Domains
How to connect a domain to web hosting
Connecting a domain to web hosting means making DNS direct the website hostname to the correct service. The exact records depend on the provider, but the underlying idea is always the same: the domain needs an authoritative DNS configuration that tells browsers where the site lives.
First find out where DNS is managed
The registrar, web host, CDN or another DNS provider may be authoritative for the domain. Check the nameservers before editing records so you do not make changes in a dashboard that is not actually serving the domain.
Record the existing zone before replacing nameservers or deleting records.
Point the website hostname to the hosting service
The host may ask you to use an A record, AAAA record, CNAME, or a specific nameserver set. Follow the provider’s current instructions for the exact service you purchased.
The apex domain and www hostname may use different record types while still serving the same website.
Preserve email and verification records
MX records control mail routing, while TXT records commonly contain SPF, DKIM, DMARC and third-party verification values. A website move should not erase those records unless the mail system is moving too.
DNS changes are broader than the website alone.
Wait for caches, then test the full path
DNS resolvers cache answers according to TTL and their own behaviour, so changes may not appear everywhere instantly. Once the new records are visible, test HTTP, HTTPS, www, the apex domain, email and any important subdomains.
A successful ping or homepage load does not prove every service on the domain survived the change.
Common questions
Do I have to change nameservers to connect hosting?
Not always. You can often leave the existing nameservers in place and change only the website records. Some providers prefer their own nameservers because they manage the DNS zone for you.