Adding a domain to DreamHost allows you to host a new website, set up email, and manage DNS settings. Whether you're registering a new domain, using an existing one, or setting up a subdomain, this guide will walk you through the process step by step.

Step 1: Log in to Your DreamHost Account
Visit DreamHost.com.
Click "Sign In" and enter your username & password.
Once inside, navigate to "Domains" > "Manage Domains".
💡 Tip: If you don't have a DreamHost account yet, sign up and purchase a hosting plan first!

Step 2: Register a New Domain or Use an Existing One
You can either register a new domain with DreamHost or add an existing domain from another registrar.

✅ Option 1: Register a New Domain in DreamHost
Click on "Domains" > "Register a Domain".
Search for the domain you want (e.g., mywebsite.com).
Select the available domain and add it to your cart.
Complete the checkout process and payment.
💡 Tip: DreamHost includes free domain privacy protection with every domain purchase!

✅ Option 2: Add an Existing Domain from Another Registrar
Click on "Add Hosting to a Domain / Subdomain".
Enter your domain name (e.g., mywebsite.com).
Select "Host DNS Only" or "Fully Host This Domain" based on your needs.
Click "Add Hosting".
💡 Tip: If your domain is registered elsewhere, you must update your nameservers (Step 3).

Step 3: Update DNS or Point Your Domain to DreamHost
If your domain is registered with another provider (GoDaddy, Namecheap, etc.), you need to point it to DreamHost.

📌 How to Update Nameservers for DreamHost:

Log in to your domain registrar (e.g., GoDaddy, Namecheap).
Find the DNS Settings or Nameserver settings.
Replace existing nameservers with DreamHost's:
ns1.dreamhost.com
ns2.dreamhost.com
ns3.dreamhost.com
Click Save Changes.
💡 Tip: DNS changes may take a few hours to 24 hours to fully update.

Step 4: Set Up Website Hosting for Your Domain
Now, let's connect your domain to a website.

📌 How to Add Hosting to Your Domain in DreamHost:

Click "Domains" > "Manage Domains".
Find your domain name and click "Edit" under Web Hosting.
Select a hosting option:
WordPress Hosting (if using WordPress).
Shared, VPS, or Dedicated Hosting (for custom websites).
Click Save Settings.
💡 Tip: If you use WordPress, DreamHost offers 1-click WordPress installation!

Step 5: Install SSL for Secure HTTPS (Recommended)
DreamHost provides free SSL certificates for all hosted domains.

📌 How to Enable Free SSL in DreamHost:

Go to "Domains" > "SSL/TLS Certificates".
Click "Add SSL" next to your domain.
Choose Let's Encrypt Free SSL.
Click Enable HTTPS.
💡 Tip: SSL helps improve security & SEO rankings by enabling HTTPS.

Step 6: Test Your Domain & Website
✅ Visit your domain (https://yourdomain.com) to check if it's working.
✅ If using WordPress, log in at yourdomain.com/wp-admin to start building.
✅ If using a custom website, upload files via FTP or File Manager.

💡 Tip: If your site isn't loading, try clearing your cache or waiting for DNS propagation!

Final Thoughts: Easily Add a Domain to DreamHost in Minutes!
Adding a domain to DreamHost is quick & easy, whether you're registering a new domain or transferring an existing one.

🚀 Quick Recap:
✅ Log in to DreamHost.
✅ Register a new domain or add an existing one.
✅ Update DNS settings if using an external registrar.
✅ Set up hosting for your website.
✅ Enable SSL & test your site.