Using an existing domain with WP Performance Hosting

If you already own a domain name, you can usually use it with your WP Performance Hosting service.

You do not need to register a new domain if you already have a suitable domain for your website or online store.

What is an existing domain?

An existing domain is a domain name you already own or manage through another registrar or provider.

For example:

example.com

Your domain may currently be managed by:

• A domain registrar

• A previous hosting provider

• A website platform

• A DNS provider such as Cloudflare

• Another business or web developer

To use the domain with WP Performance Hosting, the domain must be connected to your hosting service using nameservers or DNS records.

Option 1: Change nameservers

One way to connect your domain is to update the domain nameservers.

Nameservers tell the internet where the domain’s DNS records are managed.

If you change your domain nameservers to the nameservers provided by WP Performance Hosting, DNS for the domain can be managed from the new hosting environment.

This may be suitable if you want WP Performance Hosting to manage the main DNS records for the domain.

Option 2: Keep existing DNS and update records

Another option is to keep your DNS where it currently is and update only the records needed to point the website to WP Performance Hosting.

This may be suitable if:

• Your email is already working with another provider

• You use Google Workspace or Microsoft 365

• You use Cloudflare

• Your DNS is managed by another provider

• You do not want to move all DNS control

In this case, you may only need to update specific records such as the A record or CNAME record for the website.

Do not change DNS without checking email first

Before changing nameservers or DNS records, check whether the domain is used for email.

Your domain may have email records for:

• cPanel email

• Google Workspace

• Microsoft 365

• Zoho Mail

• A previous hosting provider

• Email forwarding

• Spam filtering

• Other email services

Changing or deleting email DNS records incorrectly can stop email from sending or receiving.

If you are unsure, contact WP Performance Hosting before making changes.

Information we may need

If you want help connecting an existing domain, WP Performance Hosting may ask for:

• Your domain name

• Where the domain is registered

• Where DNS is currently managed

• Whether the domain has existing email

• Whether you use Google Workspace, Microsoft 365 or another email provider

• Whether the website is being migrated from another host

• Whether you want to change nameservers or only update DNS records

• Any current DNS records or screenshots requested by support

Providing this information helps us recommend the safest setup path.

DNS changes can take time

After nameservers or DNS records are changed, the update may not appear everywhere immediately.

This delay is commonly called DNS propagation.

During this time:

• Your website may work for some people but not others

• Some visitors may still see the old website

• SSL may not appear correct immediately

• Email may behave inconsistently if email DNS records were changed

DNS propagation depends on the domain, DNS provider, registrar, previous record settings and internet provider caching.

Do not cancel old services too early

If your existing domain is connected to another hosting provider, do not cancel the old hosting service until the new setup has been completed and checked.

Cancelling old services too early can cause:

• Website downtime

• Lost files or backups

• Email disruption

• Missing access needed for migration

• Delays in fixing setup issues

Wait until your website, domain and email setup have been confirmed before cancelling old services.

Can I transfer my domain?

In some cases, you may be able to transfer your domain to WP Performance Hosting or manage the domain through the client portal.

Domain transfer availability depends on the domain extension, registrar rules, domain status and eligibility requirements.

You do not always need to transfer a domain to use it with WP Performance Hosting. Many customers can keep the domain at the current registrar and simply update nameservers or DNS records.

Existing customers should use the client portal

If you already have an active service, submit domain questions through the client portal.

Client portal link:

https://client.wpperformancehosting.com/

Using the client portal keeps your request connected to your hosting service, domain details and support history.

Need help?

If you are unsure how your existing domain should be connected, contact WP Performance Hosting before making changes.

Include your domain name, current registrar, current DNS provider and whether the domain is currently used for email.