Connecting a Domain - Desktop

What is an External Domain?

A custom domain is a unique web address that reflects your brand, such as CakesByKarabo.com or CakesByKarabo.store. This is the domain name customers use to find your store online. While BoxCommerce provides you with a free sub-domain (CakesByKarabo.boxcommerce.store) when you sign up, you have the option to change your sub-domain by purchasing a domain online or connecting an existing domain that you already own.

Why Do You Need an External Domain?

A custom domain strengthens your brand identity and is often required by platforms like Facebook and Instagram for online store verification.

How to Connect an External Domain (Desktop)

1.  Access your website settings:  Navigate to your control panel menu on the left-hand side and click "Website". From the drop-down menu, select "Domain(s)."

2.  Connect a domain:  After selecting "Domain(s)", click on the "Connect" tab. Then, either view the instructions provided or click "CONNECT DOMAIN" to continue.

3.  Review and confirm:  After selecting "Connect Domain," review the instructions for updating your DNS settings, then click "CONFIRM."

3.1  Connecting your domain instructions:

If you've purchased your domain through a third party, then you need to edit the following DNS settings:

• Your www CNAME record should point to proxy.boxcommerce.com.

Editing these domain settings might have an effect on other things, such as email forwarding. You can contact your domain provider to find out how any changes might affect your DNS settings.

Please note:

In order to connect your custom domain to your website, you typically need to add our CNAME to your DNS records. Your domain is typically where you purchased your domain or an infrastructure security company i.e. Cloudflare. Follow the below steps.

Steps:

1. Log in to the account you have with your domain provider.
2. Find your DNS settings. Look for your domain management area, DNS configuration, or similar.
3. Find the CNAME record in your DNS settings.
4. Change your www CNAME record to point to proxy.boxcommerce.com . Often, you need to provide just the prefix without the dot, but for some domain providers you need the whole subdomain. Use the existing entries as a guide, or follow your provider's instructions. CNAME records must always point to a domain name, never to an IP address.
5. Save the CNAME Record (usually by clicking Save or Add record or similar).

4.  Enter domain:  Enter your domain starting with "http://", then click "ADD."

Need a Helping Hand?

We’re here to help. Simply click here for access to easy-to-follow "how-to guides," or send an email to our support centre [e-mail]