Connect a Custom Domain

When you create a new project with Ycode, we will provide a subdomain securely served over SSL. This is great for internal or client projects, but if you plan to share your web app with the public, it is better to have your own custom domain name.

This manual will teach you how to set up your custom domain

Setting up a domain

You connect a custom domain to your Ycode project by registering the domain name and pointing it toward Ycode.

First, pick a registrar service such as GoDaddy, Namecheap, Bluehost, Domain.com, and more.

Then, you need to pick your domain name. 

Once you have your domain name, add it to your Ycode project and then set up the DNS records in your registrar service's account. 

Then you’ll need to complete two steps:

1. Add a domain name in Ycode

2. Set up the DNS records in your registrar service’s account.

Step 1. Ycode settings

Go to your dashboard to see an overview of all your created projects. Choose the project for which you want to change your domain name and click on the three horizontal dots. From there, click "Settings".

On the left sidebar, click "Domain". You can add your domain by clicking “Add domain” and adding your domain name in the popup window. You can leave out the HTTP/HTTPS and WWW parts. Ex: myweb.com.

By clicking "Manage DNS", you can view your DNS records and obtain the necessary record information for your registrar service.

Step 2. Registrar settings

Now, log into the registrar service where you purchased your domain and locate the DNS section (or DNS zone file).

You can search for "[Registrar name] + DNS settings" to help you find it faster on Google.

Once you are there, delete the existing A records with the names ' ' or @ (meaning, empty) and WWW in the DNS section.

Then, add a new A-record with the type, name, and value you generated in Ycode.

After you have finished this step, have a cup of coffee and wait patiently, as it can take up to 24 hours for your custom domain to become active. Although, you should normally see results within 2-4 hours.

If you wish to check the status, click "Check status" in the domain settings popup.

P.S. Don't forget to publish your website after the domain is set up.

Setting up a subdomain

Subdomains are part of your main domain. They are also extensions of your main domain that can be used to organize and navigate to different sections of your website.

For example:

• Main domain: www.myweb.com

• Subdomain: app.myweb.com

You can also add a subdomain as a custom domain. To set this up, you can follow the exact steps described above. The only difference is that when you enter the domain name in Ycode, you enter the subdomain URL.

You also leave out the HTTP/HTTPS and WWW parts. Ex: app.myweb.com.

Changing and removing a domain

To make domain changes, you need to delete your current custom domain first.

Navigate to the Domain settings, click on the three horizontal dots, and select Remove.

Deleting a domain within Ycode doesn’t affect the settings in your domain registrar service. You will also need to log into your domain registrar service and manually remove the DNS records you added in Step 2.

If a domain has been deleted, but its DNS records remain, visitors will see a Ycode page with a message indicating no web application associated with the domain.

Hence, it is important to change your DNS records associated with the domain. Once this is done, follow the steps above to add your new custom domain.

Tip: Did you remove a domain because you want to use Ycode’s original domain? Clear your cache after removing the custom domain to see the changes.

SSL

Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) encryption ensures that data transmission between the client and server is encrypted and secure. AKA, provides an extra layer of protection to ensure no one can eavesdrop when information is transmitted.

We won't bore you with the technical details now. All you need to remember is that with Ycode, you can rest assured that resources and data transferred through your application are safe and secure thanks to SSL certificates automatically issued on your behalf for all projects that you create on Ycode.

My domain isn’t working, what do I do?

There are many different reasons your domain might not be working. Here are some reasons to consider:

• Make sure you have the correct record information added to your DNS registrar.

• The domain hasn’t propagated yet, and you need to wait (might take up to 24h before it’s set up)

• Publish your website after the domain records are added to your registrar.

• Make sure your domain is set as the Primary domain in Ycode’s Domain settings.

• Delete any CAA records attached to your domain on your domain registrar service. CAA records can stop us from issuing an SSL certificate for a domain, so it won’t work with Ycode.

If none of the above-mentioned reasons work, please contact us at [email protected] so we can help you further!