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

# Custom Domains on Starhost: DNS Setup and Configuration

> Connect a custom domain to your Starhost site. Update your DNS records, verify ownership, and point your domain to Starhost in minutes.

Starhost lets you connect any domain you own to your hosted site. Once you add your domain and update your DNS records, Starhost verifies ownership and automatically provisions an SSL certificate so your site is live over HTTPS. The process typically takes just a few minutes, though DNS changes can take longer to propagate depending on your registrar.

## Add a custom domain

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open your site settings">
    Log in to your Starhost dashboard at [mystarhost.com](https://mystarhost.com) and select the site you want to configure.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Navigate to Domains">
    In your site settings, click **Domains**, then click **Add Domain**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enter your domain name">
    Type your domain name in the field provided — for example, `yourdomain.com`. If you want to use a subdomain, enter the full subdomain address (e.g., `www.yourdomain.com`).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Note the DNS records">
    Starhost displays the DNS records you need to add. Depending on your setup, you'll be given either an **A record** (for root domains) or a **CNAME record** (for subdomains). Copy these values — you'll need them in the next step.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Update your DNS records">
    Log in to your domain registrar (for example, Namecheap, GoDaddy, or Cloudflare) and add the DNS records provided by Starhost. Save your changes.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Wait for verification">
    Return to your Starhost dashboard. Starhost automatically checks for your updated DNS records. Verification usually completes within a few minutes to a few hours. Once verified, SSL is provisioned automatically.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Note>
  DNS propagation can take up to 48 hours depending on your domain registrar and the TTL (time-to-live) settings on your DNS records. If your domain hasn't verified after a few hours, double-check that the records were saved correctly at your registrar.
</Note>

## DNS record reference

Use the following record types when pointing your domain to Starhost:

| Record type      | When to use                             | Value                                                |
| ---------------- | --------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------- |
| **A Record**     | Root domain (e.g., `yourdomain.com`)    | Starhost's IP address — shown in your dashboard      |
| **CNAME Record** | Subdomains (e.g., `www.yourdomain.com`) | Your Starhost site address — shown in your dashboard |

<Tip>
  Once your domain is verified, Starhost automatically provisions a free SSL certificate. You don't need to do anything extra to enable HTTPS. See the [SSL & Security guide](/starhost/ssl-and-security) for details.
</Tip>

## Frequently asked questions

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="How long does DNS propagation take?">
    In most cases, DNS changes propagate within a few minutes to a few hours. In rare cases — especially when your previous TTL was set high — propagation can take up to 48 hours. You can check propagation progress using a tool like [dnschecker.org](https://dnschecker.org).
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can I use a subdomain?">
    Yes. To use a subdomain (such as `www.yourdomain.com` or `blog.yourdomain.com`), add a **CNAME record** at your registrar pointing to your Starhost site address. Enter the full subdomain when adding the domain in your Starhost dashboard.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="What if domain verification fails?">
    First, double-check that you've added the DNS records exactly as shown in your Starhost dashboard — watch for typos or extra spaces. Make sure you've saved the changes at your registrar, then wait for propagation. If verification still fails after 48 hours, contact [Starhost support](https://mystarhost.com/support).
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>