Guide · Updated October 2026

How Do I Connect My Domain Name to My Website?

Step-by-step guide to connecting a domain to your website using nameservers or DNS records, plus how to avoid breaking your email in the process.

How Do I Connect My Domain Name to My Website?

Short answer: You connect a domain to a website by changing its DNS settings at your registrar. Either point the nameservers to your host, or add the A and CNAME records your host gives you. Changes usually work within a few hours. The main thing to protect is your email, which uses separate records.

Before you start: gather three things

  1. Login to your domain registrar: the company you pay for the domain. If you are not sure who that is, a WHOIS lookup will usually tell you.
  2. Instructions from your website host or builder: they will give you either nameservers or specific DNS records.
  3. A screenshot of your current DNS records: especially anything relating to email. This takes ten seconds and can save you days of lost emails.

Option 1: change the nameservers

This hands control of all your DNS to your host. It is the simplest route when your host manages everything.

  • Log in to your registrar and find the domain's settings.
  • Look for "Nameservers" or "DNS servers".
  • Choose "custom" and enter the two or more nameservers your host provided, for example ns1.examplehost.com.
  • Save.

Watch out: once nameservers change, any records at your old DNS provider stop working. If your email runs through Google Workspace or Microsoft 365, you must recreate those MX and TXT records at the new provider, or email will bounce.

Option 2: add DNS records

This keeps DNS where it is and just points the website part at your host. It is safer if your email setup is complicated.

  • Find "DNS settings" or "Manage DNS" at your registrar (or wherever your nameservers currently point).
  • Edit the A record for the root domain (often shown as @) to the IP address your host gave you.
  • Add or edit a CNAME for www pointing to the address your host specifies.
  • Delete any old conflicting A records for the same name.
  • Leave your MX records alone.

Rather not touch DNS at all? We connect your domain for you, email included.

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After the change

Wait for propagation

Most changes take effect within an hour or two, but some networks hold cached answers for up to a day or two. Online DNS checker tools show what different locations around the world currently see.

Switch on SSL

Once the domain points at your host, enable the free SSL certificate in your host's dashboard so the site loads with https and the padlock. Some hosts do this automatically after the domain verifies.

Pick one main version

Decide whether your site lives at www.yourbusiness.com or yourbusiness.com, and redirect the other to it. Search engines prefer one consistent address.

Troubleshooting

  • Old site still showing: clear your browser cache or try mobile data. It may just be your cached DNS.
  • "Not secure" warning: the SSL certificate has not been issued yet. Give it time or trigger it again from your host.
  • Domain shows a parking page: the registrar's default records are still there. Remove them.
  • Emails stopped: restore the MX records from your screenshot.

Domain connection is included with every SiteDrum plan. You keep ownership of your domain, and we do the fiddly bits.

The bottom line

Connecting a domain means pointing its DNS at your host, either by changing nameservers or by editing A and CNAME records. Screenshot your existing records first, protect your email settings, enable SSL afterwards, and give it a few hours to settle.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to connect a domain to a website?

The settings take minutes to change. They usually work within a few hours, though full worldwide propagation can take up to a day or two.

Should I change nameservers or DNS records?

Change nameservers if your host will manage everything including email. Edit A and CNAME records if you want to keep email and other settings where they are.

Will connecting my domain break my email?

It can if you change nameservers without recreating your MX and email TXT records. Screenshot your records first and copy them across.

Can I connect a domain I bought elsewhere?

Yes. You do not need to buy your domain from your host. You just point it at the host using DNS.

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