# I registered a domain but my website isn't showing

> A quick checklist for when your new domain shows an error, a parking page or someone else's site instead of your website.

Source: https://helpcenter.ruachost.com/domains/guides/domain-registered-but-website-not-showing/

Just registered a domain, or connected one, and your website isn't showing? Work through these checks in order. Most problems are fixed by step 2 or 3.

## 1. Has the domain finished activating?

New domains are usually active within minutes, but some extensions take longer. In the client area, go to **Domains → My Domains** and check that the status is **Active**. If it says **Pending**, wait a little, then see [How long will it take for my domain to be activated?](https://helpcenter.ruachost.com/domains/guides/how-long-will-it-take-for-my-domain-to-be-activated/)

## 2. Do you have hosting for the domain?

A domain on its own is just an address. Your website files live on a **hosting plan**.

- If you don't have hosting yet, order a [Ruachost hosting plan](https://ruachost.com) and choose your domain during checkout.
- If you have hosting but the domain is new to it, add the domain in cPanel under **Domains**. See [Using the cPanel Domains tool](https://helpcenter.ruachost.com/cpanel/domains/using-the-cpanel-domains-tool/).

## 3. Does the domain point to your hosting?

Your domain's nameservers must point to Ruachost:

```
nsa.ruachost.com
nsb.ruachost.com
```

Check them in **Domains → My Domains → Nameservers**. If your domain is registered with another company, change them there. See [How to change domain nameservers](https://helpcenter.ruachost.com/domains/guides/how-to-change-domain-nameservers/).

## 4. Have the changes spread?

After you change nameservers, it can take a few hours, and up to 24–48 hours, for every network to update. In the meantime, you might see your old site, a parking page or an error, while others see your new site. Try your phone on mobile data, or a private browser window. See [When can I see changes in my domain?](https://helpcenter.ruachost.com/domains/guides/when-can-i-see-changes-in-my-domain-if-i-just-edited-my-dns-records/)

## 5. Is there a website to show?

If you see a cPanel default page or an empty folder listing, your hosting is working, but there's no website in `public_html` yet. Install WordPress or upload your site. See [How to start a website on your hosting plan](https://helpcenter.ruachost.com/getting-started/guides/how-to-start-a-website-on-your-hosting-plan/).

## 6. Is the domain suspended or expired?

Check the domain's status and expiry date. See [Domain suspended: ServerHold and ClientHold explained](https://helpcenter.ruachost.com/domains/guides/domain-suspended-serverhold-and-clienthold/).

Still stuck? [Open a support ticket](https://dashboard.ruachost.com/submitticket.php) with your domain name and what you see when you open it.