You can register your domain at GoDaddy and host your website at HostGator. To connect them, you point your GoDaddy domain to HostGator by changing its nameservers. It takes about 10 minutes, plus some waiting time.
| Step | Where | What you do |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | HostGator | Find your nameservers |
| 2 | GoDaddy | Change the nameservers |
| 3 | HostGator | Add the domain to your hosting |
| 4 | Anywhere | Wait for DNS to update |
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Step 1: Find Your HostGator Nameservers
Log in to your HostGator Customer Portal. Your nameservers are listed with your hosting account details (look for server information). You can also find them in the General Information panel in cPanel, and in the welcome email HostGator sent after you signed up. They usually look like ns1234.hostgator.com and ns1235.hostgator.com. Keep this tab open.
Step 2: Change the Nameservers in GoDaddy
- Log in to your GoDaddy account and open your domain portfolio (My Products > Domains).
- Select the domain you want to connect.
- Open the DNS tab and choose Nameservers.
- Click Change Nameservers and select the option to use your own nameservers.
- Enter the two HostGator nameservers and save. Confirm any warning that appears.
GoDaddy changes its dashboard often, so the button names may differ slightly. Look for anything labeled Nameservers under your domain’s DNS settings.
Step 3: Add the Domain to HostGator
If you entered this domain when you signed up for HostGator, it is already your primary domain, and you can skip this step. Otherwise, open cPanel and go to Domains (called Addon Domains in older cPanel versions). Click Create a New Domain, enter your domain name, and save. HostGator creates a folder for it automatically.
Step 4: Wait for DNS to Update
DNS changes are not instant. It usually takes a few hours, and can take up to 48 hours, for your domain to start loading from HostGator worldwide. You can check progress with a free DNS checker like whatsmydns.net.
Then install WordPress with our guide: how to install WordPress on HostGator. Moving an existing site from GoDaddy hosting too? Read how to switch hosting from GoDaddy to HostGator.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a GoDaddy domain with HostGator hosting?
Yes. Change the domain’s nameservers to HostGator’s. The domain stays registered at GoDaddy.
How long does it take for the change to work?
Usually a few hours, but it can take up to 48 hours.
Will changing nameservers affect my email?
Yes, if your email runs through GoDaddy DNS. Set up email at HostGator or recreate your email DNS records there before switching.
Should I transfer my domain to HostGator instead?
You do not have to. Pointing nameservers is faster and keeps your domain where it is. Transfer only if you want everything in one account.
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