Setting Up Custom Domains

This guide will walk you through the process of setting up custom domains on Hostjar.io. Whether you’re using a root domain, subdomain, or both, this article covers the steps required to configure your domain, validate SSL certificates, and create distributions.

Prerequisites

  • A registered domain name.
  • Access to your domain’s DNS management panel (e.g., through your domain registrar or DNS provider).
  • A Hostjar.io account.

Step 1: SSL Certificate Issuance with CNAME Validation

  1. Add Your Domain:
  1. Log in to your Hostjar.io dashboard.
  2. Navigate to the Domain Management section.
  3. Enter your root domain (e.g., example.com) or subdomain (e.g., sub.example.com) by clicking the “Add new domain" button.
  1. CNAME Record for SSL Validation:
  1. Hostjar.io will generate a CNAME record for SSL certificate validation.
  2. Copy the provided CNAME record (e.g., _1234567890.example.com).
  1. Update DNS Settings:
  1. Go to your DNS management panel (e.g., Cloudflare, GoDaddy, Namecheap).
  2. Add the CNAME record to your domain’s DNS settings.
  3. Save the changes.
  1. Wait for SSL Issuance:
  1. Hostjar.io will automatically validate the CNAME record and issue an SSL certificate.
  2. This process typically takes 1-2 minutes.

Step 2: Create Distribution and Configure CNAME Records

  1. Create & Deploy Distribution:
  1. Once the SSL certificate is issued, you need to enable your distribution by clicking the “Enable distribution” button.
  2. This process takes 5-10 minutes.
  1. CNAME Records for Distribution:
  1. After the distribution is created, Hostjar.io will provide two CNAME records:
  1. One for the root domain (e.g., example.com).
  2. One for wildcard subdomains (e.g., *.example.com)
Typically, we provide a single entry for both if the CNAME values are identical.
  1. Update DNS for Distribution:
  1. Add the provided CNAME records to your DNS settings.
  2. If you want to redirect www to your root domain, add an additional CNAME record for www.example.com.
  1. Verify DNS Configuration:
  1. Use a DNS checking tool (e.g., DNS Checker) to ensure the CNAME records are propagated correctly.

Optional: Subdomain Setup

If you’re using a subdomain (e.g., sub.example.com) as a custom domain, follow the same process:

  1. Add the subdomain in the Domain Management section.
  2. Use the provided CNAME records for SSL validation and distribution.
  3. Configure DNS settings for the subdomain (e.g., *.sub.example.com).

Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues during the setup process, refer to the following resources:

  • DNS Propagation Checker: Verify that your DNS records are updated correctly.
  • Hostjar.io Support: For further assistance, please reach out to our support team.

Estimated Timeframe

  • SSL Certificate Issuance: 1-2 minutes.
  • Distribution Creation: 5-10 minutes.
  • Total Time: Approximately 15 minutes.

By following these steps, you can successfully set up custom domains on Hostjar.io and ensure secure, reliable access to your site. If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out to our support team.

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