Connecting your domain to a Rapyd website ensures that visitors can access your site using your custom domain. Depending on how you prefer to manage your DNS records, you can either:
Use Rapyd-Managed DNS: Transfer DNS management to Rapyd, enabling features like the Rapyd CDN and WAF. This is also known as a Managed Domain.
Use Self-Managed DNS: Keep DNS hosted externally and configure the necessary records to point your domain to Rapyd. This is also known as a Self-managed Domain.
To learn more about the differences between the two and what you should consider before proceeding, please see our Introduction to Domain Management on Rapyd.
This guide breaks down the steps for setting up both Managed and Self-managed Domains on Rapyd. Read on to learn more.
Managed Domain Setup
Rapyd-Managed Domains offer a range of benefits that make managing your site easier and more effective. Here’s what you’ll gain:
Simplified DNS Management
Manage all your domain’s DNS records directly within the Rapyd dashboard. Say goodbye to juggling multiple platforms and make setup and troubleshooting a breeze.Boost Performance with Rapyd CDN
Enhance your site’s speed and reliability with Rapyd’s Content Delivery Network (CDN). The CDN caches your static content and delivers it faster to users worldwide, ensuring a seamless experience.Enhanced Security with Rapyd’s WAF
Leverage Rapyd’s Web Application Firewall (WAF) to safeguard your site against malicious attacks. By routing your domain through Rapyd’s CDN, you gain an extra layer of robust security.Faster Support for DNS Issues
With DNS records visible in the Rapyd dashboard, our support team can quickly diagnose and resolve any DNS-related problems, minimizing downtime and keeping your site online.
To set one up, follow the steps below:
Step 1: Log into the Rapyd Dashboard
Sign in to your Rapyd account.
Click the Domains tab in the main menu (next to your team’s name).
You’ll see a directory of domains associated with your account. If this is the first domain you are setting up, you will not see any domains listed. Simply move on to the next step to continue.
Step 2: Add Your Domain
Click Add domain in the top-right corner.
Enter your domain name (e.g.,
example.com) in the popup and click Add domain.You’ll be redirected to the domain activation page, where you can find the information you need for the next step.
Step 3: Update Nameservers
Once you add your domain, our system will give you the information you need to continue. To update your nameservers, follow the steps below, or check out our detailed guide on how to change nameservers.
Log into your domain registrar (e.g., GoDaddy, Namecheap).
Navigate to the DNS settings for your domain and update the nameservers to the ones provided by Rapyd. See the screenshot below for an example.
Save your changes and allow some time for the nameserver change to propagate. It may take anywhere from 10 minutes to a few hours for your domain's nameservers to completely switch over to the new ones.
Step 4: Verify the Nameserver Update
Return to the Rapyd dashboard and click Check again on the domain activation page.
Once verified, the domain’s status will change to Active.
You can now manage your DNS records directly in Rapyd and use features like the CDN and WAF.
Self-managed Domain Setup
Taking your site live with Rapyd is easy whether you manage your domain with us or prefer to handle DNS management somewhere else. Follow these steps to take your site live with DNS hosted externally.
Step 1: Log into the Rapyd Dashboard
Log into your Rapyd account.
Navigate to the Settings area of the site you want to connect a custom domain to:
Click the site name in the dashboard.
Go to Settings > Domains.
Step 2: Add a Custom Domain
In the Domains section, click Add Domain.
A popup will appear prompting you to input your domain. Enter your custom domain (e.g.,
example.com).The system will automatically check if the domain is already pointed to Rapyd’s nameservers:
If it is, you can manage the domain through Rapyd.
If not, you’ll see the option to either Manage DNS with Rapyd or Add the DNS Records Manually.
Choose Add the DNS Records Manually.
Step 3: Configure the www Redirect (Optional)
If you want to add a
wwwredirect, select the option to specify which domain will be the primary:www.example.comexample.com(non-www)No preference
Click Add Domain to continue.
Step 4: Add DNS Records to Your Provider
On the next screen, you’ll see two DNS records that must be added to your domain’s DNS:
A Record: This points your domain to Rapyd’s IP address.
CNAME Record (if you enabled
www): This directs thewwwsubdomain to your main domain.
Log into your domain’s DNS hosting provider (e.g., Cloudflare, GoDaddy).
Add these DNS records to your domain’s settings.
Important:
Add the records only when you’re ready to go live.
Changing the A record will direct your domain traffic to the Rapyd site.
Step 5: Confirm and Test the Connection
Once the DNS records are added, allow time for propagation (up to 48 hours).
Check your domain in a browser to confirm it’s connected to your Rapyd site.
FAQs and Troubleshooting
Can I switch between Rapyd-Managed and Self-Managed DNS?
Yes, you can switch by migrating your domain to Rapyd's nameservers.How long does it take for DNS changes to take effect?
DNS changes typically propagate within a few hours but may take up to 48 hours globally.Why should I choose Rapyd-Managed DNS?
Rapyd-managed DNS simplifies setup, centralizes control, and unlocks performance and security benefits like CDN and WAF.What happens if I don’t update my nameservers?
Your domain status will remain "Setup required," and your domain won’t connect to your site.What records do I need to add for self-managed DNS?
At minimum, you’ll need an A record pointing to Rapyd’s server IP and a CNAME record forwww(if applicable).How do I check if my DNS changes are working?
You can use tools like What's My DNS to check DNS propagation.My domain shows "Error" in the dashboard. What should I do?
Double-check that your DNS settings or nameservers are correct. If the issue persists, contact Rapyd support.My site isn’t loading after connecting the domain. Why?
Ensure the DNS records or nameservers are fully propagated and match the required values provided by Rapyd.