If you bought a domain from somewhere like Porkbun, but want to use GreenGeeks as your host, you can easily connect the two using namerservers.
In just 3 quick steps, you’ll connect your domain to your GreenGeeks hosting account, and you’ll be ready to go!
Let’s jump in!
What Is A Namerserver
A nameserver, also called a DNS server, connects URLs with IP addresses of web servers (like a domain bought on Porkbun to a GreenGeeks hosting account).
It’s essentially the phone book of the internet.
These direct internet traffic and allow users to access your website, so it’s crucial that you use the right ones!
Nameservers look like domain names, and each website usually contains a minimum of two different nameservers.
Step 1: Find Nameserver on GreenGeeks
GreenGeeks makes it really easy to find your nameserver, and we assume you’ve already made an account with GreenGeeks at this point.
If you still need to make an account, simply purchase your choice of web/WordPress hosting plans and follow the prompts.
Then, follow these steps to connect your domain:
- Log in to GreenGeeks. Use the button in the top right corner to access the username and password screen.
2. Enter your details, and press “Log In”
3. On the left side, press the “Hosting” option.
4. On your target hosting account, click the “Manage” button.
5. You will find the nameserver here in a box titled “Domain Nameservers,” with the default GreenGeeks nameservers consisting of two. Copy these.
Step 2: Edit Your Domain’s NS Settings
Now that you have your GreenGeeks nameserver, you need to point your domain to your hosting account using them:
- Sign in to your domain account (e.g. porkbun.com, godaddy.com, etc.).
- Access Domain Settings.
- Most domain providers have a “DNS Settings” page or “Manage DNS” options, and some have a dedicated nameserver section. Either way, find your way to the NS Settings.
- Delete the default ones in there – those point your domain to the place you bought them from as the host (if they also offer hosting services), which we don’t want.
- Paste the nameservers you got from your GreenGeeks hosting account – there should be one per line.
- Click Save.
Step 3: Check Your Connection
Nameserver propagation can take anywhere from a couple of minutes to 72 hours, but it usually averages around 24 hours in my experience – I’ve had one take almost 60 hours once!
During this time, you can check on the propagation progress using tools like whatsmydns.net.
Just type in your full URL, and you’ll be able to see where and when your nameserver changes have taken place – you can use a VPN to see what countries you can access your site in!
We Can Help
There are, of course, problems that arise when dealing with this sort of stuff, and we understand the headaches those create.
If you want, ViverSEO can help you – we’ve gone through this stuff countless times, so we’ll ensure your domain is connected to your host of choice quickly and effectively!
Just shoot us a message and we’ll get your website online!