Buying your domain from Namecheap and your hosting from HostGator is a smart, budget friendly combo. Keeping them separate also makes it easier to switch hosts later. To make them work together, you just need to point your Namecheap domain to HostGator. It takes about 10 minutes.
| Step | Where | What you do |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | HostGator | Find your nameservers |
| 2 | Namecheap | Replace the nameservers with HostGator’s |
| 3 | HostGator | Add the domain to your hosting |
| 4 | Anywhere | Wait for DNS to update |
| 5 | HostGator | Install WordPress |
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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 Namecheap
- Log in to Namecheap and open Domain List.
- Click Manage next to your domain.
- In the Nameservers section, choose Custom DNS from the dropdown.
- Enter the two HostGator nameservers, one per line.
- Click the green check mark to save.
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.
Step 5: Install WordPress
Once the domain loads, install WordPress from your HostGator portal or cPanel. Follow our guide: how to install WordPress on HostGator. Then see things to do after installing WordPress.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for a Namecheap domain to work with HostGator?
Usually a few hours, but DNS changes can take up to 48 hours to spread everywhere.
Can I keep my domain at Namecheap and host it on HostGator?
Yes. You only change the nameservers. Your domain stays registered at Namecheap.
Should I use nameservers or an A record?
Nameservers are the easiest option for beginners, since HostGator then manages all DNS records. Use an A record only if you want to keep DNS at Namecheap.
Why is my domain still showing a Namecheap parking page?
DNS has not finished updating yet, or the nameservers were saved incorrectly. Double-check them and wait a few more hours.
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