How to Connect a Custom Domain to Your ZipWP Site

When you build a site on ZipWP, it comes with a temporary ZipWP URL, something like mysite.zipwp.site. That’s great for getting started, but before you share your site with the world, you’ll want it on a proper custom domain, like mybusiness.com.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know to make that happen. There are two ways to go about it depending on whether you already have a domain or need to get one.

Example: Imagine you’ve built a portfolio site on ZipWP. Right now it’s at portfolio.zipwp.com. By the end of this guide, it’ll be live at yourname.com.

There are two ways to connect a custom domain to your ZipWP site. You can either buy a new domain directly through ZipWP, or connect a domain you already own from another provider. Let’s look at both.

Method 1: Buy a Domain Through ZipWP

If you don’t have a domain yet, the easiest option is to buy one directly inside ZipWP. ZipWP handles the purchase and connects it to your site automatically — no DNS configuration required on your end.

• From your ZipWP dashboard, open the site you want to go live.
• Click Go Live on the site list.

• Search for your preferred domain and complete the purchase.

ZipWP automatically connects the domain to your site. No extra steps needed. Once your domain purchase is complete, it may still take a few minutes to activate. ZipWP will notify you when it’s live.

Method 2: Connect a Domain You Already Own

If you already have a domain registered with a provider like GoDaddy, Namecheap, or anywhere else, you can connect it to your ZipWP site. The process involves updating your domain’s DNS settings. This process is just a way of telling the internet that your domain should point to your ZipWP site.

The steps to connect an existing domain are simple.

• Click on Go Live button
• Select “Use Existing Domain”

• Enter your domain name (e.g., yourwebsite.com) and select the region closest to your target audience. This helps your site load faster for visitors.
  

• In the next step, ZipWP will provide you with two options: automatically update DNS if your domain was purchased from Cloudflare, GoDaddy, Namecheap, or Hostinger, or update DNS records manually if purchased from any other provider. Choose the option based on where you purchased your domain from.

Let’s understand the next paths individually.

Connecting a Domain Purchased from Cloudflare

• Select Cloudflare from the provider list.
• Log in to your Cloudflare account and go to My Profile > API Tokens.
• Click Create Token and select the Edit zone DNS template.
• Under Zone Resources, select the specific domain you are connecting.
• Click Continue to Summary, then Create Token and copy the token.
• Paste the token into the API Token field in ZipWP and click Connect.

• ZipWP will verify access and automatically apply the required DNS records.

Learn more in this article.

Note: Cloudflare domains use the A record method only. Nameserver delegation is not available for domains already managed by Cloudflare.

Connecting a Domain Purchased from GoDaddy

• Select GoDaddy from the provider list.
• Log in to your GoDaddy account and go to developer.godaddy.com > API Keys.
• Click Create New API Key, give it a name, and copy both the API Key and API Secret.
• Paste both values into the corresponding fields in ZipWP and click Authenticate.

• ZipWP will verify access and display the available DNS methods.
• Choose Nameserver Delegation (recommended) or A Record, then click Apply.
• ZipWP will automatically write the required DNS records to your GoDaddy account.

Connecting a Domain Purchased from Hostinger

• Select Hostinger from the provider list.
• Log in to your Hostinger account and go to Account Settings > API.
• Generate a new API token and copy it.
• Paste the token into the Bearer Token field in ZipWP and click Connect.

• ZipWP will verify access and display the available DNS methods.
• Choose Nameserver Delegation (recommended) or A Record, then click Apply.
• ZipWP will automatically write the required DNS records to your Hostinger account.

Updating DNS Records Manually

• ZipWP will display DNS records required to verify and connect your domain. You will typically have two options:
  • CNAME Method (Recommended): This is the preferred option and is supported by most domain registrars. Access your domain registrar’s DNS settings and add the CNAME record as provided on the screen.
  • A Record Method (Alternative): If your registrar doesn’t support CNAME, use the A record option to verify domain ownership.

• Update the DNS settings in your domain registrar’s dashboard. If you’re unsure how to do this, refer to your registrar’s documentation by searching: “How to add a CNAME/A record on [Registrar Name].” If you need help, you can also reach out to our support team.

• Return to the ZipWP dashboard and click Submit to confirm that the DNS records have been updated.

That’s it! ZipWP will begin verifying your domain automatically.

What Happens After DNS Has Been Updated?

DNS propagation can take anywhere from 2 to 24 hours. It is completely normal if your site is not immediately live on your custom domain after submitting.

While you wait, your site remains accessible on its temporary ZipWP URL so you do not lose access or functionality during this period.

Once the DNS records are verified, ZipWP will automatically connect your domain and notify you via email. Your site will then be live and accessible to everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Which DNS providers are supported for auto-configuration?

ZipWP currently supports Cloudflare, GoDaddy, Namecheap, and Hostinger. If your domain is registered with any other provider, you can still connect it using the manual DNS option.

Is my API key or token stored by ZipWP?

No. Your credentials are never saved to ZipWP’s database. They are encrypted and held temporarily for up to 10 minutes, just long enough to apply the DNS changes, and deleted immediately afterward.

What is the difference between Nameserver Delegation and A Record?

Nameserver delegation transfers full DNS control of your domain to ZipWP, so future changes like SSL and CDN are handled automatically. The A record method adds a single DNS record pointing to your site but keeps DNS control with your registrar. Nameserver delegation is recommended when available.

How long does it take for DNS changes to take effect?

DNS propagation typically takes between 5 and 30 minutes, but can take up to 48 hours depending on your provider and TTL settings. ZipWP monitors propagation automatically and will notify you once your domain is verified.

I got an authentication error after entering my credentials. What should I check?

Ensure your API key or token has the correct permissions for DNS editing. For Namecheap specifically, make sure ZipWP’s outbound IP address has been added to your API whitelist. The IP is displayed in the authentication form with a copy button.