How to set a Domain's Name Servers DNS to Point to A2 Hosting with Bluehost - eCommerce Thesis

How to set a Domain’s Name Servers DNS to Point to A2 Hosting with Bluehost

Are you looking to set a Domain’s Name Servers DNS to point to A2 Hosting with Bluehost? If so, you’re in the right place! This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process step by step. Whether you’re new to managing domains or just need a refresher, we’ll make this easy for you to understand and follow.

Introduction

When you own a domain registered with Bluehost but want to host your website with A2 Hosting, you’ll need to change your domain’s DNS settings. DNS (Domain Name System) settings control where your domain points, which determines where your website is hosted. By setting your domain’s name servers to point to A2 Hosting, you ensure that visitors who type your domain name into their browser are directed to your site hosted on A2 Hosting.

In this guide, we will cover how to set a domain’s name servers (DNS) to point to A2 Hosting with Bluehost. Let’s get started!

Understanding DNS and Name Servers

Before we dive into the steps, it’s helpful to understand what DNS and name servers are:

  • DNS (Domain Name System): Translates domain names into IP addresses, allowing browsers to locate and load websites.
  • Name Servers: Part of the DNS; they store the DNS records for a domain and direct traffic to the correct IP address.

When you change the name servers for your domain, you are essentially telling the internet where to find your website.

Steps to Set a Domain’s Name Servers (DNS) to Point to A2 Hosting with Bluehost

Here are the steps to change your domain’s name servers from Bluehost to point to A2 Hosting:

1. Find A2 Hosting Name Servers

First, you need to know the name servers for A2 Hosting. Typically, A2 Hosting provides name servers in their welcome email or in your account dashboard. They usually look something like this:

  • ns1.a2hosting.com
  • ns2.a2hosting.com

2. Login to Your Bluehost Account

Next, log in to your Bluehost account where your domain is registered.

  • Go to the Bluehost website.
  • Click on the “Login” button at the top right corner.
  • Enter your username and password.
  • Click “Login.”

3. Access Domain Management

Once logged in, access the domain management section where you can update DNS settings.

  • From the Bluehost dashboard, go to the “Domains” section.
  • Find the domain you want to point to A2 Hosting.
  • Click on “Manage” to access the domain settings.

4. Update Name Servers

Now, you need to update the name servers for your domain to point to A2 Hosting.

  • In the domain management page, look for the “Name Servers” section.
  • Click on “Edit” or “Change” to modify the name servers.
  • Select the option to use custom name servers.
  • Enter the A2 Hosting name servers you obtained earlier (e.g., ns1.a2hosting.com, ns2.a2hosting.com).
  • Save or apply the changes.

5. Confirm Changes

After updating the name servers, it might take some time for the changes to propagate across the internet. This process, known as DNS propagation, can take up to 48 hours. During this time, your website might be intermittently accessible.

6. Verify DNS Propagation

To verify that the DNS changes have propagated and your domain is pointing to A2 Hosting, you can use online tools like:

  • What’s My DNS: Check if your domain is pointing to the new name servers.
  • DNS Checker: Verify the DNS records for your domain.

7. Finalize Setup on A2 Hosting

While waiting for DNS propagation, ensure that your website files are uploaded to A2 Hosting. If you haven’t done this yet, follow these steps:

  • Login to your A2 Hosting account.
  • Access the cPanel: Find the link to cPanel in your account dashboard.
  • Upload your website files: Use the File Manager or FTP to upload your website files to the appropriate directory (usually public_html).

8. Check Your Website

Once DNS propagation is complete, check your website by typing your domain name into a browser. If everything is set up correctly, your website should load from A2 Hosting.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes, issues may arise during the process. Here are some common problems and how to solve them:

DNS Propagation Delay

DNS changes can take up to 48 hours to propagate fully. If your website isn’t accessible immediately, wait a bit longer and check again.

Incorrect Name Server Entries

Double-check the name servers you entered in Bluehost. A small typo can prevent the domain from pointing correctly to A2 Hosting.

Website Not Loading Correctly

Ensure that all your website files are correctly uploaded to the A2 Hosting server. Check file paths and configurations if the website isn’t displaying properly.

Using A2 Hosting Support

If you encounter any issues that you can’t resolve, don’t hesitate to contact A2 Hosting’s customer support. They are usually very helpful and can assist you with any problems related to hosting and DNS settings.

Conclusion

Setting a domain’s name servers (DNS) to point to A2 Hosting with Bluehost is a straightforward process if you follow the steps outlined in this guide. By updating the name servers in your Bluehost account to those provided by A2 Hosting, you ensure that your domain points to the correct hosting server.

We hope this guide has been helpful! If you have any questions or run into any issues, both Bluehost and A2 Hosting have excellent customer support that can assist you.