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Description: This guide shows you how to point your domain to your VPS with real examples. Learn how to edit A records, use your VPS IP address, and set up your domain to work with your server—perfect for beginners!

How to Point a Domain to Your VPS: A Step-by-Step Guide with Examples

So, you’ve bought a domain (e.g., exampledomain.com) and launched a VPS server—now it's time to connect the two. This guide shows you how to point your domain to your VPS using DNS settings, with real-world examples.

🔹 Step 1: Find Your VPS IP Address

Let’s say you're using DigitalOcean or AWS. After creating your VPS (droplet/instance), go to your provider's dashboard.

Example VPS IP Address: 203.0.113.42

Write this down—you’ll need it for your DNS configuration.

🔹 Step 2: Log Into Your Domain Registrar

Assuming you bought your domain from Namecheap, here’s what to do:

• Go to https://namecheap.com and log in.
• Navigate to Domain List > Choose your domain > Click Manage.
• Click on the Advanced DNS tab.

🔹 Step 3: Edit Your DNS Records (A Record)

Scroll to the Host Records section and look for the A record.

Here’s how to set it up:

HostTypeValue (IP)TTL@A203.0.113.42AutomaticwwwA203.0.113.42Automatic

• @ points the root domain (exampledomain.com) to your VPS.
• www ensures that www.exampledomain.com also works.

💡 In some registrars like GoDaddy or Google Domains, this section is called “DNS Settings” or “DNS Records.”

🔹 Step 4: Wait for DNS Propagation

After saving your changes, it takes time for the DNS changes to take effect across the internet. Usually:

• Average time: 15 minutes to 4 hours
• Worst case: Up to 48 hours

Check if the DNS is working using:

• https://dnschecker.org
• https://whatsmydns.net

Enter your domain and check if the A record shows 203.0.113.42.

🔹 Step 5: Set Up Your Web Server

Now make sure your VPS is ready to handle the domain.

Let’s say you use Nginx on Ubuntu.

Example: Nginx Virtual Host for exampledomain.com

bash

sudo nano /etc/nginx/sites-available/exampledomain.com

Paste this config:

nginx

server {
    listen 80;
    server_name exampledomain.com www.exampledomain.com;

    root /var/www/exampledomain.com;
    index index.html index.htm;

    location / {
        try_files $uri $uri/ =404;
    }
}

Then enable the site and restart Nginx:

bash

sudo ln -s /etc/nginx/sites-available/exampledomain.com /etc/nginx/sites-enabled/
sudo systemctl restart nginx

Make sure your site directory exists:

bash

sudo mkdir -p /var/www/exampledomain.com
echo "<h1>Hello from VPS!</h1>" | sudo tee /var/www/exampledomain.com/index.html

Now, visit http://exampledomain.com in your browser. 🎉

🔹 Bonus: Add HTTPS (SSL Certificate)

Install Let’s Encrypt for free HTTPS:

bash

sudo apt install certbot python3-certbot-nginx
sudo certbot --nginx -d exampledomain.com -d www.exampledomain.com

Certbot will automatically configure Nginx and renew certificates.

Common Errors to Watch Out For

ProblemLikely CauseDomain doesn't loadDNS hasn’t propagated yet“Site can’t be reached”Firewall blocking port 80 or 443www doesn’t workForgot the second A record for wwwIP doesn’t point to VPSWrong value in DNS A record

✅ Conclusion

That’s it! You’ve successfully pointed your domain to your VPS. It’s all about setting the correct A records and configuring your server to handle requests.