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Custom Domains

Use your own domain name for your store instead of yourstore.gosovereign.io.

Pro Feature: Custom domains are available on Pro and Hosted tiers. Compare tiers

Overview

By default, your store is hosted at:

https://yourstore.gosovereign.io

With a custom domain, customers visit:

https://shop.yourbrand.com

Requirements

Before setting up a custom domain:

  1. Own a domain - Purchase from a registrar (Namecheap, GoDaddy, Cloudflare, etc.)
  2. Have Pro or Hosted tier - Custom domains require an upgrade
  3. Access DNS settings - You'll add a DNS record

Setup Steps

Step 1: Add Domain in Settings

  1. Go to Admin > Settings
  2. Click the Domain tab
  3. Enter your custom domain (e.g., shop.yourbrand.com)
  4. Click Add Domain

Step 2: Configure DNS

Add a CNAME record at your domain registrar:

| Type | Name | Value | |------|------|-------| | CNAME | shop | cname.vercel-dns.com |

Examples by subdomain:

| Your Domain | Name Field | |-------------|------------| | shop.example.com | shop | | store.example.com | store | | www.example.com | www |

Step 3: Verify

After adding the DNS record:

  1. Wait 5-10 minutes for DNS propagation
  2. Return to Settings > Domain
  3. Click Verify Domain
  4. Status changes to "Connected"

Using Root Domain

To use your root domain (e.g., yourbrand.com without www):

  1. Add an A record instead of CNAME:

| Type | Name | Value | |------|------|-------| | A | @ | 76.76.21.21 |

  1. Add the domain in Settings as usual

SSL/HTTPS

SSL certificates are automatic:

  1. Domain is verified
  2. Certificate is issued within minutes
  3. HTTPS works automatically
  4. HTTP redirects to HTTPS

No action required on your part.

Troubleshooting

"Domain not verified"

  • DNS changes can take up to 48 hours
  • Double-check the CNAME value is exactly cname.vercel-dns.com
  • Ensure no typos in the domain name

"SSL error"

  • Wait 10-15 minutes after verification
  • Certificate issuance is automatic but not instant

"Site not loading"

  • Clear browser cache
  • Try incognito/private mode
  • Check DNS propagation: whatsmydns.net

Multiple Domains

You can add multiple domains to one store:

  • shop.yourbrand.com
  • store.yourbrand.com
  • yourbrand.shop

All domains serve the same store content.

Removing a Domain

  1. Go to Settings > Domain
  2. Click the X next to the domain
  3. Confirm removal

Your store continues working at yourstore.gosovereign.io.

Tips

Subdomain vs Root Domain

Subdomain (shop.example.com):

  • Easier to set up (simple CNAME)
  • Clear purpose
  • Good for businesses with main website

Root domain (example.com):

  • More memorable
  • Requires A record
  • Best when store is your main site

DNS Providers

Each registrar has different interfaces. Search "[your registrar] add CNAME record" for specific instructions.

Propagation Time

DNS changes typically take:

  • 5-30 minutes for most users
  • Up to 48 hours in rare cases
  • Varies by ISP and location

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