How to Connect a Domain to a Server or Hosting? Print

Connecting your domain to your hosting is like linking your phone number to your physical phoneit ensures that when people "dial" your address, they reach your website.

On Nixzoehost, we offer two primary methods to make this connection.

How to Connect a Domain to a Server or Hosting

Method 1: Pointing via Nameservers (Recommended)

This is the easiest and most reliable method. When you use Nixzoehost nameservers, our system automatically handles all the background technical work (DNS records) for you.

1. Find your Nixzoehost Nameservers: These were sent to you in your "New Hosting Account Information" email. They typically look like this:

   • ns1.nixzoehost.com

   • ns2.nixzoehost.com

2. Log in to your Nixzoehost Client Area.

3. Go to Domains > My Domains and click the wrench icon (Manage) next to your domain.

4. On the left sidebar, click Nameservers.

5. Select "Use custom nameservers" and enter the nameservers provided in your welcome email.

6. Click Change Nameservers.

Method 2: Pointing via A Record (Advanced)

Use this method if you want to keep your domain's DNS managed elsewhere (like Cloudflare) but still want the website to load from your Nixzoehost server.

1. Get your Server IP: Log in to cPanel and look at the "General Information" sidebar on the right. Copy the Site IP Address.

2. Log in to the place where your DNS is managed.

3. Locate the A Record (usually shown with a @ or your domain name).

4. Edit the record and change the "Points to" or "Value" field to your Nixzoehost Site IP.

5. Save your changes.

Understanding Propagation (The "Waiting Period")

Changing your DNS settings is not instant. It takes time for internet providers around the world to update their "map" of where your domain lives.

• Timeframe: Usually takes 14 hours, but can take up to 2448 hours in rare cases.

• Tip: You can use a tool like whatsmydns.net to track the progress of your domain's update globally.

Which Method Should I Use?

• Use Nameservers (Method 1) if you want a "set it and forget it" experience where Nixzoehost manages your website and email settings automatically.

• Use an A Record (Method 2) if you have a complex setup, such as using an external email provider or a specialized security proxy like Cloudflare.