Want to give your Blogger site a professional look with a custom domain from Namecheap? This comprehensive guide will walk you through the entire process step-by-step, ensuring you can successfully connect your domain without any technical headaches.
What You'll Need
- A registered domain name from Namecheap
- An active Blogger blog
- Access to your Namecheap account
- 15-20 minutes of your time
Step 1: Configure Your Blogger Settings
- Sign in to your Blogger account
- Select your blog
- Go to Settings > Basic
- Click on "Custom domain"
- Enter your domain name (e.g., yourdomain.com)
- Click "Save"
Step 2: Configure Namecheap DNS Settings
- Log into your Namecheap account
- Go to "Domain List" and click "Manage" next to your domain
- Select "Advanced DNS" tab
- Add the following records:
- CNAME Record: Host = 'www', Value = 'ghs.google.com'
- A Records for @ (root domain):
- 216.239.32.21
- 216.239.34.21
- 216.239.36.21
- 216.239.38.21
Step 3: Verify Domain Setup
- Return to Blogger
- Click "Verify" in the custom domain settings
- Wait for DNS propagation (can take up to 48 hours)
- Test your domain by visiting both www and non-www versions
Common Issues and Solutions
DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN Error
- Double-check all DNS records
- Clear browser cache
- Wait for DNS propagation
404 Error on Custom Domain
- Verify CNAME record is correct
- Check if domain is verified in Blogger
- Ensure SSL is properly configured
Final Thoughts
Connecting your Namecheap domain to Blogger might seem technical at first, but following these steps makes it straightforward. Remember that DNS changes can take up to 48 hours to propagate globally, so be patient after making the changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for the domain to start working?
DNS propagation typically takes 4-48 hours, though it usually completes within a few hours.
Do I need to pay extra for using a custom domain with Blogger?
No, Blogger's custom domain feature is free. You only pay for your domain registration at Namecheap.
Can I use a subdomain instead of the main domain?
Yes, you can use a subdomain (e.g., blog.yourdomain.com) by creating appropriate CNAME records.