Guides
Custom domain setup and troubleshooting guide
Make your Base44 app truly yours by connecting your own domain.
Choose your domain path
Before you start, decide how you will get your domain:Path 1: Use your existing domain (purchased through external registrar)
- → Purchased from GoDaddy, Namecheap, Cloudflare, or another provider
- →You keep full control, even if your Base44 subscription ends
- → Manual DNS setup required (we will walk you through it below)
Path 2: Buy a domain inside Base44 (purchased through IONOS)
- → Purchase your domain directly in the Domains tab of your Base44 dashboard
→ DNS setup happens automatically, no copying records or logging into a registrar
Which one should I choose?
| If you… | Best choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Want speed and zero DNS setup | Buy through Base44 (Path 2) | Auto-connection, no manual setup |
| Want full control, transparency, portability | Use your own registrar (Path 1) | You control ownership, renewal, and transfer |
| Already own a domain | Use your existing domain (Path 1) | Just configure DNS in Base44 |
Path 1: using an external domain
Step by step setup:
1
Add your domain
- Go to Dashboard → Domains
-
Click “Add domain”
- Enter your domain name (e.g. mycoolapp.com)
If you are reusing an old domain from an app deleted before June 5, 2025, please contact support so we can clear it from our system.
2
Configure DNS at your register
Choose the setup type below that matches what your domain provider supports:
Option A: Your registrar supports ANAME or ALIAS (recommended)
Option A: Your registrar supports ANAME or ALIAS (recommended)
-
Root domain (@)
-
www subdomain
Why choose this: ANAME/ALIAS points your root domain without locking it to a fixed IP address, so it keeps working automatically if Base44 updates its infrastructure later.
Option B: Set up using an A record (no ANAME/ALIAS option)
Option B: Set up using an A record (no ANAME/ALIAS option)
-
Root domain (@)
-
www subdomain
Make sure this is the only A record
If you want to connect to appear at a subdomain (for example: app.example.com)
If you want to connect to appear at a subdomain (for example: app.example.com)
Add the subdomain in Dashboard → Domains exactly as you would want it to appear.At your DNS provider, create a CNAME record.
Subdomains do not need an A record, only a CNAME pointing to Base44.Please make sure to remove any AAAA records.
3
Verify your domain
- Return to Dashboard → Domains
- Click “Verify” next to your domain
- Allow up to 48-72 hours for DNS propagation
SSL certificate is issued automatically once verified
Troubleshooting external domains:
- Make sure DNS records match exactly what’s shown above
- Remove any AAAA (IPv6) records, as they can block connections
Path 2: buying a domain through Base44
Step by step setup:
1
Purchase your domain
- Go to Dashboard → Domains
- Click “Buy domain”
- Search for your preferred domain name
Tips for your domain:
- Use only lowercase letters
- Remove any trailing spaces or tabs
-
Select your preferred domain name and complete checkout through IONOS
- Once the transaction is complete, you will receive an email confirmation and your domain will appear in your dashboard automatically
2
Automatic connection
- Base44 handles all DNS setup for you
- Allow 5–30 minutes for propagation
- SSL certificate is issued automatically once connected
3
Verify your domain
- In most cases, your domain will verify automatically
- If verification is pending, click Verify in Dashboard → Domains
Troubleshooting Base44-purchased domains
-
Check for an email from support@ionos.com asking you to confirm ownership. Make sure to confirm your email address within 14 days of receiving the email.
- If the domain is stuck in “connecting” status after 30 minutes, unlink and link it again in Dashboard → Domains
- Contact Base44 support if the domain still does not connect
FAQ
My domain is connected, but my site is not loading
My domain is connected, but my site is not loading
Double-check your DNS records and wait up to 72 hours for changes to take effect.
Can I connect a subdomain instead of a full domain?
Can I connect a subdomain instead of a full domain?
Yes. Set a CNAME from your subdomain (e.g., shop.example.com) to base44.onrender.com.
Do I need to buy SSL separately?
Do I need to buy SSL separately?
No, Base44 issues a free SSL certificate automatically after verification for both external and Base44-purchased domains.
How do I remove a domain?
How do I remove a domain?
Go to Dashboard → Domains, select the domain you would like to remove and click on the “Unlink Domain” option.
What is DNS propagation and how do I check it?
What is DNS propagation and how do I check it?
When you update your DNS settings, the changes need to spread (“propagate”) to servers around the world. This can take up to 72 hours, though it’s often faster. You can check the progress by visiting whatsmydns.net, entering your domain, and selecting the record type (A, CNAME, etc.) to see which locations have updated.
My domain is still not working, what should I check?
My domain is still not working, what should I check?
Run through this checklist before contacting support:
- Make sure DNS records match exactly what’s shown in this guide for your setup type.
- Remove any AAAA (IPv6) records, as they can block connections.
- Double-check for typos. Be sure to copy and paste values exactly from this guide.
- Ensure both www and the root domain are set up correctly.
- Confirm your domain is renewed and active.
Tip: If your domain uses a DNS manager like Cloudflare, update the records there instead of at your registrar.
I bought my domain through Base44 but it’s not connecting. What should I do?
I bought my domain through Base44 but it’s not connecting. What should I do?
Yes. If you purchased your domain in Base44, you should have received an email from IONOS asking you to confirm your email address. If you skip this step, your domain will not connect.Here’s what to do:
- Open the IONOS email and click the link to confirm your email address.
- In Base44, go to Dashboard → Domains, select the domain, and click Unlink domain.
- Add the domain again, following the setup instructions in this guide.
- Wait a few minutes for the connection to complete.
Can I reuse a domain from a deleted app?
Can I reuse a domain from a deleted app?
Yes, but if the domain was used in an app deleted before June 5, 2025, you will need to contact Base44 support to clear it from our records before you can add it again.
I’ve tried everything and my domain is still not working. I need more help.
I’ve tried everything and my domain is still not working. I need more help.
Contact Base44 support and include:
- 📸 A screenshot of your DNS records
- 🌐 Your domain name
- 🔗 A link to your Base44 app