Connect a domain manually with DNS
Works with any registrar — copy the records SitesPlaced shows you into your DNS settings, then verify.
Last updated 18 June 2026
If your registrar isn't supported by one-click connect — or you simply prefer to do it yourself — you can connect any domain by adding a couple of DNS records. This works everywhere: GoDaddy, Cloudflare, Namecheap, BigRock, Hostinger and the rest.
What is DNS?
DNS is the internet's address book — it tells the world which server your domain points to. To connect your domain, you add a few entries that point it at SitesPlaced.
Add the records SitesPlaced shows you
When you choose the manual option, SitesPlaced displays the exact records to copy for your domain — typically a CNAME for the domain, plus records for the root/apex (the bare yourbrand.com with no www). Always copy the values shown on your own screen rather than guessing — they're generated for your domain.
- 1In SitesPlaced, go to Settings → Store details, add your custom domain, and choose the manual DNS option.
- 2Leave that screen open — it lists the exact records to add.
- 3In a new tab, sign in to your registrar (where you bought the domain) and open its DNS settings (sometimes called *DNS management* or *DNS zone*).
- 4Add each record exactly as SitesPlaced shows it — match the type, name/host and value carefully.
- 5Save the records at your registrar.
- 6Back in SitesPlaced, click Verify — once the records are found, your domain is confirmed and connected.
Copy the exact values
DNS records must match exactly, character for character. A small typo, or a missing/extra dot, will stop verification from succeeding. When in doubt, copy and paste straight from the SitesPlaced screen.
Give it a little time
After you save the records, the change needs to propagate — spread across the internet. This is usually quick (minutes) but can take up to a few hours. If Verify doesn't succeed right away, wait a bit and try again. Your free yourname.sitesplaced.com address keeps working throughout.
Common gotchas
- Wrong host name — for the root/apex, the host is often
@(or left blank); forwwwit'swww. SitesPlaced tells you which to use. - An old record is conflicting — if the domain pointed somewhere before, remove or update the conflicting record so it matches what SitesPlaced shows.
- Cloudflare proxy on — if you use Cloudflare, you may need to follow its guidance on the proxy (orange-cloud) setting; the on-screen steps cover this.
Prefer to skip the manual steps?
If your registrar is GoDaddy, Cloudflare or another supported provider, One-click Domain Connect does all of this for you automatically.
Tried everything and it still won't verify? Contact support with your domain name and a screenshot of your DNS records, and we'll help you get it live.
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