How to Point a Domain to Your Website
You bought a domain (or a website) and need to connect the two so the domain shows your site.
Common signs of this issue
- Your domain shows a registrar 'parked' page, a blank page, or an old site.
- Your host gave you an IP address or nameservers and you're not sure where they go.
- You moved hosts and the domain still points to the old one.
- The site works at a temporary host URL but not at your real domain.
Safe checks you can do yourself
None of these require sharing passwords with anyone.
- Find out what your host needs you to set — usually either an A record (an IP address) or a set of nameservers. Your host's welcome email or dashboard lists these.
- Log in to your domain registrar (where you bought the domain) — DNS is changed there, not necessarily where the site is hosted.
- If using nameservers, replace the registrar's defaults with the ones your host provided. This hands all DNS to the host.
- If using an A record, point the root (@) to the host's IP, and set www as directed (often a CNAME to your domain).
- After saving, expect DNS propagation to take anywhere from minutes to a day or two — it is normal, not a mistake.
What this usually means
A domain and a website are two separate things you rent: the domain is the address, the hosting is where the site lives. 'Pointing' the domain means updating its DNS so the address leads to your host.
There are two common methods — changing nameservers (simplest; the host runs all DNS) or setting an A record (more granular). Use whichever your host recommends; don't mix both for the same purpose.
What not to do
- Don't change nameservers and A records at the same time for the same goal — pick one method.
- Don't expect it to switch instantly; give propagation time before assuming it failed.
- Don't delete existing records you don't understand (especially MX records) — that can break your email.
When to get help
If your domain and hosting are at different companies, or email is involved, a small mistake can take down your site or mail. A helper can set the records correctly the first time. If you are not sure who hosts what, that is worth sorting before you change anything.
Not sure what to do next?
Answer a few short questions and we'll point you to the safest next step — DIY, a freelancer, or a direct review. No passwords required.
Frequently asked questions
Nameservers or A record — which should I use?
Use whatever your host recommends. Nameservers are simplest (the host manages all DNS); an A record is more granular. Don't use both methods for the same purpose.
How long until my domain works?
DNS changes typically take from a few minutes up to 24-48 hours to fully propagate worldwide. Seeing the old site for a while right after a change is normal.