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How do I configure a custom domain name?

Created on 2025-05-29 14:53:29
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Configuring a custom domain name allows you to use your own domain (e.g., www.example.com) instead of a default subdomain (e.g., example.hostingprovider.com). Here's how to do it:

Steps to Configure a Custom Domain:

  1. Purchase a Domain: Buy a domain from a registrar like GoDaddy or Namecheap if you don’t already own one.
  2. Access Your Hosting/Platform Settings: Log in to your website hosting provider or platform (e.g., a web hosting service, CDN, or cloud provider).
  3. Add the Domain:
    • Navigate to the domain management section.
    • Look for an option like "Add Domain," "Custom Domain," or "DNS Settings."
    • Enter your custom domain name (e.g., www.example.com).
  4. Update DNS Records:
    • Your hosting provider will give you specific DNS records (e.g., CNAME, A, or ALIAS) to add to your domain registrar’s DNS settings.
    • Log in to your domain registrar and update the DNS records as instructed.
  5. Verify the Domain:
    • Some providers require you to verify ownership by adding a TXT record or clicking a verification link.
  6. Wait for Propagation: DNS changes can take up to 24–48 hours to propagate globally.

Example:

If you’re hosting a website on a platform like Tencent Cloud’s Web Hosting or CDN, you would:

  1. Go to the Tencent Cloud console.
  2. Navigate to the domain management section (e.g., under Web Hosting or CDN).
  3. Add your custom domain (e.g., www.mywebsite.com).
  4. Tencent Cloud will provide DNS records (e.g., CNAME for CDN or A record for direct hosting).
  5. Update these records in your domain registrar’s DNS settings.
  6. Verify the domain and wait for propagation.

For Tencent Cloud users, services like CDN or Web Hosting simplify this process with guided steps and automated DNS validation.

If you’re using a server (e.g., Tencent Cloud’s CVM), you’ll need to manually configure your web server (e.g., Nginx or Apache) to recognize the custom domain by updating the server’s configuration files.

For SSL/TLS certificates (HTTPS), Tencent Cloud’s SSL Certificates service can issue free or paid certificates for your custom domain.