How to Connect a Custom Domain to Your Website

Before you start

• Publish your website on a paid plan or free trial. Free demo sites cannot be connected to a domain.
• Have access to the place where your domain's DNS is managed. This is your domain provider, or Cloudflare if you use it.
• Don't own a domain yet? Search and register one here.

Connect your domain in three steps

1. Log in, open your dashboard and find Connect a domain.
2. Choose Main domain for example.com or Subdomain for something like shop.example.com, pick the site, and enter the name.
3. Add the records HostingSteak shows you at your domain provider, then select Check status.

About the DNS records

The dashboard shows the exact records for your domain. Usually there is a TXT record that proves you own the domain, and one or more records that point the name to your site, such as an A or CNAME record. Copy the values exactly. Some providers want only the first part of the name, such as @ for the main domain or shop for a subdomain. Others want the full name. Use the format your provider asks for.

If the main domain already has old A or AAAA records, remove them first, because they would send visitors somewhere else.

Using Cloudflare

Add the same records in Cloudflare and set them to DNS only (the grey cloud) while the domain is being verified and secured.

How long does it take?

DNS changes can take a few minutes, and sometimes a few hours, to spread. After HostingSteak finds your records, your free SSL certificate is issued automatically, usually within an hour. You do not need to buy or renew a certificate.

Troubleshooting

• Status will not turn green: check for typos and wait a little. Records are checked again every time you select Check status.
• The old site still appears: clear your browser cache or wait for DNS to spread.
• Need help? Contact us and we reply within one business day.