You’ve bought the perfect domain name on GoDaddy, but your website lives on Hostinger. Now what? Connecting your domain with your hosting might feel daunting, but it’s a crucial step to getting your site live for the world to see.
Many website owners face this same challenge—and the good news is, it’s easier than you think. In this article, you’ll find simple, step-by-step instructions to seamlessly link your GoDaddy domain to your Hostinger account, plus helpful tips to avoid common pitfalls.
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How to Use Your GoDaddy Domain with Hostinger: The Complete Guide
Connecting your GoDaddy domain to your Hostinger hosting plan is a straightforward process. Whether you’re launching a new website or moving your domain to a different host, understanding how to link these services is essential. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from updating nameservers to practical tips, so you can get your domain live with zero stress.
Understanding the Basics
Domains and Hosting: What’s the Difference?
- Domain: Think of your domain as your website’s address (like www.yoursite.com).
- Web Hosting: This is the space where your website’s files and data live.
If you’ve bought your domain on GoDaddy and hosting on Hostinger, you simply need to ‘point’ the domain to your new host so visitors see your website when they enter your domain.
Step-by-Step: Connecting Your GoDaddy Domain to Hostinger
Here’s a simplified, detailed walkthrough so anyone can follow along—even if you’re a complete beginner.
1. Prepare Your Hostinger Hosting Account
Before you start, make sure you’ve purchased a hosting plan on Hostinger and have received your account details. These will include your hosting dashboard login and Hostinger’s nameserver information.
2. Locate Hostinger’s Nameservers
These are “addresses” you’ll enter on GoDaddy to direct traffic to Hostinger. Commonly, they look similar to:
- ns1.dns-parking.com
- ns2.dns-parking.com
To find your exact nameservers:
- Log in to your Hostinger dashboard.
- Go to “Hosting” → “Manage”.
- Find and note the “Nameservers” section.
3. Change Your Domain Nameservers on GoDaddy
Now link your domain to Hostinger by updating the nameservers in your GoDaddy dashboard.
Follow these instructions:
- Log in to your GoDaddy account.
- Navigate to “Domains” and select your domain name.
- Click on “Manage DNS” or “DNS Settings”.
- Locate the “Nameservers” section and select “Change”.
- Choose “Enter my own nameservers” (if asked).
- Enter the Hostinger nameservers you noted earlier.
- Click “Save” or “Update”.
Tip: Double-check that you’ve entered the nameservers correctly. A typo can prevent your site from going live.
4. Wait for DNS Propagation
Updating nameservers isn’t instant. It can take anywhere between a few minutes to 24-48 hours for changes to fully “propagate” across the internet. During this period, your site may be intermittently unavailable.
Practical Advice:
– Use this wait time to upload your website files to Hostinger.
– DNS propagation times can vary depending on your region and ISP.
5. Link the Domain in Hostinger
Once nameserver changes are propagated, make sure Hostinger recognizes your domain:
- Log in to your Hostinger panel.
- Go to “Websites” and select “Add website”.
- Enter your domain name (e.g., mydomain.com).
- Complete the brief setup process.
Benefits of Connecting a GoDaddy Domain to Hostinger
- Flexibility: Separating your domain and hosting providers gives you more control and the freedom to switch hosts without transferring your domain.
- Competitive Pricing: You can shop for the best prices and features individually.
- Improved Security: Using reputable companies (like GoDaddy and Hostinger) minimizes risks such as downtime and data loss.
Practical Tips and Best Practices
Double-Check Your Settings
Always confirm that your nameservers are entered accurately. Even a small error can disconnect your domain from your hosting.
Keep DNS Records Handy
Before changing nameservers, jot down any existing DNS records (like MX or TXT records if you use custom email). You might need to add them in Hostinger after the switch.
Backup Your Website
Before making any major changes, backup your website (and emails if you’re migrating hosts). This safeguards you against any accidental data loss.
Secure Your Domain
- Use two-factor authentication on GoDaddy.
- Enable domain auto-renew to avoid losing your domain due to missed payments.
- Consider domain privacy protection to keep your personal info safe.
Updating Website Links
If you’re moving an existing site, ensure that all links, images, and scripts use the correct domain address to avoid broken links.
Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
Delay in DNS Propagation
- Solution: Be patient. It might take up to 48 hours.
- What you can do: Clear your browser cache and try accessing from different devices or networks.
Email Disruption
If your email services are handled by GoDaddy, switching nameservers might disrupt email.
- Solution: Add custom MX records (from your email provider) in Hostinger’s DNS zone to restore email functionality.
Domain Not Connecting
If you followed every step and your domain still doesn’t work:
- Double-check spelling in nameservers.
- Ensure the domain is added to your Hostinger panel.
- Contact Hostinger support for speedy help.
Cost Tips
- No Hidden Fees: Pointing your domain to another host is free on both GoDaddy and Hostinger.
- Renewal Costs: Watch for renewal rates for domain and hosting, which can increase after the first year.
- Email Hosting: If you need email, check if Hostinger offers it for free, or consider budget-friendly third-party email solutions.
- Domain Transfers: Moving your actual domain registration from GoDaddy to Hostinger (optional) may incur transfer fees or renewals.
Summary
Connecting your GoDaddy domain to Hostinger is a hassle-free process:
- Get your Hostinger nameservers.
- Update them in your GoDaddy account.
- Wait for DNS updates.
- Add and manage your domain in Hostinger.
Taking a few careful steps ensures your website is live swiftly and reliably. With these best practices, you’ll enjoy flexibility, security, and complete control over your online presence.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How long does it take for domain changes to become active after updating nameservers?
It typically takes anywhere from a few minutes to 48 hours for DNS changes to fully propagate. Most changes happen within a few hours, but global updates can take longer.
2. Will updating nameservers affect my email services linked to my GoDaddy domain?
Yes, if your email is hosted with GoDaddy, changing nameservers might disrupt your email unless you add custom MX records in Hostinger’s DNS panel to point to your current email provider.
3. Can I transfer my domain registration fully from GoDaddy to Hostinger?
Absolutely. While not required to point your domain, you can transfer your domain registrar to Hostinger for consolidated management. This involves extra steps and possibly a domain renewal fee.
4. Is there any cost involved in pointing my GoDaddy domain to Hostinger?
No, updating your nameservers to point your domain is completely free from both GoDaddy and Hostinger. Be aware, however, of regular renewal charges for domain and hosting.
5. What should I do if my site isn’t showing up after updating nameservers?
First, wait for full DNS propagation, which could take up to 48 hours. Check that you entered the nameservers correctly. If the issue persists, contact Hostinger’s support for assistance—they’re known for their quick, helpful responses.
Connecting your GoDaddy domain to Hostinger is easy with the right guidance. Take your time, follow these steps, and you’ll have your website live in no time. Happy building!