How to connect custom domain
In this friendly guide, we'll walk you through the easy-peasy process of connecting your custom domain. But first, let's make sure you're all set to begin:
An active paid subscription on the Unicorn platform.
Purchased a domain name from domain provider, such as Namecheap or GoDaddy.
Go to Website Settings > Custom domain tab.
Enter your domain name into the Custom domain field and click Save & Continue.
You should see a table with IP addresses - Copy it, we will need them in step 2.
The dashboard appearance and location may vary slightly based on where you purchased your domain, but in general, they all have a similar look and feel.
Add first record with the following properties:
Type: A
Host (name): @ (or leave empty if you domain registrator doesn't allow it.)
Value (data): the IP address you copied in Step 1
TTL: Set it to the lowest possible value
Add second one with these properties:
Type: A
Host (name): www
Value (data): the IP address you copied.
Also setting the TTL to the lowest possible value.
Be sure to save the changes.
Important: if you use Cloudflare - disable the proxy
Go back to our platform and click on Validate & Continue.
The issuance of your certificate begins automatically at this stage it takes some time, and once it's complete, you will receive an email notification.
You can also refresh the site settings page to update the status. We will fix this in the future, and you'll be able to see the "online" status changes.
Some domain providers don't accept @ as host/name. In that case, you should enter your root domain (yoursite.com) instead.
If you already have any A type or CNAME type DNS records that have their host (or name) listed as @ or www – delete them.
Also delete any A or CNAME type records with their host/name listed as your root domain yoursite.com, or as www.yoursite.com.
If you use Namecheap, you should also delete the default "URL Redirect" records if any. They may cause errors.
Unfortunately, DNS records don't get updated immediately. They always take some time to propagate. Usually, it takes no more than 1 hour, but in some cases, it may take up to 24-48 hours.
This means that you will have to wait until the propagation is completed. Try to wait for 30-60 minutes and press the Validate & Continue button again.
You can also track the propagation status manually by using a 3rd party service called dnschecker.org
Simply enter your domain name into the dedicated field and press Search.
If every field has a green "Check" icon, the propagation process is completed and you can get an SSL certificate.
If some fields have red "Cross" icons, the propagation is still in progress. In that case, you will have to wait a little more. How about a coffee break? 🙂
Run this check for www.yourwebsite.com as well.
If you can't resolve the issues on your own, feel free to contact us. Our support team will be happy to help you out 🙂
Unfortunately, it is not possible.
Yes, you can connect subdomains. Please see our simple guide for more details.
This happens when you connected a subdomain but still did not issue an SSL certificate. Just do the Step 3 and it will work fine. Perhaps you will need also to clear your browser cache though.
Step 0 – Please make sure that you have:
An active paid subscription on the Unicorn platform.
Purchased a domain name from domain provider, such as Namecheap or GoDaddy.
Step 1 – Enable custom domain
Go to Website Settings > Custom domain tab.
Enter your domain name into the Custom domain field and click Save & Continue.
You should see a table with IP addresses - Copy it, we will need them in step 2.
Step 2 – Set up DNS
Go to your domain provider DNS dashboard
The dashboard appearance and location may vary slightly based on where you purchased your domain, but in general, they all have a similar look and feel.
Adding 2 A type records
Add first record with the following properties:
Type: A
Host (name): @ (or leave empty if you domain registrator doesn't allow it.)
Value (data): the IP address you copied in Step 1
TTL: Set it to the lowest possible value
Add second one with these properties:
Type: A
Host (name): www
Value (data): the IP address you copied.
Also setting the TTL to the lowest possible value.
Be sure to save the changes.
Important: if you use Cloudflare - disable the proxy
Step 3 – Validate DNS records
Go back to our platform and click on Validate & Continue.
🏁 Finish – Just sit back and wait.
The issuance of your certificate begins automatically at this stage it takes some time, and once it's complete, you will receive an email notification.
You can also refresh the site settings page to update the status. We will fix this in the future, and you'll be able to see the "online" status changes.
🤷🏼♀️ Troubleshooting
I can't enter "@" as my host
Some domain providers don't accept @ as host/name. In that case, you should enter your root domain (yoursite.com) instead.
Delete the default records
If you already have any A type or CNAME type DNS records that have their host (or name) listed as @ or www – delete them.
Also delete any A or CNAME type records with their host/name listed as your root domain yoursite.com, or as www.yoursite.com.
If you use Namecheap, you should also delete the default "URL Redirect" records if any. They may cause errors.
My DNS records are correct, but I still see the error
Unfortunately, DNS records don't get updated immediately. They always take some time to propagate. Usually, it takes no more than 1 hour, but in some cases, it may take up to 24-48 hours.
This means that you will have to wait until the propagation is completed. Try to wait for 30-60 minutes and press the Validate & Continue button again.
You can also track the propagation status manually by using a 3rd party service called dnschecker.org
Simply enter your domain name into the dedicated field and press Search.
If every field has a green "Check" icon, the propagation process is completed and you can get an SSL certificate.
If some fields have red "Cross" icons, the propagation is still in progress. In that case, you will have to wait a little more. How about a coffee break? 🙂
Run this check for www.yourwebsite.com as well.
It still doesn't work!
If you can't resolve the issues on your own, feel free to contact us. Our support team will be happy to help you out 🙂
F.A.Q.
Can I connect subpages (mysite.com/mypage) as custom domains?
Unfortunately, it is not possible.
Can I connect subdomains (e.g. promo.site.com) as custom domains?
Yes, you can connect subdomains. Please see our simple guide for more details.
My website is redirected to "com.au"
This happens when you connected a subdomain but still did not issue an SSL certificate. Just do the Step 3 and it will work fine. Perhaps you will need also to clear your browser cache though.
Updated on: 28/02/2024
Thank you!