There are two common ways to connect a domain. Use only one DNS-management method unless you understand how the records interact.
### Option A: Change the nameservers
This is the simplest option when HillHost will manage the website, email, and DNS.
1. Find the assigned nameservers in your HillHost welcome email or service details.
2. Sign in to the company where the domain is registered.
3. Open the domain's nameserver settings.
4. Replace the existing nameservers with the HillHost nameservers.
5. Save the change.
Do not create nameserver records inside the ordinary DNS-zone editor. Nameservers are changed in the registrar's domain settings.
### Option B: Keep external DNS
Use this option when DNS is managed by a third party such as Cloudflare or when email must remain with another provider.
1. Find the hosting server IP in your HillHost service details.
2. Set the root-domain `A` record to that IP.
3. Set `www` as a `CNAME` pointing to the root domain, or use the same IP in an `A` record.
4. Preserve any mail-related `MX`, SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records that are still needed.
### How to verify the change
DNS results are cached, so some visitors may see the old destination for a while. Check the domain from a mobile connection or a public DNS checker. Once it resolves to the HillHost server, test HTTPS and email.
### Common mistakes
- Mixing old and new nameservers.
- Pointing the domain to a private or outdated IP.
- Deleting external email records.
- Expecting an immediate change everywhere.
- Enabling a proxy before SSL has been issued and tested.
**Related articles:** Getting Started with Your HillHost Hosting Account; How to Fix SSL Problems; How to Configure SPF, DKIM, and DMARC