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Namr: Point Domain to DreamHost | DNS Settings Guide 2025

How to Point Your Domain to DreamHost (Complete DNS Settings Guide)

Pointing your domain to DreamHost hosting allows you to use DreamHost's servers for your website while keeping your domain registered at your current registrar. This guide provides comprehensive, step-by-step instructions for configuring DNS settings across all major domain registrars to point to DreamHost in 2025.

Pointing vs. Transferring: Understanding the Difference

Many users confuse pointing a domain with transferring a domain. They're completely different processes.

Pointing a Domain (This Guide)

What it does: Updates DNS records to direct your domain to DreamHost servers Changes: DNS nameservers OR individual DNS records (A, MX, etc.) Doesn't change: Domain registrar, domain billing, WHOIS information Cost: Free Time required: 10-30 minutes + 4-48 hours DNS propagation Reversible: Yes, instantly (just change DNS back)

Transferring a Domain (Different Process)

What it does: Moves domain registration from one registrar to another Changes: Registrar, billing, management control Doesn't change: Website hosting (unless also migrated) Cost: $10-20 (includes 1-year extension) Time required: 5-7 days Reversible: Yes, but requires another transfer (costs money and time)

When to point instead of transfer:

  • Your current registrar has better domain prices than DreamHost
  • You want to keep domain and hosting separate for risk management
  • You need immediate setup (no 5-7 day transfer wait)
  • You prefer flexible: easy to change hosting providers later
  • You manage many domains at one registrar

When to transfer instead of point:

  • You want everything in one account for simplicity
  • DreamHost's domain pricing is competitive with your current registrar
  • You're unhappy with your current registrar's service or interface

Use Namr to compare domain renewal prices before deciding. If your current registrar is cheaper, pointing makes more financial sense than transferring.

How DNS Pointing Works

DNS Basics

When someone visits your domain (example.com), their browser:

  1. Queries DNS servers: "Where is example.com hosted?"
  2. DNS responds with an IP address (e.g., "192.168.1.1")
  3. Browser connects to that IP address and loads your website

Pointing your domain means updating those DNS responses to provide DreamHost's IP address instead of your old host's IP.

Two Methods to Point Your Domain

Method 1: Change Nameservers (Recommended)

  • Update nameservers to DreamHost's nameservers
  • DreamHost controls all DNS records
  • Easiest for beginners
  • Best for standard websites

Method 2: Update A Records Only

  • Keep nameservers at current registrar
  • Manually update A records to point to DreamHost
  • More control over individual DNS records
  • Best for advanced users or complex configurations

We recommend Method 1 for most users—it's simpler and DreamHost can manage all DNS records.

Before You Begin: Preparation Steps

1. Sign Up for DreamHost Hosting

You need an active DreamHost hosting account before pointing your domain.

  1. Visit DreamHost and choose a hosting plan
  2. During signup, select "I have a domain already" or "I'll transfer my domain later"
  3. Complete hosting setup
  4. Save your DreamHost panel login credentials

2. Add Your Domain to DreamHost Panel

Even though your domain is registered elsewhere, add it to DreamHost:

  1. Log into DreamHost panel
  2. Go to Domains → Manage Domains
  3. Click Add Domain or Add Hosting to a Domain / Sub-Domain
  4. Enter your domain name
  5. Choose hosting options:
    • Fully hosted (recommended for most sites)
    • DNS only (if just managing DNS)
  6. Click Add Domain

DreamHost creates hosting space and assigns an IP address.

3. Find Your DreamHost IP Address

After adding your domain, find the IP address DreamHost assigned:

  1. In DreamHost panel, go to Domains → Manage Domains
  2. Find your domain in the list
  3. Note the IP address (e.g., 173.236.xxx.xxx)

Save this IP address – You'll need it for Method 2 (A record pointing).

4. Find DreamHost Nameservers

If using Method 1 (nameserver change), you'll need DreamHost's nameservers:

DreamHost nameservers:

  • ns1.dreamhost.com
  • ns2.dreamhost.com
  • ns3.dreamhost.com

These are DreamHost's standard nameservers for all accounts.

5. Document Current DNS Settings

Before making changes, save your current DNS configuration as backup:

  1. Log into your current domain registrar
  2. Find DNS management or DNS settings
  3. Take screenshots of all DNS records:
    • A records (website)
    • MX records (email)
    • CNAME records (subdomains)
    • TXT records (verification, SPF, DKIM)
  4. Save this information securely

Why this matters: If something goes wrong, you can quickly restore original settings.

Method 1: Point Domain via Nameserver Change (Recommended)

Changing nameservers is the simplest method for most users.

Advantages of Nameserver Method

✅ Simpler – One-time change, DreamHost manages all records ✅ Cleaner – All DNS records in one place ✅ Less error-prone – No manual record entry ✅ DreamHost-managed – Easy to update records via DreamHost panel

Step-by-Step: Change Nameservers

The specific steps vary by registrar. Here are instructions for major registrars:

GoDaddy Nameserver Change

  1. Log into GoDaddy
  2. Go to Domains → My Domains
  3. Click your domain name
  4. Scroll to Additional Settings
  5. Click Manage DNS
  6. Under Nameservers, click Change
  7. Select Custom nameservers
  8. Enter DreamHost nameservers:
    • ns1.dreamhost.com
    • ns2.dreamhost.com
    • ns3.dreamhost.com
  9. Click Save

Propagation time: 4-48 hours

Namecheap Nameserver Change

  1. Log into Namecheap
  2. Click Domain List
  3. Click Manage next to your domain
  4. Find Nameservers section
  5. Select Custom DNS from dropdown
  6. Enter DreamHost nameservers:
    • ns1.dreamhost.com
    • ns2.dreamhost.com
    • ns3.dreamhost.com
  7. Click the green checkmark to save

Propagation time: 30 minutes - 48 hours

Google Domains/Squarespace Nameserver Change

  1. Log into domains.squarespace.com
  2. Click your domain name
  3. Go to DNS or Nameservers
  4. Click Use custom nameservers
  5. Enter DreamHost nameservers:
    • ns1.dreamhost.com
    • ns2.dreamhost.com
    • ns3.dreamhost.com
  6. Click Save

Propagation time: 4-48 hours

Cloudflare Nameserver Change

If you're already using Cloudflare for DNS and want to switch to DreamHost:

  1. Log into Cloudflare
  2. Select your domain
  3. Go to DNS → Records
  4. You have two options:
    • Option A: Remove domain from Cloudflare entirely, then change nameservers at your registrar to DreamHost
    • Option B: Keep Cloudflare, just update A records to point to DreamHost (Method 2)

Note: Most users choose Option B to keep Cloudflare's CDN benefits.

Bluehost Nameserver Change

If your domain is registered with Bluehost but you're moving hosting to DreamHost:

  1. Log into Bluehost
  2. Go to Domains → My Domains
  3. Click Manage next to your domain
  4. Go to Nameservers tab
  5. Select Custom nameservers
  6. Enter DreamHost nameservers
  7. Click Save

Propagation time: 4-48 hours

Porkbun Nameserver Change

  1. Log into Porkbun
  2. Click Account → Domain Management
  3. Click your domain
  4. Under Authoritative Nameservers, select Use Different Nameservers
  5. Enter DreamHost nameservers
  6. Click Update Nameservers

Propagation time: 1-24 hours

After Changing Nameservers

Wait for DNS propagation:

  • Changes take 4-48 hours to propagate globally
  • Most see changes within 4-24 hours
  • Full global propagation can take up to 48 hours

Check propagation status:

  • Visit WhatsMyDNS.net
  • Enter your domain
  • Select "NS" (nameserver) from dropdown
  • See which nameservers are reported globally

Configure email (if applicable): After nameservers change, configure email:

  1. In DreamHost panel, go to Mail → Manage Email
  2. Either:
    • Set up DreamHost email ($1.67/month per mailbox)
    • Add MX records for external email (Google Workspace, Microsoft 365)

Method 2: Point Domain via A Record Update

If you want to keep nameservers at your current registrar but use DreamHost for hosting:

Advantages of A Record Method

✅ Keeps control at current registrar ✅ Maintains existing DNS for email, subdomains, etc. ✅ Use Cloudflare or other DNS services alongside DreamHost hosting ✅ Faster propagation – Usually 1-4 hours vs. 4-48 hours for nameservers

Step-by-Step: Update A Records

Find DreamHost IP Address

  1. Log into DreamHost panel
  2. Go to Domains → Manage Domains
  3. Note the IP address next to your domain (e.g., 173.236.xxx.xxx)

Update A Records at Your Registrar

GoDaddy:

  1. Log into GoDaddy
  2. Go to Domains → My Domains → Click domain → Manage DNS
  3. Find existing A record (usually points to @ or your domain name)
  4. Click Edit (pencil icon)
  5. Change Points to value to DreamHost's IP address
  6. Set TTL to 600 (10 minutes) for faster propagation
  7. Click Save

Namecheap:

  1. Log into Namecheap
  2. Domain List → Manage → Advanced DNS
  3. Find A Record pointing to @ (or domain)
  4. Click Edit (pencil icon)
  5. Change Value to DreamHost's IP address
  6. Set TTL to 300-600 seconds
  7. Click Save (green checkmark)

Cloudflare:

  1. Log into Cloudflare
  2. Select domain → DNS → Records
  3. Find A record pointing to @ or root
  4. Click Edit
  5. Change IPv4 address to DreamHost's IP
  6. Proxy status: Toggle to DNS only (gray cloud) initially for testing, enable proxy (orange cloud) later
  7. Click Save

Google Domains/Squarespace:

  1. Log into domains.squarespace.com
  2. Click domain → DNS
  3. Find A record pointing to @
  4. Click Edit
  5. Change Data to DreamHost's IP
  6. Set TTL to 600
  7. Click Save

Porkbun:

  1. Log into Porkbun
  2. Domain Management → Click domain → DNS
  3. Find A record (Type: A, Host: blank or @)
  4. Click Edit
  5. Change Answer to DreamHost's IP
  6. Click Update

WWW Subdomain A Record

Don't forget to update the WWW subdomain:

  1. Find A record for www subdomain
  2. Update to point to the same DreamHost IP address
  3. Or create a CNAME record for www pointing to your root domain

Example CNAME:

  • Type: CNAME
  • Host: www
  • Points to: yourdomain.com
  • TTL: 600

Propagation and Testing

Propagation time: Usually 1-4 hours (faster than nameserver changes)

Test propagation:

  • Visit WhatsMyDNS.net
  • Enter your domain
  • Select "A" from dropdown
  • Verify DreamHost's IP appears globally

Test your website:

  • Clear browser cache
  • Visit your domain
  • Verify you see your DreamHost-hosted site

Configuring Email After Pointing Domain

Pointing your domain to DreamHost doesn't automatically configure email. You have options:

Option 1: Use DreamHost Email Hosting

DreamHost email pricing: $1.67/month per mailbox

Set up:

  1. In DreamHost panel, go to Mail → Manage Email
  2. Click Create New Email Address
  3. Enter desired email address
  4. Set password
  5. Click Create Account

If you changed nameservers (Method 1): Email is automatically configured.

If you updated A records only (Method 2): MX records are already set at your registrar (no change needed unless switching to DreamHost email).

Option 2: Use Google Workspace

Pricing: Starting at $6/user/month

Set up:

  1. Sign up for Google Workspace
  2. Add MX records to your DNS:
    • ASPMX.L.GOOGLE.COM (priority 1)
    • ALT1.ASPMX.L.GOOGLE.COM (priority 5)
    • ALT2.ASPMX.L.GOOGLE.COM (priority 5)
    • ALT3.ASPMX.L.GOOGLE.COM (priority 10)
    • ALT4.ASPMX.L.GOOGLE.COM (priority 10)

Add MX records:

  • If you changed nameservers: Add in DreamHost panel → Domains → Manage Domains → DNS
  • If you updated A records only: Add at your domain registrar's DNS settings

Option 3: Keep Email at Current Provider

If your email is hosted elsewhere (current hosting provider, Google, Microsoft 365):

No action needed if you used Method 2 (A record update only). MX records remain at your registrar and continue pointing to your email provider.

If you changed nameservers (Method 1): Add MX records in DreamHost panel pointing to your email provider.

SSL Certificate Configuration

After pointing your domain, set up an SSL certificate for HTTPS:

DreamHost Free SSL (Let's Encrypt)

  1. In DreamHost panel, go to Domains → Manage Domains
  2. Click Edit next to your domain
  3. Under HTTPS Settings, click Add next to "Let's Encrypt SSL certificate"
  4. Wait 10-15 minutes for activation

Force HTTPS:

  1. After SSL is active, enable Force HTTPS redirect
  2. All HTTP traffic redirects to HTTPS automatically

Update WordPress for HTTPS (if applicable)

  1. Log into WordPress admin
  2. Go to Settings → General
  3. Update both URLs to https:// (if not already)
  4. Save changes

Or use Really Simple SSL plugin:

  1. Install and activate Really Simple SSL
  2. Plugin automatically updates all URLs and forces HTTPS

Verifying Your Domain Points Correctly

After DNS propagation completes, verify everything works:

Website Accessibility Test

  1. Clear browser cache (Ctrl+Shift+Delete or Cmd+Shift+Delete)
  2. Visit your domain in a browser
  3. Verify you see your DreamHost-hosted website
  4. Check multiple pages to ensure full site loads

DNS Propagation Check

  1. Visit WhatsMyDNS.net
  2. Enter your domain
  3. Check both:
    • A record → Should show DreamHost's IP
    • NS record → Should show DreamHost nameservers (if you changed nameservers)
  4. Verify green checkmarks globally

Email Functionality Test

  1. Send a test email to your domain's email address
  2. Verify you receive it
  3. Reply to ensure sending works
  4. Check spam folder if email doesn't arrive

SSL Certificate Verification

  1. Visit https://yourdomain.com
  2. Check for padlock icon in browser address bar
  3. Click padlock → Verify certificate is valid and issued by Let's Encrypt
  4. Ensure no mixed content warnings

Performance Test

Run a speed test to verify DreamHost hosting performance:

  1. Visit GTmetrix
  2. Enter your domain
  3. Run test
  4. Check load time and performance scores
  5. Compare to your previous host

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Website Shows Old Host's Content

Cause: DNS hasn't fully propagated, or browser cache.

Solutions:

  • Wait 24-48 hours for full DNS propagation
  • Clear browser cache and cookies
  • Test in incognito/private browser window
  • Check DNS propagation at WhatsMyDNS.net
  • Try from different device or network

"DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN" Error

Cause: DNS records not configured or not propagated yet.

Solutions:

  • Verify you entered nameservers or A records correctly
  • Wait longer for propagation (up to 48 hours)
  • Check for typos in nameserver or IP address
  • Flush local DNS cache:
    • Windows: ipconfig /flushdns
    • Mac: sudo dscacheutil -flushcache
    • Linux: sudo systemd-resolve --flush-caches

Email Stopped Working

Cause: MX records not configured or incorrectly set.

Solutions:

  • Verify MX records point to your email provider
  • If using DreamHost email, ensure MX points to DreamHost mail servers
  • Check MX record propagation at WhatsMyDNS.net
  • Wait 4-24 hours for MX record propagation

SSL Certificate Not Working

Cause: Certificate not activated yet, or domain not fully pointed.

Solutions:

  • Wait 15-30 minutes after requesting Let's Encrypt certificate
  • Verify domain fully points to DreamHost (A record shows DreamHost IP)
  • Contact DreamHost support if certificate doesn't activate after 1 hour

Website Loads Slowly

Cause: Caching not configured, large images, or too many plugins.

Solutions:

  • Install caching plugin (WP Super Cache, W3 Total Cache)
  • Optimize images (Smush, ShortPixel)
  • Enable Cloudflare CDN (free)
  • Minimize plugins to essentials
  • Consider upgrading to DreamPress for WordPress

Advanced: Using Cloudflare with DreamHost

Cloudflare provides a free CDN, DDoS protection, and SSL—great combination with DreamHost.

Set Up Cloudflare with DreamHost

  1. Sign up for free Cloudflare account
  2. Add your domain to Cloudflare
  3. Cloudflare scans existing DNS records
  4. Review and import records
  5. Cloudflare provides nameservers
  6. Update nameservers at your domain registrar to Cloudflare's nameservers
  7. In Cloudflare DNS settings, update A record to point to DreamHost's IP
  8. Enable proxy (orange cloud) for CDN benefits

Benefits:

  • Free CDN – Global content delivery
  • DDoS protection – Security against attacks
  • Free SSL – Cloudflare universal SSL
  • Caching – Faster load times globally
  • Minification – Automatic CSS/JS/HTML compression

Domain Pricing Comparison with Namr

Before deciding where to keep your domain registered, compare prices:

Use Namr to:

  • Compare renewal prices across 20+ registrars
  • Find the cheapest registrar for your domain extension
  • Calculate total 5-year costs including privacy protection
  • Identify hidden fees and price increases

Example: .com domain 5-year cost comparison:

RegistrarAnnual RenewalPrivacy5-Year Total
DreamHost$15.99Free$79.95
Namecheap$13.98Free$64.80
Porkbun$10.14Free$50.71
GoDaddy$20.99$9.99/yr$154.90

Savings: Keeping your domain at Porkbun and pointing to DreamHost saves $29.24 over 5 years vs. transferring to DreamHost.

Best strategy: Register/keep domain at cheapest registrar (check Namr), point to DreamHost hosting.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does DNS propagation take?

Nameserver changes: 4-48 hours (typically 12-24 hours) A record updates: 1-4 hours (usually 1-2 hours)

Propagation time varies by registrar, TTL settings, and global DNS caching.

Will my website go down when I point my domain?

If done correctly, no. Your website remains accessible during DNS propagation, though some users may see the old site while others see the new site temporarily.

Can I point some services to DreamHost and keep others elsewhere?

Yes. Using A record method (Method 2), you can:

  • Point website (A record) to DreamHost
  • Keep email (MX records) at current provider
  • Keep subdomains (CNAME records) elsewhere

Do I need to transfer my domain to DreamHost to use their hosting?

No. Pointing (via nameservers or A records) allows you to use DreamHost hosting while keeping domain registered anywhere.

What's the difference between pointing and parking?

Pointing: Domain actively directs to DreamHost hosting (website loads) Parking: Domain registered but not actively used (placeholder page or blank)

Can I change back to my old host if I change my mind?

Yes. Simply change nameservers or A records back to your original host's settings. Changes propagate within hours.

Should I use nameservers or A records?

Use nameservers (Method 1) if:

  • You want simplicity
  • DreamHost will manage all DNS
  • You're hosting website and email at DreamHost

Use A records (Method 2) if:

  • You want more control
  • You use Cloudflare or external DNS
  • Email is hosted elsewhere
  • You manage complex DNS configurations

Conclusion: Successfully Point Your Domain to DreamHost

Pointing your domain to DreamHost is straightforward and takes just minutes (plus propagation time). This approach gives you the flexibility of DreamHost's excellent hosting while keeping domain registration wherever it's cheapest.

Key takeaways: ✅ Point, don't transfer – Save money by keeping domain at cheap registrar ✅ Method 1 (nameservers) – Simplest for most users ✅ Method 2 (A records) – More control, faster propagation ✅ Document current DNS – Save settings before making changes ✅ Test thoroughly – Verify website, email, and SSL after propagation ✅ Use Namr – Compare domain prices to find best registrar

Best value strategy: Keep domain registered at the cheapest provider (found via Namr) + point to DreamHost hosting = lowest total cost with excellent performance.

Typical savings: $15-30 over 5 years by keeping domain at Porkbun/Namecheap instead of transferring to DreamHost.

Ready to get started? Sign up for DreamHost hosting, add your domain to the panel, and update DNS settings at your current registrar. Within 24 hours, you'll be enjoying DreamHost's reliable, fast hosting!

Need to find the cheapest domain registrar first? Visit Namr to compare real-time pricing across all major registrars before deciding where to keep your domain registered.

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