These post explains how to use a domain name you already own through a 3rd party registrar such as GoDaddy or similar. Follow the insturctions below to point or map your domain name to one of your CRIBFLYER websites.
Objective: Update your domain's DNS settings to point your domain to an IP address (for the apex record) and to set a CNAME for the www host.
Please note: When following these instructions use the IP address and CNAME values provided to you on the Custom Domain screen for your website in the CRIBFLYER admin panel.
Step 1: Access Your Domain Registrar Account
- Log in to the account where your domain is registered. For example, with GoDaddy, Namecheap, or the company you registered the domain through.
- Navigate to the section where you can manage your domains. This might be called "My Domains," "Domain Management," or something similar.
Step 2: Locate DNS Settings
- Find the domain you wish to update and look for a link or a button labeled "Manage DNS," "DNS Settings," "DNS Management," or "Advanced Settings." Click on this to access the DNS settings for your domain.
Step 3: Update Apex Record (@ Record)
- Look for a list of your current DNS records. You're specifically looking for a type called "A" or sometimes referred to as an "A record."
- If an A record for the apex domain (often represented by @) already exists, edit this record. If not, you'll need to add a new record.
- For the Host or Name field, enter @ to indicate the apex domain. If entering @ is not an option try leaving the field blank.
- In the Value or Points to field, enter the IP address provided on the Custom Domain screen for the website in your CRIBFLYER admin panel.
- Set the TTL (Time to Live) to 600 seconds or the lowest value allowed or leave at the default if changing this is not an option.
- Save or update the record.
Step 4: Update/Add CNAME Record for the www host
- Next, locate the section for adding or editing CNAME records.
- If a CNAME record for www already exists, edit this record. If not, you'll need to add a new one.
- For the Host or Name field, enter: www
- In the Value or Points to field, enter the hostname/value provided on the Custom Domain screen for the website in your CRIBFLYER admin panel. For example: domains-XX.cribflyer.com (where XX is replaced with the number show in your CRIBFLYER admin panel).
- Set the TTL (Time to Live) to 600 seconds or the lowest value allowed or leave at the default if changing is not an option.
- Save or update the record.
Step 5: Confirm Changes and Wait for Propagation
- After making these changes, save your settings and exit the DNS management area.
- Please note that DNS changes can take anywhere from just a few minutes (GoDaddy) or up to 48 hours (with some generic registrars) to fully propagate across the internet. During this time, your site may be only intermittently available.
Troubleshooting Tips:
- Record Review: Double-check your entries for any typos or errors before saving the changes.
- Propagation Time: If your site doesn't become accessible immediately, wait and check again later. DNS propagation takes time.
- Support: If you encounter issues or need further assistance, please take a screenshot of your domain's DNS settings and send it to CRIBFLYER support. Most problems can be spotted from looking at the screenshot.