Namecheap and HostGator are some of the most prominent providers in the hosting game we have reviewed. In our reviews, we have covered each web host’s features, strengths, and weaknesses. For example, we have established that Namecheap is one of the best domain name registrars in the game.
Namecheap started as a domain registrar in early 2000, and they never dropped the ball. They had so much success as domain registrars that they decided to venture into other services, including hosting. Unfortunately, Namecheap did not experience as much success with hosting. Several other hosting providers do a better job.
HostGator is one such hosting provider. HostGator offers a wide variety of hosting plans, from shared to dedicated hosting. Their services are straightforward to use and beginner-friendly. Many new website owners turn to HostGator because of its affordability and generous offerings.
If you are wondering how you can get the best of both, keep reading.
Yes, it is possible to host your domain name with one domain name registrar and your website with a different web host. Hosting your domain separately from your website adds security and saves you money. Most web hosts usually charge more than domain registrars for domain name renewal.
This post will cover how to point the Namecheap domain to HostGator. The process is almost similar even with domain names from other registrars and websites from different hosting providers.
How to Point your Namecheap Domain to HostGator
Connect your Namecheap domain to HostGator easily by following these steps.
1. Purchase HostGator Hosting
If you have an account with HostGator, you can skip this step.
Otherwise, you need to have a HostGator hosting account to which to point your Namecheap domain.
HostGator’s shared hosting plans are the best to get started with your website or blog with so many options. You will save money by starting small and upgrading later when your business grows and hosting needs increase.
HostGator offers three shared hosting plans – Hatchling, Baby, and Business. We recommend the Baby Plan. It offers everything in Hatchling and can host unlimited domains.
2. Find your HostGator Nameservers
Nameservers help translate your IP addresses into domain names. You need your hosting Nameservers to link your outside domain to your web hosting.
You need HostGator Nameservers to point your Namecheap domain to your HostGator hosting account. HostGator sends a welcoming e-mail to new customers with their hosting account Nameservers. If you cannot locate the e-mail, do not panic, you can still get your Nameservers from your cPanel. Look for your Nameservers in the bottom left corner of your cPanel home screen.
3. Change Namecheap Domain Nameservers
To point your Namecheap domain to HostGator, you must change your Namecheap Nameservers to your HostGator hosting account Nameservers.
To do this, log into your Namecheap account and go to ‘Domain List’ under the ‘Dashboard’ tab. Scroll down your Domain list to the one you want to point to HostGator. Besides the Domain name on the far right, you will find a ‘MANAGE’ button.
Click ‘MANAGE’ and navigate to the Nameservers section. Click on ‘Namecheap BasicDNS’ to reveal a drop-down menu and select ‘Custom DNS.’
Enter your HostGator primary and secondary Nameservers here to replace Namecheap default Nameservers. Click on the green check button to save your changes.
Your Namecheap domain is now pointed to HostGator web hosting. However, the changes may take some time to update.
Adding Namecheap Domain as an Add-on on HostGator
If you already have Namecheap and HostGator accounts, you can purchase a new Namecheap domain and add it as an add-on domain on HostGator’s servers.
Hostgator prompts you to either buy a domain name with them or use your preferred domain name when you sign up for hosting services.
In the first case, where you registered your HostGator account with the HostGator domain name, you can change the DNS by following the steps above.
However, if you are adding another domain to your HostGator hosting account, proceed as follows:
Login to your HostGator hosting account and navigate to ‘Domains.’ Under the ‘Domains’ tab, you will find ‘Addon Domains.’ Click on ‘Add Domain,’ and on the next page, you will be requested to provide:
- New Domain name
- Subdomain or FTP user
- Roof folder
- Password
Click on ‘Add Domain’ to complete the process.
You will receive a notification confirming that your domain name has been added.
Congratulations, you have successfully pointed your Namecheap domain name to your HostGator hosting account. If you face any difficulties, feel free to seek help in the comment section.