One of these most important things to do after registering a domain and getting a web hosting package is to link these two together. People find linking domains and hosting complicated, but the truth is that linking or pointing a domain to a hosting server is not as difficult as it may seem at first.
Be it that you have got your domain registration and web hosting services from different vendors, the information in this article should help you in this process.
Here, we make management of domains and web hosting services simple to use for businesses, bloggers and developers who want to go online as soon as possible.
Table of Contents
What Is Pointing a Domain Name to a Hosting Server?
Pointing a domain is the action of directing your domain name to the web hosting server where all files of your website are kept. You perform this task via modifying your domain name DNS (Domain Name System) settings.
As soon as changes in DNS are applied, people who type your domain name into a browser would see your website instead of an error page.
Requirements Before Getting Started
Before making any changes, you will need:
- Domain name
- Domain registrar account credentials
- Web hosting control panel (cPanel) access
- Nameservers/IP address from your hosting provider
Almost all hosting providers, including HarmonWeb, provide you with all these credentials immediately after you activate your hosting account.
Method 1: Use Nameservers to Point Your Domain (Recommended)
The simplest way would be to change your domain’s nameservers.
Step 1: Get Your Host’s Nameservers
Access your host control panel and retrieve the nameservers information, which looks like:
- ns1.yourhost.com
- ns2.yourhost.com
If you host with us, you will find these information in your welcome email or your hosting control panel. Our default nameservers are:
- dns1.harmonweb.net and
- dns2.harmonweb.net
Step 2: Access Your Domain Registrar
Visit the company from which you bought your domain name.
Access:
Domain Control -> DNS -> Nameservers
The menu might differ based on your domain registrar.
Step 3: Replace the Old Nameservers
Select the option to use Custom Nameservers.
Remove the existing nameservers and input the new nameservers offered by your hosting provider.
Step 4: Let DNS Propagation Occur
It will take time for your domain to start pointing to the new server.
The process of DNS propagation can take:
- 30 minutes to several hours
- Ups to 48 hours in very rare occasions
During that time, some people might visit the old site, while others might view the new site. Read more on how to update DNS records.
Method 2: Pointing the Domain Using an A Record
There are people who would want to retain the control of the DNS with their domain registrar.
Rather than pointing the nameservers, one may just modify the A Record.
Step 1: Obtain the Hosting Server IP Address
This can be obtained from the host itself.
Example is 192.0.2.1
Step 2: Click on DNS Manager
Login to the domain registrar account and access the DNS Zone Editor to locate the A Record.
Step 3: Modify the Address Record (A Record)
Modify the IP address into the one of the hosting server and save the changes. Once the process is completed, the domain will start loading the website.
Watch how to create our update A Record below.
Testing for Proper Domain Connection
There are different ways to ensure that the domain connection is correct:
- Accessing your website through your browser
- Utilizing various DNS checking websites
- Performing a DNS lookup
- Reviewing the status of your domain in the hosting account control panel
When accessing your website is successful, the domain was connected properly.
Problems that May Occur While Connecting Your Domain and Possible Solutions
1. Website Doesn’t Load
This problem is usually because of DNS propagation and should not be immediately fixed.
It may take a few hours to propagate.
2. Nameservers Aren’t Correct
Make sure there are no typos in the nameserver data.
Even just a single wrong letter will cause your website not to load.
3. IP Address Incorrect
When using the A record, make sure you enter the proper server IP address.
4. Domain Not Connected to the Hosting Account
In some cases, you must connect the domain in the hosting account control panel before using it.
5. Cache
Your browser might have stored old DNS information.
Clean your browser cache.
Understanding DNS Propagation
Perhaps one of the most common searches is the question:
“Why is my domain not pointing to my hosting?”
And, of course, the reason behind that is DNS propagation. Every internet service provider keeps DNS information for some time.
If there is a change in DNS, it will take some time for all the records to propagate on all servers globally. This is absolutely fine and doesn’t mean anything concerning your site.
Tips to Consider When Pointing Your Domain
In order not to have any downtime, consider the following suggestions:
- Check your nameservers before saving them.
- Create a backup copy of your existing DNS records.
- Don’t make DNS changes over and over again.
- Make sure to add your domain to your hosting account always before changing DNS.
These tips will save you many unnecessary hours.
Reasons to Choose HarmonWeb for Domain and Hosting Services
Domain and hosting management do not have to be difficult.
At HarmonWeb, there are reliable hosting services with high-speed servers, DNS management, good uptime, and friendly customer support to help you link your domain hassle-free.
Whether it is a personal blog, an eCommerce site, or business website, HarmonWeb is what you need, from domain name registration to web hosting, SSL, and technical support.
Choosing us solves compatibility problems which arise when dealing with more than one service provider.
Conclusion
The knowledge about how to connect your domain name to a web host cannot be ignored by any website owner. It does not matter whether you choose to change your nameservers or configure an A Record – the process is not time-consuming, although DNS propagation can take some extra time.
If you need to have a reliable web hosting service with assistance from professionals, you should choose the best. Registration of your domain name, web hosting and DNS management can be done with our help.
After your domain name is successfully connected to the web host, you need to upload your website.
