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Connect a Domain Name via the Websites Tab

Learning how to connect a domain name to a hosting account ensures your website becomes visible online when someone types in your domain. In this guide, you'll learn how to add a new domain or link an existing one using the Websites tab in your HostGator Customer Portal. Here are the topics discussed in this article.

  • Connect a Domain Name ⤵
  • Common Issues When Connecting a Domain Name ⤵

Connect a Domain Name​

Before connecting, ensure your domain is registered with HostGator or correctly pointed to our nameservers. For a seamless experience, consider transferring your domain to us.

  1. Log in to your Customer Portal.
  2. Click on the Websites tab from the main navigation menu. HG Customer Portal Website Tab
  3. You can connect a domain in two ways: by creating a new website or by linking it to an existing one.

Option 1: Add a Domain While Creating a New Site​

  1. Click Add Site. HG Customer Portal Website Tab - Add Site
  2. It will direct you to the Hosting tab. Select the package where you want to install the new site.
  3. Select Manage. HG Customer Portal Hosting Tab - Manage
  4. Click Add Site. HG Customer Portal Hosting Tab - Add Site
  5. Follow the guided steps to set up your site.
  6. When prompted, enter the domain you want to connect to.
  7. Enter the domain you want to connect to and complete the setup. HG Customer Portal Hosting Tab - Enter Domain

Option 2: Add a Domain to an Existing Site​

  1. Locate the website to which you want to add the domain.
  2. Click Setting s next to the site. HG Customer Portal Website Tab - Settings Button
  3. In the Site Information section, choose:
  • Connect domain (if this is your first time) and then proceed to step 5 or. HG Customer Portal Website Tab - Site Information Connect domain
  • Manage (to add another domain) and then proceed to step 4. HG Customer Portal Website Tab - Site Information Manage
  1. Click Add Domain. HG Customer Portal Website Tab - Site Information Manage Add Domain
  2. Enter a domain name to connect. HG Customer Portal Website Tab - Site Information Manage Enter Domain
  3. Enter the domain name and click Continue to confirm.

Common Issues When Connecting a Domain Name​

Issue 1: Domain Not Found or Unavailable
✔ Check for typos orregistration status. Make sure the domain is active and not expired. Issue 2: DNS Not Propagated
✔ Allow 24–48 hours for DNS changes topropagate. Use tools like What's My DNS to track progress. Issue 3: Domain Not Pointed to Correct Nameservers
✔ Update your domain's nameservers to point to HostGator. Refer to your registrar or our nameserver guide . Issue 4: Domain Already Connected to Another Site
✔ Disconnect the domain from the other hosting account or contact support to free it up. Issue 5: Transfer Still in Progress
✔ Wait until the domain transfer (typically 5–7 days) is complete before connecting.

  • Choosing Your Domain Name
  • Registering a Domain Name with HostGator
  • How do I point my existing domain to HostGator?
  • Transfer Domain Name Registrations to HostGator
  • What is DNS Propagation?

Need further assistance? Please reach out to us via phone or chat so we can assist you.