "Use custom nameservers," "Change nameservers," or similar.
    • Delete the existing nameserver entries.
    • Carefully enter the nameserver addresses you got from your hosting provider in Step 1. There will usually be fields for at least two (Primary/NS1, Secondary/NS2).
    • Tip: Copy and paste to avoid typos!

  5. Save Your Changes:

    • Look for a "Save," "Update," or "Submit" button to apply the changes.

Understanding DNS Propagation (Why Changes Take Time)

After you update your nameservers, the changes aren't instant worldwide. This waiting period is called DNS propagation.

  • Imagine that giant internet address book we talked about. When you update your nameservers, it's like sending out a memo to all the different copies of that address book around the world.
  • It can take anywhere from a few minutes to 48 hours (sometimes even 72 hours in rare cases) for these changes to spread across the entire internet.
  • During this time:
    • Some visitors might see your new site (if their local internet "address book" has updated).
    • Others might still see your old site, or an error page (if their "address book" hasn't updated yet).
    • Your email (if using your domain) might also be affected temporarily.
  • What to do? Be patient! There's not much you can do to speed it up. You can occasionally check your website from different devices or networks.

Troubleshooting Tips / Common Questions

  • "I updated my nameservers, but my site isn't working!"
    • Wait for DNS propagation (up to 48 hours).
    • Double-check that you entered the nameservers exactly correctly at your domain registrar. Even a small typo can cause problems.
    • Clear your browser's cache and cookies, or try a different browser/incognito mode.
  • "My hosting company gave me IP addresses, not nameservers."
    • This is less common for shared hosting. If they did, you'd be looking to update "A Records" in your DNS settings at your domain registrar, not nameservers. This is a bit more advanced. For noobs, nameservers are the usual way. Double-check with your host if you're unsure.
  • "I bought my domain and hosting from the same company."
    • Often, they will connect it for you automatically, or it's a much simpler process within their dashboard. Check their specific instructions.

Conclusion & What's Next

Pointing your domain to your hosting is a crucial step. Once DNS propagation is complete, visitors typing your domain name will be directed to your new website!

Next up, you'll likely want to: * Understand Your Hosting Control Panel (Link to be created) * Upload your website files or install WordPress.

You're getting closer to launching!