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Connect domain: custom domain setup

A custom domain is your professional address on the internet, such as example.com or www.example.com.

In Centuply, you can connect your domain so visitors open your website from your own address.

When to use this guide​

Use this guide when:

  • you have purchased a domain,
  • you want to connect a domain to your website,
  • you want the website to open from www.example.com,
  • you want to use a professional address,
  • you have already published the website and want a custom URL,
  • you want to check whether the domain is configured correctly.

What you need before starting​

Before connecting a domain, you need:

  • access to the account where you purchased the domain,
  • access to DNS settings,
  • your website in Centuply,
  • the DNS instructions provided by Centuply,
  • a little patience, because DNS changes can take time.

What is DNS?​

DNS is the system that tells the internet where a domain should point.

In simple terms:

  • the domain is the name,
  • DNS tells where it points,
  • DNS records are the connection rules.

For the custom domain to work, the DNS records must be correct.

Step 1 — Open Publish or Domains​

Open the Centuply app, select your website, and open Publish, Domains, or Connect domain.

There you will find the instructions for connecting a custom domain.

Step 2 — Add your domain​

Enter the domain you want to connect.

Examples:

  • example.com
  • www.example.com
  • mybusiness.gr
  • www.mybusiness.gr

Usually, it is useful to support both versions:

  • without www,
  • with www.

Step 3 — Review DNS instructions​

Centuply will show which DNS records you need to add to your domain provider.

The instructions may include records such as:

  • CNAME,
  • A record,
  • ALIAS,
  • ANAME,
  • TXT verification record.

Always use the exact values shown in Centuply.

Step 4 — Open your domain provider DNS panel​

Go to the provider where you purchased the domain.

Open DNS, Zone Editor, DNS Management, or a similar section.

This is where you add or update records.

Step 5 — Add DNS records​

Add the records exactly as shown in Centuply.

Pay attention to:

  • type,
  • name or host,
  • value or target,
  • TTL,
  • whether an old record conflicts,
  • whether www points correctly,
  • whether the root domain points correctly.

Do not change values if you are not sure.

Step 6 — Wait for DNS propagation​

After changes, the domain may not work immediately.

DNS changes can take from a few minutes to several hours to update everywhere.

During this time:

  • the domain may not load,
  • it may load an old page,
  • it may work in one browser but not another,
  • it may need more time before it appears as verified.

Step 7 — Verify in Centuply​

Return to Centuply and click Verify, Check status, or the relevant option.

If the DNS records are correct, the domain will appear as connected or verified.

If it does not verify immediately, wait and try again.

Step 8 — Choose primary domain​

If you have both example.com and www.example.com, choose which one will be the primary domain.

The primary domain is the main address you will use.

Example:

  • primary: www.example.com
  • redirect: example.com

or the opposite, depending on your preference.

Step 9 — Check SSL​

After connecting the domain, the website should open with a secure https connection.

Check that:

  • the domain opens with https://,
  • no browser warning appears,
  • the SSL certificate is active,
  • both www and non-www versions work correctly.

In some cases, SSL may need a little time to activate.

Step 10 — Check the live website​

Open the domain in a browser and check:

  • homepage,
  • main pages,
  • menu,
  • buttons,
  • forms,
  • mobile view,
  • links,
  • SEO preview,
  • whether redirects work correctly.

Do not assume everything is correct only because verification succeeded. Check the real live domain.

Common problems​

The domain does not open​

Possible causes:

  • DNS records have not propagated yet,
  • a record is wrong,
  • an old record conflicts,
  • host or target was typed incorrectly,
  • more time is needed for propagation.

www works but the root domain does not​

A root domain record may be missing, or redirect may not be configured.

The root domain works but www does not​

A CNAME record for www may be missing.

An SSL warning appears​

Wait a little and check again. If it continues, check whether the domain is verified and whether DNS records are correct.

Best practices​

  • Keep a screenshot of the DNS instructions.
  • Do not delete old records if you do not know what they do.
  • Use the exact values from Centuply.
  • Check both www and non-www.
  • Wait for DNS propagation.
  • Check the website on mobile and desktop.
  • Do not keep changing DNS records without a reason.

Video tutorial​

Suggested video for this article:

Title: How to connect a custom domain in Centuply

Duration: 5-7 minutes

Video flow:

  1. Open Publish/Domains.
  2. Add a domain.
  3. Copy DNS instructions.
  4. Open the DNS provider.
  5. Add records.
  6. Wait and verify.
  7. Choose primary domain.
  8. Check live website and SSL.

Frequently asked questions​

Do I need to buy a domain from Centuply?​

Not necessarily. You can use a domain purchased from another provider.

How long does domain connection take?​

Sometimes a few minutes, but it may take several hours because of DNS propagation.

What is a CNAME?​

It is a DNS record that connects a subdomain, such as www, to a target.

What is a primary domain?​

It is the main address you want visitors to use.

What should I do if the domain does not verify?​

Check DNS records, wait for propagation, and try again. If it continues, check for incorrect or conflicting records.