How to Connect a Custom Domain

Learn how to connect your custom domain to your Zipper site so visitors can access your site using your own domain name instead of the default Zipper domain.

Before You Begin

• You must be logged in to your account at https://app.joinzipper.com
• You need permission to manage sites (typically organization owners and admins have this permission)
• A custom domain name registered and ready to use
• Access to your domain's DNS settings

Steps

Step 1: Navigate to Site Settings

1. Log in to your account at https://app.joinzipper.com/auth/login
2. From the dashboard, go to Sites → select your site
3. Find Domain settings or Custom Domain section

What happens next: You'll see domain configuration options.

Step 2: Enter Domain Name

1. Enter your domain name:

   • Type your custom domain
   • Example: "example.com" or "www.example.com"
   • Don't include "http://" or "https://"
   • Enter just the domain name

2. Domain format:

   • Use your registered domain name
   • Can include "www" or not
   • Example: "mysite.com" or "www.mysite.com"

Note: Enter the domain name you want to use for your site.

Step 3: Follow DNS Setup Instructions

1. View DNS setup instructions:

   • System will show DNS records you need to add
   • Instructions explain what to configure
   • DNS records required for domain connection

2. DNS records to add:

   • CNAME record: Points your domain to Zipper
   • A record: Alternative DNS configuration
   • TXT record: Domain verification (if needed)
   • Follow specific instructions provided

Important: DNS configuration is required to connect your domain.

Step 4: Configure DNS Records

1. Access your domain's DNS settings:

   • Log in to your domain registrar
   • Go to DNS management
   • Find DNS record configuration

2. Add required DNS records:

   • Add CNAME record pointing to Zipper
   • Add A record if specified
   • Add TXT record for verification (if needed)
   • Follow exact instructions from Zipper

Note: DNS changes can take time to propagate (up to 48 hours).

Step 5: Complete Domain Verification

1. Wait for DNS propagation:

   • DNS changes take time to propagate
   • Usually 1-24 hours, can take up to 48 hours
   • System will verify DNS configuration

2. Domain verification:

   • System checks DNS records
   • Verifies domain is configured correctly
   • Confirms domain connection

Note: Domain verification happens automatically after DNS propagates.

Step 6: Verify Connection

1. Check connection status:

   • Domain status shows as "Connected" or "Verified"
   • Connection is confirmed
   • Domain is ready to use

2. Test domain access:

   • Visit your custom domain
   • Verify site loads correctly
   • Check that domain is working

What happens next: Your custom domain will be connected and:

• Site is accessible via your custom domain
• Domain is verified and active
• SSL certificate is configured (if available)
• Site works with your domain name

Tips

• Follow DNS instructions exactly
• Be patient - DNS propagation can take time
• Keep DNS records updated
• Test domain access after connection
• Contact your domain registrar if DNS issues occur

Troubleshooting

Problem: I don't see Domain settings Solution: Check that:

• You're viewing site settings
• Domain feature is enabled
• You have permission to manage sites

Solution: Make sure you're viewing site settings. Contact support if domain settings aren't available.

Problem: DNS setup is confusing Solution: Follow instructions provided:

• Use exact DNS records shown
• Contact your domain registrar for help
• Zipper provides specific instructions

Solution: Follow DNS instructions exactly. Contact your domain registrar if you need help with DNS configuration.

Problem: Domain verification fails Solution: Check that:

• DNS records are added correctly
• DNS has propagated (wait 24-48 hours)
• Records match instructions exactly

Solution: Verify DNS records are correct. Wait for DNS propagation. Check records match instructions.

Problem: Domain isn't working Solution: Check that:

• DNS records are configured correctly
• DNS has propagated
• Domain is verified in Zipper

Solution: Verify DNS configuration. Wait for propagation. Check domain status in Zipper.

Problem: I want to change the domain Solution: To change domain:

• Update domain name in settings
• Configure new DNS records
• Verify new domain connection

Solution: Update domain in settings and configure new DNS records. Verify new domain connection.