Step-by-step instructions
- Step 01
Confirm that your website is on WordPress.com (for example, yourname.wordpress.com), not a self-hosted WordPress installation.
- Step 02
Check your plan. Using an external custom domain with WordPress.com requires an eligible paid plan; the Free Plan cannot use a custom domain as the primary site address.
- Step 03
Back up important information and note your current WordPress.com site URL before changing domain settings.
- Step 04
In your WordPress.com site dashboard, open the Domains area (often Upgrades → Domains or Hosting → Domains) and choose to connect an existing domain.
- Step 05
Enter the domain you already own, then follow the connection instructions shown for your exact site and plan.
- Step 06
At your domain registrar, update the DNS records or nameservers precisely as WordPress.com provides. Do not copy random records from an old tutorial.
- Step 07
Wait for DNS propagation; check both the root domain and www address, and allow time for HTTPS to become available.
- Step 08
After the domain is connected, set it as the primary address through the WordPress.com Domains controls, if the plan permits.
- Step 09
Visit Home, Blog, an article and Contact using the new domain in an incognito window. Confirm that the old address redirects appropriately.
- Step 10
If the connection fails, review the exact DNS values, nameservers, and domain verification status before changing more settings.
Before you finish: important checks
- WordPress.com Free Plan → use the wordpress.com address, or upgrade for a connected domain.
- A domain registration and a WordPress.com hosting plan are separate purchases.
- Record your previous DNS settings, especially email-related MX and TXT records.
Common problems and fixes
- Domain still pending? DNS changes may take hours, sometimes longer; inspect registrar DNS without making repeated conflicting changes.
- Domain goes to another website? Check whether the domain's authoritative nameservers and DNS records still point to the old host.
- SSL not ready? Finish DNS verification first and allow the host to provision HTTPS.
Frequently asked questions
Can I connect a Namecheap domain?
Yes, if your WordPress.com plan supports external domains and you set the requested DNS records.
Will the domain work immediately?
Not always; DNS and HTTPS setup can take time.
Official reference: Read the provider documentation ↗. Interface labels and plan rules may change.
WordPress, hosting and AI interfaces change. Check the service's current documentation before changing billing, domain DNS, security or important site settings. Rayhan Studio publishes educational help, not guaranteed results.