To make your website accessible via a domain (e.g. yoursite.com
instead of an IP address), you need to update your domain's DNS
records. This guide explains how.
How DNS Works (Quick Summary)
When someone types your domain into a browser, DNS (Domain Name System) translates it to your server's IP address. You control this mapping through your domain registrar's DNS settings.
What You Need
- Your server's IPv4 address (e.g.
123.45.67.89) - found in your server dashboard - Access to your domain registrar (e.g. SuperBitHost). Buy Domain with crypto
Step 1: Find Your Server's IP Address
Log in to your server control panel and note the IPv4 address on your server's Details tab.
Step 2: Log In to Your Domain Registrar
Go to the website where you purchased your domain and navigate to the DNS settings or DNS Management section for that domain.
Step 3: Add an A Record
An A record maps your domain to your server's IP address.
| Type | Name | Value | TTL |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | @ |
YOUR_SERVER_IP |
3600 |
| A | www |
YOUR_SERVER_IP |
3600 |
@represents the root domain (e.g.yoursite.com)wwwcoverswww.yoursite.com- TTL is in seconds - 3600 (1 hour) is standard
Note: Some registrars use
yourdomain.cominstead of@for the root domain.
Step 4: Wait for DNS Propagation
DNS changes can take a few minutes to 48 hours to propagate worldwide, though most updates are visible within 15–60 minutes.
Check propagation status at: https://dnschecker.org
Step 5: Test Your Domain
Once propagated, open a browser and visit:
http://yourdomain.com
You should see your website. If you've set up HTTPS, visit:
https://yourdomain.com
Optional: Using Cloudflare as Your DNS Provider
Cloudflare offers free DNS with added benefits: DDoS protection, CDN, and performance improvements. To use it:
- Sign up at cloudflare.com
- Add your domain and import your DNS records
- Cloudflare will give you two nameservers (e.g.
ada.ns.cloudflare.com) - Go back to your domain registrar and update the nameservers to Cloudflare's
- Manage all DNS from Cloudflare going forward
Common DNS Record Types
| Record | Purpose |
|---|---|
| A | Maps domain to IPv4 address |
| AAAA | Maps domain to IPv6 address |
| CNAME | Alias - points one domain to another |
| MX | Mail server routing |
| TXT | Verification, SPF, DKIM records |
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Domain not resolving | Check the A record is saved correctly and wait for propagation |
| Showing old/wrong IP | DNS may be cached - try a different browser or use a VPN |
ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED |
Domain resolves but server isn't serving - check Nginx is running |
| SSL error after pointing domain | Run Certbot after DNS propagates, not before |
Questions? Email us at [email protected] - we reply in under 2 hours, 7 days a week.