Introduction
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.
Benefits of Managed Domains
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.
Self-managed domains allow you to simply point your domain at your Rapyd-hosted website, however, you will not get the benefits listed above. You can get some of the benefits listed above through third-party services like Cloudflare or Fastly, but managed domains offer the most streamlined domain management and support experience.
Managed Domain Setup
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 (or center of the screen if first domain).
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 to Activate Your Domain
Once you add your domain to our system, you will be redirected to the domain management page for your newly added domain. You now need to update your domain's nameservers. To do this, 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 (
ns2.dns-noc.org,ns2.dns-noc.org, etc.)Save your changes and allow some time for the nameserver change to update around the world. 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.
Alternative Method: Managed Domains
You can also set up a managed domain directly from the site management area for the site you want to connect your domain to.
Click Add domain
Select Let Rapyd manage my DNS.
Complete domain setup by updating nameservers (Step 3).
With this method, your domain will be managed by Rapyd and linked to your site immediately!
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 Let Rapyd manage DNS or Add the DNS records manually.
Choose Add the DNS Records Manually.
Step 3: Configure the www Redirect (Optional)
At this stage you can select whether or not you want visitors to the www. subdomain go. For most websites, the non-www option will be the best fit. This means that when visitors go to www.yoursite.com, they will be redirected and yoursite.com will show in their browser search bar.
We provide you with the flexibility to set this up in a way that works best for your needs.
If you want to add a
wwwredirect, select the option to specify which domain will be the primary domain:www.example.comexample.com(non-www)No preference
Click Add Domain to continue.
When the domain has properly been added to your site, you will see a success message in the modal.
Step 4: Add or Update DNS Records
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.
When you are ready to take your site live on Rapyd, log into your domain’s DNS hosting provider (e.g. GoDaddy, Namecheap, etc.) and add these DNS records to your domain’s settings.
You can find links to articles on updating A and CNAME records for popular domain registrars below:
Cloudflare
Cloudflare
Important:
Add the records only when you’re ready to go live with your site on Rapyd Cloud.
Changing the A record will direct your domain traffic to the Rapyd Cloud site and site visitors will no longer be able to access the site on your old web host.
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.
If your domain is not connecting to your site on Rapyd or you experience any problems, please reach out to our support team via live chat or at [email protected] so we can assist you.
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 for www (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.