If your domain is registered with Wix but your website is hosted somewhere else, like 1-grid, you can still connect the two. Wix does not allow external nameservers, so connecting a Wix domain to an external site is done entirely through DNS pointing.
This guide walks you through what this means, which DNS records you’ll need, and how to update your domain in Wix, so it loads your external website correctly.
What This Means
When your domain is hosted at Wix, and your website is hosted elsewhere:
- You cannot change your nameservers to an external provider.
- Instead, you connect your domain by pointing the DNS to your hosting provider.
- Your external hosting provider must give you the correct A and CNAME records.
- Once added in Wix, the domain will load your external website even though the DNS remains in Wix.
This method ensures seamless website loading while keeping your domain registered with Wix.
Before You Begin
IMPORTANT: You must request DNS records from your hosting provider, such as 1-grid, if you are hosting your website with us.
Ask them for:
- The A record (IPv4 address of your hosting server)
- The CNAME record (often “www” → your root domain)
Tell your provider, such as 1-grid:
“I need DNS A and CNAME records to connect my Wix domain without changing nameservers.”
If your host requires nameservers, then you must transfer your domain away from Wix, because Wix does not allow external nameserver changes.
Updating DNS Records (A & CNAME) in Wix
- Log in to your Wix account.
- Go to Settings → Domains.
- Select the domain you want to connect.
- Click DNS Records.
- Under A (Host) records:
- Edit the existing A record or delete and add a new one.
- Host: @
- Points to: your hosting provider’s IP address
- Edit the existing A record or delete and add a new one.
- Under CNAME:
- Update the “www” CNAME.
- Host: www
- Points to: your domain name (e.g. example.co.za) or the value your host provided
- Update the “www” CNAME.
- Save your changes.
- Allow up to 24 hours for full DNS propagation.
Once complete, it should appear correctly and connecting a Wix domain to an external site was successful.
FAQs
Q: Why can’t I change nameservers for a Wix domain?
Wix does not allow custom nameservers for domains registered with them. All DNS must stay inside Wix.
Q: Can I connect my Wix domain to 1-grid hosting?
Yes, you must just use your 1-grid DNS A and CNAME records.
Q. Can I host my website elsewhere but keep email at 1-grid?
Yes, you will also need to point your MX record to 1-grid.
Additional Resources
Understanding DNS at 1-grid
Get Your 1-grid Domain Set Up Easily with Wix
How to Point Your Domain to Wix (Plesk)
How to Point Your Domain to Wix (cPanel)
Need Additional Support?
Connecting a Wix domain to an external site, such as your 1-grid-hosted website, doesn’t have to seem complicated with this easy-to-use guide. Stuck? Check out our Scope of Support, and then contact our Support Team for clarity and guidance (https://1grid.co.za/contact-us/). We’re ready to see how we can help!