> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.youware.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Custom Domain

> Point your YouWare project to a branded domain. Configure DNS, SSL, and go live with your own URL.

<Info>
  Launch every YouWare project under your brand. Custom domains let you publish AI-built sites and apps on URLs your audience trusts.
</Info>

## What Is a Custom Domain?

A custom domain is a unique website address that belongs to you or your organization. Instead of sharing a generic link, your project lives on a name that is personal, memorable, and brand-ready:

* `www.freshbrewcafe.com`
* `courses.byemma.com`
* `mychurchonline.org`

When you attach a custom domain, your AI-built website or app immediately looks professional the moment it goes live.

### Who Benefits Most

* Local businesses such as restaurants, salons, clinics, and retail shops
* Educators, coaches, and online course creators
* Churches, communities, and nonprofits
* Freelancers, agencies, and personal portfolios
* Any creator launching a public-facing product or service

## Connect Your Custom Domain

<Steps>
  <Step title="Publish Your Project">
    Publish your YouWare project just like any other launch.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Open Domain Settings">
    Click **Custom Domain** in your project settings, then choose **Add Domain**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enter Your Domain">
    Type the domain you own (from providers like GoDaddy, Cloudflare, Name.com, or similar registrars).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Copy DNS Values">
    Copy the TXT and CNAME values displayed in the YouWare dashboard. These records verify ownership and route traffic.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Update Your DNS Provider">
    Paste the records into your registrar's DNS settings exactly as shown.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Verify & Launch">
    Click **Verify** in YouWare and wait for propagation. Once complete, your project serves from your custom domain.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Tip>
  Propagation times vary. TXT records usually verify within minutes, while CNAME routing can take up to 24 hours depending on your provider.
</Tip>

### DNS Provider Examples

Use your registrar's dashboard to add the records:

* Cloudflare — supports root domain CNAMEs through CNAME flattening.
* Namecheap — provides dedicated CNAME record types for root and subdomains.
* GoDaddy, Alibaba Cloud, and other legacy registrars may require you to use `www` or another subdomain.

## Configuration Values

To connect your domain, add **two DNS records**. Copy the exact values from your YouWare dashboard for the project you are publishing.

### 1. Ownership Verification (TXT)

* Host: `_youware-verify`
* Value: (copy the TXT string from the dashboard)
* Purpose: proves you own the domain before traffic is routed

Most providers automatically append your domain to the host field. Only enter the full domain if your registrar explicitly requires it.

### 2. Traffic Routing (CNAME)

* Host: the hostname you want to use (for example `www`)
* Value: the CNAME target provided by YouWare
* Purpose: points traffic from your domain to YouWare's infrastructure

<Warning>
  A CNAME record must be the only record for that hostname. Remove any conflicting A or AAAA records before saving.
</Warning>

## Unable to Connect to Your Domain?

Standard DNS rules do not allow a CNAME record on the root domain (for example, `yourbrand.com` purchased from GoDaddy). Work around the limitation in one of two ways:

* **Option 1: Use a subdomain**\
  Create a CNAME for `www.example.com`. Set up URL forwarding from the root to `www` if needed.

* **Option 2: Switch DNS to Cloudflare (Recommended)**\
  If you must use the root domain (`example.com`), we highly recommend switching your DNS management to Cloudflare (it's free).
  1. Create an account at [Cloudflare.com](https://www.cloudflare.com/).
  2. Add your domain and follow the instructions to change your nameservers.
  3. Once active, you can add a CNAME for `@` directly without errors.
     📘 **Detailed Guide:** [How to set up Cloudflare DNS](https://developers.cloudflare.com/dns/zone-setups/full-setup/setup/)

## Frequently Asked Questions

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Why is my status still Pending after adding records?">
    DNS propagation is not instant. TXT records typically verify within 10 minutes, while CNAME changes can take up to 24 hours. Double-check that your record values match the dashboard exactly.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Should Cloudflare proxy be on or off?">
    For the TXT record, leave proxying off (grey cloud). For CNAME records you can enable the orange cloud to leverage Cloudflare. If verification stalls, temporarily turn it off and retry.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can a CNAME and TXT record share the same host?">
    No. DNS standards block a CNAME from coexisting with other records on the same host. That is why YouWare uses `_youware-verify` for TXT verification—it keeps routing and verification separate.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="My site sometimes loads the wrong content. What should I check?">
    Ensure there are no leftover A or AAAA records for the same host. Remove duplicates, then wait for DNS caches to expire.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Need Help?

Still seeing issues after propagation? Email `support@youware.com` with:

1. Your custom domain (for example `www.example.com`)
2. A screenshot of your DNS records
3. The email tied to your YouWare account

We'll review your configuration and help you go live fast.

## Private Access (Passcode)

Custom domains aren't only for branding—they can protect access, too. Pair your domain with **Private Access (Passcode)** to require a passcode before anyone can view your site.

Perfect for:

* Internal dashboards and tooling
* Paid courses or premium lessons
* Client deliverables and work-in-progress demos
* Church groups, schools, or invitation-only communities

Publish publicly, share privately, and still keep everything under your own URL.

## Our Vision Forward

Custom domains are part of a bigger mission: everyone should be able to turn an idea into a working product with AI—complete with a professional, trustworthy presence. Build with YouWare, launch under your brand, and share your story with the world.

***

<Card title="Unlock Custom Domains" icon="rocket" color="#10B981" href="https://www.youware.com/subscription?location=docs">
  **Custom domains are available on Pro and Ultra plans.** Launch your project under your own brand today.

  [View Plans & Pricing →](https://www.youware.com/subscription?location=docs)
</Card>