Adding your domain to your Bluehost account is a fairly easy task; however, this tutorial will help you access your new domain almost instantly on Bluehost. Now, let’s add your domain!
It is important to note here that the hosting account you purchased with Bluehost will determine whether you can add an additional website to your account. This tutorial is geared to adding a new domain to replace an existing domain on their account or someone with at least a Plus account on Bluehost, allowing more than one website on the hosting account.
#1 – Log in to your Bluehost account
After you log into your Bluehost account, you’ll click “Domains” on the left sidebar menu. Your screen will be similar to the image below.
In the box on the right, Bluehost provides you with the information you will need to copy onto your Google Domains DNS screen. Copy the IP address on YOUR Bluehost account.
#2 – Head to Google Domains
In a separate tab, head over to Google Domains. Confirm you are logged into the correct Google account. And select the domain you want to add to Bluehost.
Now, go to your DNS screen by tapping the DNS link on the left sidebar.
Scroll ALL the way to the bottom where you see “Custom Resource Records,” and add the IP address your copied from YOUR Bluehost account. No other data is needed.
Now, click “Add.” You’ll see a confirmation at the top in a goldenrod-colored ‘pop-up’ that informs you that it could take up to 48 hours to show up in Bluehost. You’ll also see your new Resource Record below the fields you previously typed in.
#3 – Wander back to Bluehost to Add your Domain
You may close the Google Domains tab and return to your Bluehost->Domains screen.
Tap the link to Assign your Domain on the left sidebar menu (under Shortcuts).
Select the second option in ‘Step 1: Enter Domain.” And enter your new domain address (as seen above).
If Bluehost asks you to Verify Ownership in Step 2, follow the given directions.
If this is for a separate/new website than the website that your Bluehost account opened with, you’ll probably want to select the first option, ‘Addon Domain.’ That implies that this is completely separate from the other website assigned to your Bluehost account. This will not share any data with your other website.
The ‘Parked Domain’ option is for a website/blog closely related/attached to the first website. This will share files with the first website.
And, if you’re adding another domain that you want to use in the future, select ‘Unassigned Domain.’ This will not create a directory, so you will not be able to create a website immediately. You’ll have to return to this page but select the other option in Step 1.
Based on what you selected in Step 3, you will confirm pre-imputed data in ‘Step 4: Choose Addon Directory and Sub-Domain.’
If this is a Parked Domain that shares data with another website, you’ll use the first option. Select the correct directory if there are multiple options.
If this is an Addon Domain, a separate website, you’ll use the second option. It will pre-input the domain name in these fields, but you can change them to whatever you’d like.
#4 – You’re done!
You have successfully added your domain to your Bluehost account when you see it added to your list on domains under ‘Action Items,’ and see the confirmation at the bottom of the screen (as seen in the red box below).
You have added your domain! You are now able to create a website for your new domain!!! Have fun!!!
If you’re ready to install WordPress to begin creating your new website or blog, check out my tutorial on Installing WordPress here.
Comment below with your new domain and what you plan to use it for.
