Connect an External Domain to namemyapp

Use namemyapp's DNS management, email forwarding, and other features without transferring your domain from its current registrar.

What is Connecting vs Transferring?

Connecting (this guide):

• Keep domain registered at your current registrar (GoDaddy, Namecheap, etc.)
• You continue to renew at your registrar
• Use namemyapp for DNS management and email forwarding
• Simply change nameservers to point to us

Transferring:

• Move domain registration to namemyapp entirely
• We handle renewals and WHOIS
• Takes 5-7 days to complete
• See our transfer guide for this option

Why Connect Instead of Transfer?

Great reasons to just connect:

• Domain locked in the first 60 days (can't transfer yet)
• You prefer your current registrar for billing
• You want to keep all domains at one registrar
• You only need DNS/email features from namemyapp

---

How to Connect Your Domain

Step 1: Add Domain in namemyapp

1. Log in to your namemyapp dashboard
2. Click "Connect External Domain" button
3. Enter your domain name (e.g., example.com)
4. Select your current registrar from the dropdown
5. Click Continue

You'll receive your assigned nameservers.

Step 2: Update Nameservers at Your Registrar

Follow the instructions for your specific registrar below.

Step 3: Verify Connection

1. Return to namemyapp dashboard
2. Click "Verify" on your domain
3. We'll check if nameservers are correctly configured
4. Once verified, you can start using DNS and email features!

---

Per-Registrar Instructions

GoDaddy

1. Log in to your GoDaddy account
2. Go to My Products → All Products and Services
3. Find your domain and click DNS
4. Scroll down to Nameservers section
5. Click Change
6. Select "Enter my own nameservers (advanced)"
7. Enter your assigned nameservers
8. Click Save

Namecheap

1. Log in to namecheap.com
2. Go to Domain List in the left sidebar
3. Click Manage next to your domain
4. Find the Nameservers section
5. Select Custom DNS from dropdown
6. Enter your nameservers
7. Click the green checkmark to save

Google Domains / Squarespace

1. Log in to domains.google.com or Squarespace
2. Select your domain
3. Click DNS in the left menu
4. Scroll to Custom name servers
5. Click Switch to these settings
6. Add your nameservers
7. Click Save

Name.com

1. Log in to name.com
2. Click on the domain you want to modify
3. Click Nameservers in the left menu
4. Click Edit Nameservers
5. Replace existing nameservers with yours
6. Click Submit

Hover

1. Log in to your Hover account
2. Go to your domain's overview page
3. Click Edit next to Nameservers
4. Select Use my own nameservers
5. Enter your nameservers
6. Click Save Nameservers

Porkbun

1. Log in to porkbun.com
2. Click on your domain
3. Navigate to the Nameservers tab
4. Toggle to Custom Nameservers
5. Enter your nameservers
6. Click Submit

Dynadot

1. Log in to your Dynadot account
2. Go to My Domains → Manage Domains
3. Check the box next to your domain
4. Click Bulk Action → Name Servers
5. Select "I will use my own name servers"
6. Enter your nameservers
7. Click Submit Name Servers

Other Registrars

General steps that work for most registrars:

1. Log in to your registrar account
2. Navigate to domain management or DNS settings
3. Look for "Nameservers" or "Custom DNS"
4. Select "Use custom nameservers" option
5. Enter your assigned nameservers
6. Save changes

---

DNS Propagation

What is DNS Propagation?

When you change nameservers, the change needs to "propagate" across the global DNS system. DNS servers worldwide need to update their cached information.

How Long Does It Take?

• Typical: 5-30 minutes
• Maximum: Up to 48 hours
• Why it varies: Different DNS servers cache records for different times

How to Check Propagation

Tools to verify your nameservers:

• WhatsMyDNS.net - Check propagation globally
• DNSChecker.org - Similar global check
• Command line: dig NS yourdomain.com

---

After Connection

Once verified, you can:

Set Up DNS Records

• Add A, CNAME, MX, TXT records
• Use one-click templates for Vercel, Netlify, etc.
• Full DNS management in your dashboard

Configure Email Forwarding

• Create email aliases (e.g., [email protected])
• Forward to any existing inbox
• Free with all connected domains

Enable SSL/HTTPS

• Automatic SSL certificates
• Cloudflare's Universal SSL
• No configuration needed

---

Troubleshooting

"Nameservers Not Updated Yet"

Wait 24-48 hours - Propagation can take time.

Check you entered them correctly:

• No typos
• No trailing spaces
• Just the nameserver hostname

"Domain Already Exists in Cloudflare"

If the domain was previously added to Cloudflare:

1. Delete the zone in that Cloudflare account first
2. Or contact support for help

"Can't Find Nameserver Settings"

Some possibilities:

• Your registrar may use different terminology
• The domain may be locked or expired
• Contact your registrar's support

---

Managing Connected Domains

In Your Dashboard

Connected domains show:

• "External" badge
• Verification status
• Your registrar name

Features Available

• Full DNS management
• Email forwarding
• SSL certificates
• One-click DNS templates

Not Available for Connected Domains

• WHOIS privacy (controlled by your registrar)
• Domain locking
• Auto-renewal through namemyapp

Disconnecting a Domain

To remove a connected domain:

1. Go to domain settings
2. Click "Disconnect Domain"
3. Confirm removal

---

FAQ

Q: Do I still renew at my original registrar?

Yes! We only manage DNS. Renewals stay with your registrar.

Q: Will my website go down during setup?

Briefly, possibly. Plan for up to 48h of potential inconsistency during propagation.

Q: Can I switch to full transfer later?

Absolutely! Once the 60-day lock period ends, you can transfer to namemyapp.

Q: Is there a cost to connect a domain?

No! Connecting external domains is completely free.

---

Need Help?

If you're having trouble connecting your domain:

• Email: [email protected]
• Live Chat: Available in your dashboard
• Include: Your domain name, registrar, and any error messages