Configure Custom Domains with DNS | Complete DNS Setup Guide

Replace the default Nife domain with your own custom domain. Complete guide to DNS configuration, SSL certificates, and provider-specific instructions.

What is a Custom Domain?#

Instead of: https://my-portfolio.static.nifetency.com/

Use your own: https://portfolio.example.com/

Benefits#

✓ Professional appearance - Use your own brand
✓ Memorable URL - Easier to remember and share
✓ SEO friendly - Better for search rankings
✓ Email alignment - Domain matches email
✓ Credibility - Looks more professional

Before You Start#

Requirements#

  1. Own a domain - Must own or control the domain
  2. Access to DNS - Ability to modify DNS records
  3. Domain registrar access - Where you registered it

Prerequisites Checklist#

  • Domain is registered and active
  • Domain isn't expired
  • You have DNS control
  • Know your DNS provider
  • Have registrar login credentials

Adding a Custom Domain#

Steps#

  1. Open your site in Site Details
  2. Click Add Custom Domain
  3. Enter your domain name (e.g., portfolio.example.com)
  4. Copy the CNAME value provided
  5. Go to your DNS provider
  6. Add a CNAME record pointing to Nife
  7. Wait for DNS propagation (5-48 hours)
  8. Domain is live when verified

DNS Configuration#

Step 1: Get CNAME Value#

Nife provides a CNAME value to add to your DNS records.

Example CNAME:

  • Name/Host: portfolio.example.com (or just portfolio)
  • Value: static.nife.domains.
  • Type: CNAME
  • TTL: 3600 (or automatic)

Step 2: Add to DNS Provider#

Log into your domain registrar and:

  1. Find DNS Settings or DNS Management
  2. Create a new CNAME record
  3. Enter the values Nife provided
  4. Save the record

Common DNS Providers#

GoDaddy#

  1. Go to Domain Settings
  2. Click Manage DNS
  3. Click Add Record
  4. Select CNAME record type
  5. Enter host and points to values
  6. Save

Namecheap#

  1. Go to Dashboard
  2. Click Manage for domain
  3. Go to Advanced DNS
  4. Add New Record
  5. Select CNAME
  6. Enter values
  7. Save

Route 53 (AWS)#

  1. Go to Hosted Zones
  2. Select your domain
  3. Click Create Record
  4. Select CNAME
  5. Enter values
  6. Click Create Records

Cloudflare#

  1. Go to DNS section
  2. Click Add Record
  3. Select CNAME
  4. Enter values
  5. Keep Orange Cloud on (if applicable)
  6. Save

DNS Propagation#

What is DNS Propagation?#

DNS changes take time to spread across the internet. This is normal and expected.

How Long Does It Take?#

  • Immediate: Usually starts right away
  • 1-2 hours: Typically fully propagated
  • 24 hours: Guaranteed propagated
  • 48 hours: Maximum wait time

Check DNS Status#

You can check if DNS is working:

  1. Go back to Site Details
  2. Look for Domain Status
  3. Status options:
    • ✅ Verified - Ready to use
    • ⏳ Pending - Still propagating
    • ❌ Failed - Configuration issue

Verify DNS is Working#

  1. Use online DNS checker tool
  2. Enter your domain
  3. Should show CNAME record pointing to Nife
  4. Or try in terminal: nslookup your-domain.com

SSL/TLS Certificates#

Automatic Certificate#

Nife automatically provides:

  • ✅ Free SSL certificate - No cost
  • ✅ Auto-renewal - Never expires
  • ✅ HTTPS - Secure connection
  • ✅ Perfect score - A+ rating

Certificate Status#

Check certificate status in:

  1. Site Details
  2. Security section
  3. Shows certificate status and expiration

Certificate Renewal#

Nife automatically renews before expiration:

  • No action required
  • Happens automatically
  • Zero downtime

Testing Custom Domain#

Before Going Live#

  1. Add custom domain
  2. Wait for DNS propagation
  3. Test the domain in browser
  4. Check for HTTPS lock icon
  5. Verify all content loads
  6. Test links and functionality

Verification Steps#

  • Domain is accessible
  • Shows HTTPS (not HTTP)
  • Content loads completely
  • No mixed content warnings
  • All links work
  • Mobile responsive
  • No error messages

Removing Custom Domain#

Go back to Nife default domain:

Steps#

  1. Open Site Details
  2. Find Custom Domain section
  3. Click Remove or Delete
  4. Confirm removal
  5. Site reverts to default domain

Note: Default domain URL remains active.

Troubleshooting Domain Issues#

Domain Not Working#

Check:

  1. DNS record is correctly added
  2. CNAME value matches exactly
  3. Wait for DNS propagation
  4. Domain registrar saved changes

Solution:

  • Wait 24 hours for propagation
  • Verify DNS record in registrar
  • Clear browser cache
  • Try incognito/private browsing

"Domain Already in Use"#

Reason: Domain already connected to another site or service

Solution:

  1. Remove domain from other service
  2. Wait a few hours
  3. Try adding again
  4. Or use subdomain (www.example.com)

HTTPS Certificate Warning#

Reason: SSL certificate not yet issued

Solution:

  1. Wait for certificate generation
  2. Usually takes 5-10 minutes
  3. Check certificate status
  4. Clear browser cache
  5. Try again after 1 hour

DNS Changes Not Applied#

Reason: DNS records not propagating

Solution:

  1. Verify record is correct
  2. Check for typos
  3. Confirm record type is CNAME
  4. Wait longer (up to 48 hours)
  5. Use DNS propagation checker

Multiple Domains#

Use for:

  • example.com and www.example.com
  • Multiple domain aliases
  • International domains

Note: May need separate domains or subdomains

Best Practices#

✓ Use your domain - Professional appearance
✓ Set up early - Do it when deploying
✓ Verify DNS - Check it works before going live
✓ Monitor certificate - Ensure SSL is active
✓ Use www subdomain - Optional but recommended
✓ Redirect HTTP to HTTPS - Security best practice
✓ Test thoroughly - Before telling people
✓ Keep registrar login - For future updates

DNS Record Examples#

Example 1: Adding to GoDaddy#

FieldValue
TypeCNAME
Nameportfolio
Points tostatic.nife.domains.
TTL3600

Result: portfolio.example.com → Nife

Example 2: Subdomain#

FieldValue
TypeCNAME
Namewww
Points tostatic.nife.domains.

Result: www.example.com → Nife

Example 3: Apex Domain (advanced)#

For root domain (example.com without www):

  • Requires A records instead of CNAME
  • Nife support may provide specific IPs
  • Contact support for apex domain setup

Related Topics#

Getting Help#

For domain-related issues:

  1. Check DNS configuration first
  2. Verify record values match
  3. Wait for DNS propagation
  4. Check certificate status
  5. Contact support with:
    • Domain name
    • Screenshot of DNS record
    • Error message (if any)