# Set up a custom subdomain

https://help.circle.so/p/administration/custom-domains/set-up-a-custom-subdomain

Category: [Administration](https://help.circle.so/p/administration) › [Custom domains](https://help.circle.so/p/administration/custom-domains)

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_Last updated: September, 2026_

This article will guide you through setting up a custom subdomain in your community.

> ❗ **Important:** Please note that by setting up a custom subdomain, you will lose Google, Facebook, and Twitter sign-in/sign-up options with Circle. Members using those sign-in methods can log in only if they have set a password for their Circle account.
> 
> If your members do not have a Circle account password, they can request a new one using this link: [**login.circle.so/users/password/new**](https://login.circle.so/users/password/new)

## **Step 1: Enter your subdomain**

To set up a custom subdomain in your community, it is important to ensure that the CNAME records are correctly added to your domain host’s DNS settings.

When you enter your subdomain in your community’s custom domain settings, we display the CNAME record information you need to enter when adding a CNAME record in your domain host’s DNS settings.

To get your CNAME record details:

1. Click the community name or logo (or the dropdown icon next to it) in the top-left corner and select  **Settings**.

2. Scroll down to the  **Website**  section and select  **Custom domain**.

3. In the **Enter your custom domain** field, add your subdomain.

4. Copy **Host/Name** and **Target/Value** information displayed in the **Set up a CNAME record in your DNS provider** field.

5. See **Step 2: Set up CNAME records** in this article for the next steps.

## **Step 2: Set up CNAME records**

In a separate browser window or on a browser tab, go to your domain host’s platform and set up a CNAME record.

### **Add CNAME record**

When adding a CNAME record, transfer the exact **Host/Name** and **Target/Value** information copied from your community’s custom domain settings and paste it into the CNAME record editor to avoid errors.

> 💡 **Tip:** When you are adding a **Host/Name** for a CNAME record, most domain hosting platforms assume the domain link. Hence, you should only enter the prefix that you have chosen for the subdomain in the field unless it is required by your domain host to use the whole URL.  
>   
> For example, if you would like to set up [**community.domain.com**](http://community.domain.com/) as a subdomain, you should only enter **community** in the **Host/Name** field when adding a CNAME record.

Please see the example of the properly set CNAME record in Google Domains:

 ![](https://assets-v3.circle.so/4rd4sqcue9sa7yj6o2qllzz3ehkk)

Below are links to popular hosting platforms, along with guides for setting up a CNAME. If you don't see yours below, searching your platform along with the keyword CNAME should point you in the right direction.

- [**101 Domains**](https://help.101domain.com/domain-management/name-servers-dns/modifying-name-servers-and-records/managing-name-server-records)

- [**A2 Hosting**](https://www.a2hosting.com/kb/cpanel/cpanel-domain-features/using-the-cpanel-zone-editor)

- [**Bluehost**](https://my.bluehost.com/hosting/help/resource/714#create)

- [**Cloudflare**](https://developers.cloudflare.com/dns/manage-dns-records/how-to/create-dns-records/) (please ensure that the **Proxy status** toggle is turned off for CNAME record)

- [**DNSimple**](https://support.dnsimple.com/articles/manage-cname-record/#adding-a-cname-record)

- [**Dreamhost**](https://help.dreamhost.com/hc/en-us/articles/215414867-How-do-I-add-custom-DNS-records-)

- [**Godaddy**](https://www.godaddy.com/help/add-a-cname-record-19236)

- [**Google Domains**](https://support.google.com/a/answer/47283?hl=en)

- [**GreenGeeks**](https://www.greengeeks.com/support/article/how-do-i-change-dns-for-mx-cname-and-a-records/)

- [**Hostgator**](https://www.hostgator.com/help/article/how-to-change-dns-zones-mx-cname-and-a-records#add-dns)

- [**Hostinger**](https://www.hostinger.com/tutorials/how-to-use-hostinger-dns-zone-editor#What-is-a-CNAME-Record)

- [**Namecheap**](https://www.namecheap.com/support/knowledgebase/article.aspx/9646/2237/how-to-create-a-cname-record-for-your-domain/)

- [**SiteGround**](https://www.siteground.com/kb/how_to_change_my_cname_record/)

- [**Squarespace**](https://support.squarespace.com/hc/en-us/articles/206542017-Connecting-a-subdomain-to-your-Squarespace-site)

- [**Westhost**](https://www.westhost.com/knowledgebase/display/WES/How+To+Add+Or+Change+A+CNAME+Record)

- [**Wix**](https://support.wix.com/en/article/adding-or-updating-cname-records-in-your-wix-account)

### **Test CNAME record**

You can use CNAME lookup tools such as [**Mxtoolbox**](https://mxtoolbox.com/CNAMELookup.aspx) to test the CNAME record you just added. Successful CNAME setup shows a result ( **DNS Record found** ) similar to the one shown below. Once you confirm this, please follow the next step for the final setup.

> 💡 **Tip:** If your test shows a result **DNS record not found** , please go back to your CNAME record setup in the domain host’s DNS settings and ensure there are no typos. You can also reach out to your domain host’s support to get help in adding the record.

 ![](https://assets-v3.circle.so/5ick9o50uapj339akat7yzt8volg)

## **Step 3: Confirm the setup**

To confirm the custom subdomain set up in your community:

1. Click the community name or logo (or the dropdown icon next to it) in the top-left corner and select  **Settings**.

2. Scroll down to the  **Website**  section and select  **Custom domain**.

3. Make sure you have entered the subdomain in the  **Enter your custom domain**  field.

4. Click  **Setup domain**  in the top-right corner.

5. **Important** : If your DNS already has CAA records, you will also need to add a new CAA record to successfully set up the custom subdomain in your community. Once you click  **Setup domain** , it will automatically check for this and prompt you with an additional step if a new CAA record needs to be added to your DNS. For a detailed guide, see the section below.  

### **Add CAA records if required**

If your DNS has Certification Authority Authorization (CAA) records set for any purpose, you will need to add a new CAA record entry to ensure the proper setup of the custom subdomain in your community. 

As per the details given in step 3 of your community’s custom domain page, add a new CAA record in your DNS:

1. Head to your DNS provider account and navigate to the area where you manage your DNS records.

2. Create a new DNS record and select CAA as the record type.

3. In the record editor, enter **@** in the **Host/Name field.**

4. In the **Target/Value** field, select **issue** and then enter the following value: **“** [**pki.goog**](http://pki.goog/) **”**

5. Save the record.

Here is an example of adding a CAA record in Namecheap.

 ![](https://assets-v3.circle.so/ib70va9b6n37qc163zp1sru3ozdk)

Here is an example of adding a CAA record in Google Domains.

 ![](https://assets-v3.circle.so/tscid6rzzg7j0q1w5668yjbodne1)

Once the CAA records are added, navigate back to your community’s custom domain page, enter your subdomain, and click  **Setup domain**  again. Your subdomain will now appear in pending status while we verify it on our end.

After your subdomain is verified, your custom domain status will become active, and all default community links will automatically redirect to the new subdomain.

## **Step 4: Test the subdomain setup**

Once your subdomain is active in the community, when you browse through your settings, spaces, and posts, all of those URLs will match the new subdomain URL 🎉

You can also test the redirect from your default community URL to your new subdomain by navigating to your community using the community URL.

For example, let’s assume:

- Your custom subdomain is [**community.domain.com**](http://community.domain.com/).

- Your default community URL (Circle domain) is [**community.circle.so**](https://community.circle.so/).

When you use [**community.circle.so**](https://community.circle.so/) to access your community content, it will automatically redirect you to your new custom subdomain ([**community.domain.com**](http://community.domain.com/)).

## **Relevant articles**

- [Set up a custom root domain](/p/administration/custom-domains/set-up-a-custom-root-domain)

- [Set up a custom root domain hosted by Cloudflare](/p/administration/custom-domains/set-up-a-custom-root-domain-hosted-by-cloudflare)

- [Updating custom domain to a different one](/p/administration/custom-domains/updating-custom-domain-to-a-different-one)

- [Removing custom domain](/p/administration/custom-domains/removing-custom-domain)