So you’ve bought a domain name — great! Now what?
If your domain is registered with one company (like Namecheap or GoDaddy) and your hosting is with another (like Bluehost or Hostinger), you need to connect the two.
This is called pointing your domain to your web host, and it’s easier than it sounds.
In this step-by-step guide, you’ll learn how to point your domain to your hosting provider, even if you’re a total beginner — no coding needed!
What Does “Pointing a Domain” Mean?
When someone types yourwebsite.com, the internet needs to know where to find your site. That’s what domain pointing does — it connects your domain to your hosting account by updating DNS (Domain Name System) settings.
Option 1: Change the Nameservers
This is the most common way to point your domain.
Step-by-Step:
- Log into your domain registrar (e.g. Namecheap, GoDaddy, Google Domains).
- Go to your domain list or DNS settings.
- Find the option for Nameservers.
- Replace the default nameservers with the ones from your hosting provider.
Example:
- Bluehost nameservers:
ns1.bluehost.com
ns2.bluehost.com - Hostinger nameservers:
ns1.dns-parking.com
ns2.dns-parking.com
- Save the changes.
⏱ DNS changes can take up to 24–48 hours to fully update (called DNS propagation).
Option 2: Update A Records (Advanced Option)
If you prefer to keep your domain registrar’s DNS but want to point only the web traffic, use A records.
Steps:
- Log in to your domain dashboard
- Go to DNS or zone editor
- Find the A record for @ and www
- Replace the IP address with your host’s IP (you can find this in your hosting account)
Which Method Should You Use?
| Method | Use When… | Ease | Recommended For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nameservers | You want your host to manage all DNS settings | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Beginners |
| A Records | You want more control or use Cloudflare/email separately | ⭐⭐⭐ | Advanced users |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Mixing up nameservers and IP addresses
- Not saving your DNS changes
- Forgetting to wait for propagation
- Using incomplete nameserver info (must include both ns1 and ns2)
Final Tips
- Always copy nameservers exactly as provided
- After changing DNS, check your site with tools like https://whatsmydns.net
- If you’re unsure, reach out to your hosting provider’s support — most offer free help with domain connection