How to Register a Domain with Wix – Complete Step-by-Step Guide (2025)

 If you’re planning to create a professional website, blog, or online store, one of the first steps you’ll need to take is registering a domain name. Your domain is your website’s unique address on the internet — the digital equivalent of your home address. Without it, people wouldn’t know where to find your site.

Wix, one of the most popular website builders in the world, makes domain registration simple. You can register a new domain directly through Wix, connect an existing domain from another provider, or even get a free domain for a year with certain premium plans.

In this complete guide, we’ll walk you through:

What a domain name is and why it matters
Benefits of registering your domain through Wix
Things to consider before choosing your domain
Step-by-step instructions to register a domain with Wix
Connecting a domain you already own
Managing domain settings in Wix
Tips for protecting and renewing your domain
Common mistakes to avoid

Let’s start from the basics.

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1. What is a Domain Name and Why Is It Important?

A domain name is your website’s online address. For example:

Google.com
Wix.com
YourBusinessName.com

When someone types your domain into a browser, it directs them to your website’s server where your content is stored. Without a domain, people would have to remember your site’s numeric IP address — which is much harder.

Why a domain is important:

Brand Identity: A custom domain helps establish trust and professionalism.
Easy Access: Memorable names are easier for visitors to recall and share.
SEO Benefits: Search engines give preference to custom domains over generic subdomains.
Email Branding: A custom domain allows you to create branded email addresses like info@yourdomain.com.

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2. Why Register a Domain with Wix?

While there are many domain registrars (GoDaddy, Namecheap, Google Domains, etc.), registering your domain through Wix has several advantages:

2.1 Seamless Integration

When you buy your domain from Wix, it automatically connects to your Wix website. No need to mess with DNS records or name servers.

2.2 Free Domain for 1 Year

Most Wix premium plans include a free domain for the first year (for eligible domains like .com, .net, .org).

2.3 Domain Management in One Place

You can manage your website, hosting, and domain all from your Wix dashboard — no juggling multiple accounts.

2.4 Security Features

Wix offers free WHOIS privacy protection for eligible domains, hiding your personal contact info from public databases.

2.5 Renewal Reminders

Automatic reminders prevent you from accidentally losing your domain.

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3. Things to Consider Before Choosing a Domain Name

Before you rush into registering a domain with Wix, keep these tips in mind:

Keep it Short and Simple – Short domains are easier to remember and type.
Use Keywords – If possible, include keywords that reflect your niche or industry.
Avoid Hyphens and Numbers – These make your domain harder to remember and can cause confusion.
Choose the Right Extension – .com is the most popular, but there are many others (.net, .org, .co, .store, .online, etc.).
Check Availability – Make sure your chosen domain is available and not trademarked.
Think Long-Term – Pick a name that will still be relevant as your business grows.

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4. Step-by-Step Guide: How to Register a Domain with Wix

Step 1: Sign In to Your Wix Account

Go to Wix.com
Click Sign In (or Get Started if you don’t have an account)
Enter your email and password or log in with Google/Facebook.

Step 2: Access the Domains Page

From your Wix Dashboard, click on Settings.
Under Website Settings, find Domains.
Click Buy a New Domain.

Step 3: Search for Your Desired Domain

In the search box, type the domain you want.
Wix will check availability and show you possible alternatives if your choice is taken.
Choose your preferred domain extension (.com, .net, .org, etc.).

Step 4: Select Your Domain

Once you find an available domain, click Select.
You’ll see pricing options (usually per year).

💡 Tip: Domains are usually registered for 1–3 years, but you can secure them for up to 10 years.

Step 5: Choose a Registration Period

Pick how many years you want to register your domain.
Consider enabling Auto-Renew so you don’t lose it when it expires.

Step 6: Add Privacy Protection (WHOIS Privacy)

Wix offers privacy protection for eligible domains.
This hides your personal details from public domain lookup tools.
If available, enable it — it’s a must for privacy and security.

Step 7: Enter Your Contact Information

Domain registration requires accurate contact info:

Name
Email
Phone number
Physical address

This information is linked to your domain in the global registry.

Step 8: Complete Payment

Review your order.
Pay using credit/debit card, PayPal, or other available methods.

Once payment is complete, your domain will be registered and automatically connected to your Wix site.

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5. How to Connect an Existing Domain to Wix

If you already have a domain with another registrar (like GoDaddy or Namecheap), you can still use it with Wix.

Option 1: Connecting via Name Servers

Log into your current domain registrar’s account.
Replace the registrar’s name servers with Wix’s:
ns8.wixdns.net
ns9.wixdns.net
This method gives Wix full control of your DNS settings.

Option 2: Pointing via DNS Records

Keep your current name servers.
Update your A record and CNAME in your registrar’s DNS settings to point to Wix.

💡 This method lets you keep email hosting and other DNS services with your current provider.

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6. Managing Your Domain in Wix

Once your domain is registered or connected, you can manage it from your Wix Domains dashboard.

What You Can Do:

Renew or Extend – Pay for additional years in advance.
Enable/Disable Auto-Renew – Prevent domain loss due to expiration.
Update Contact Info – Keep WHOIS records accurate.
Manage DNS Records – Add/edit A, CNAME, MX, and TXT records.
Transfer Domain Out – Move your domain to another registrar if needed.

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7. Tips for Protecting Your Domain

Enable Auto-Renew – Avoid losing your domain if you forget to renew.
Keep Your Contact Info Updated – ICANN requires accurate info for domain ownership.
Use WHOIS Privacy – Protect your identity from spammers and hackers.
Register for Multiple Years – Lock in your domain for several years to avoid yearly hassles.
Secure Related Domains – If possible, buy multiple extensions (.net, .org) to protect your brand.

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8. Common Mistakes to Avoid When Registering a Domain with Wix

Choosing a Complicated Name – Hard-to-type domains turn visitors away.
Ignoring Trademarks – Using a trademarked name can lead to legal trouble.
Forgetting Renewal – Losing your domain could mean losing your brand identity.
Using Only the Free Wix Subdomain – “yourname.wixsite.com” looks less professional.
Not Checking Social Media Availability – Your brand should be consistent across platforms.

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9. FAQs About Domain Registration with Wix

Q: Can I get a free domain forever with Wix?

No, Wix offers a free domain for the first year with certain premium plans. After that, you must pay the renewal fee.

Q: How much does a domain cost with Wix?

Most domains cost between $10–$25 per year, depending on the extension.

Q: Can I transfer my Wix domain to another registrar?

Yes, after 60 days you can transfer your domain out of Wix.

Q: How long does it take for a new domain to go live?

Usually within a few hours, but sometimes up to 48 hours for DNS propagation.

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10. Final Thoughts

Registering a domain with Wix is simple, beginner-friendly, and efficient. Whether you’re starting a personal blog, business site, or online store, having a custom domain:

Enhances your brand credibility
Improves SEO
Makes it easier for customers to find and remember you

By following the step-by-step process above, you can have your domain registered and connected in less than 15 minutes. Just remember to choose your domain wisely, secure it for multiple years, and keep it renewed.

Your domain name is more than just an address — it’s the foundation of your online identity. Invest the time to get it right, and you’ll set yourself up for long-term success.