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Custom domain help

Supported DNS providers

To connect a domain, copy the DNS records shown in Self to the company that manages your DNS. Most providers can connect a www address. To connect both example.com and www.example.com, your provider must also support the root domain.

Your registrar and DNS provider can be different. Your registrar is the company where you bought and renew your domain. Your DNS provider manages where the domain points. They are often the same company, but they do not have to be. You can keep your domain registered where it is and use another company for DNS. Before switching, make sure you copy your existing website and email records.

What your DNS provider needs

Choose the setup that matches the address you want people to use.

Both www and non-www

example.com and www.example.com

Your provider needs a way to point example.com to Self. Look for a record called ALIAS, ANAME, or CNAME flattening. The www address uses a regular CNAME record. Self will show you the exact routing and verification records to add.

A www address only

www.example.com

Almost every DNS provider can connect www.example.com with a regular CNAME record. Choose the single-URL option in Self if you are happy to share your address with www.

Provider compatibility

Here is how three common DNS providers work with Self. If your dashboard uses different labels, open the provider's documentation or contact us.

Cloudflare DNS

Works with both

Connect both addresses on any Cloudflare plan. Add two CNAME records and leave proxying off by selecting DNS only.

DNS setup

@: CNAME to domains.self.cv www: CNAME to domains.self.cv
Cloudflare setup guide

Namecheap DNS

Works with both

Connect both addresses with BasicDNS, FreeDNS, or PremiumDNS. Use ALIAS for the root address and CNAME for www.

DNS setup

@: ALIAS to domains.self.cv www: CNAME to domains.self.cv
Namecheap setup guide

Hover DNS

Works with www

Connect the www address with a CNAME record. To use both addresses, keep the domain registered at Hover and move only DNS management.

DNS setup

www: CNAME to domains.self.cv
Hover setup guide

Using another provider?

Check whether it offers ALIAS, ANAME, or CNAME flattening for the root domain. If you are unsure, choose the www-only setup or email us before changing anything.

Moving DNS management

You can change who manages your DNS without transferring the domain itself:

  1. Add the domain to the new DNS provider.
  2. Check which records were imported automatically and copy any that are missing, especially email records such as MX, SPF, DKIM, and DMARC.
  3. Add the records provided by Self.
  4. Replace the nameservers at your registrar with the nameservers from the new DNS provider.
  5. Wait for the changes to take effect, then verify the connection in Self.

Protect your email setup

Missing email records can stop messages from reaching you. Check them carefully before changing nameservers, or ask your email provider for help.