Domain Configuration Guide
Quick Start: This guide covers DNS configuration for both apex domains and subdomains. Choose the method that best fits your infrastructure setup.
Apex Domain Setup Options
Configure your root domain (e.g., yourdomain.com) using one of these methods:
RecommendedOption 1: Nameserver Delegation
Delegate DNS management to our nameservers for optimal performance and automatic SSL certificate management.
Nameserver Configuration:
ns1.vercel-dns.comns2.vercel-dns.comNote: This method requires changing nameservers at your domain registrar. DNS propagation may take 24-48 hours.
Option 2: CNAME Record (Apex)
Use a CNAME record for the root domain. Note that not all DNS providers support CNAME at the apex level.
DNS Record Configuration:
Subdomain Configuration
Configure subdomains (e.g., app.yourdomain.com, api.yourdomain.com) using CNAME records.
Standard CNAME Configuration:
Common Subdomain Examples:
app.yourdomain.com
appcname.vercel-dns.comapi.yourdomain.com
apicname.vercel-dns.comadmin.yourdomain.com
admincname.vercel-dns.comcdn.yourdomain.com
cdncname.vercel-dns.comDNS Verification & Testing
Command Line Verification
Use these commands to verify your DNS configuration:
Online DNS Checkers
- DNS Checker - Global DNS propagation
- What's My DNS - Real-time DNS lookup
- Google DNS Tool - Advanced DNS queries
Provider-Specific Instructions
Cloudflare
For Cloudflare users, ensure the orange cloud is enabled for proxying.
Name: @ (for apex) or subdomain name
Target: cname.vercel-dns.com
Proxy status: Proxied (orange cloud)
AWS Route 53
Use Alias records for apex domains in Route 53.
Name: @
Alias: Yes
Alias Target: cname.vercel-dns.com
GoDaddy
GoDaddy supports CNAME at apex level with their domain forwarding feature.
Host: @
Points to: cname.vercel-dns.com
TTL: 1 Hour
Troubleshooting
Common Issues
DNS Not Propagating
DNS changes can take 24-48 hours. Use online DNS checkers to verify propagation.
CNAME at Apex Not Supported
Some providers don't support CNAME at root level. Use nameserver delegation instead.
SSL Certificate Issues
SSL certificates are automatically provisioned once DNS is properly configured.
Debugging Commands
Important: DNS changes can take up to 48 hours to propagate globally. Most changes take effect within 1-2 hours, but full global propagation may take longer.
Visual Configuration Examples
Nameserver Configuration
Example showing nameserver delegation for optimal performance and automatic SSL management
Subdomain CNAME Setup
Example showing CNAME record configuration for subdomains