> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.gamecart.gg/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Set up a custom domain

> Connect your own domain to a Gamecart storefront

You can use a domain you control for your Gamecart storefront. Once its DNS records are valid, Gamecart manages routing and TLS.

## Before you begin

You need:

* A Gamecart plan that includes custom domains.
* Access to your store's **Settings**.
* Control of the domain's DNS records.
* A hostname to use for your storefront, such as `store.example.com`.

## Add your domain in the dashboard

1. In the dashboard, open **Settings > Domain**.
2. Enable **Custom domain**.
3. Enter your hostname, such as `store.example.com`.
4. Save the change.

Enter only the hostname. Do not include `https://`, a path, or a trailing slash.

<Frame caption="Enable the custom domain, enter only the hostname, and save the change.">
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/gamecart-acec9933/Dq0cBp0LrLW7eLct/images/tutorials/custom-domain/custom-domain-form.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=Dq0cBp0LrLW7eLct&q=85&s=f19a554ad6776e7531d0b7cac0d8c8c1" alt="Custom domain settings with the enable control, hostname field, and save action highlighted" width="910" height="520" data-path="images/tutorials/custom-domain/custom-domain-form.png" />
</Frame>

## Create the DNS records

After you save the hostname, the dashboard displays the DNS records for your store. Add those exact values at your DNS provider.

| Purpose                    | Type                                              | Name                         | Value                                                     |
| -------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------- |
| Storefront routing         | CNAME or provider-supported apex alias/flattening | The configured hostname      | `dns.gamecart.gg`                                         |
| TLS validation and renewal | CNAME                                             | `_acme-challenge.<hostname>` | The unique `*.dcv.cloudflare.com` value shown by Gamecart |

<Frame caption="Copy both DNS records exactly as the dashboard shows them.">
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/gamecart-acec9933/Dq0cBp0LrLW7eLct/images/tutorials/custom-domain/dns-records.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=Dq0cBp0LrLW7eLct&q=85&s=35815358a89f7d62340e1821b05f2159" alt="Custom domain DNS table with the routing and TLS validation records highlighted" width="790" height="300" data-path="images/tutorials/custom-domain/dns-records.png" />
</Frame>

If your DNS provider offers proxying, set both records to **DNS only**.

<Tip>
  DNS providers format record names differently. Some expect the full hostname, while others append the zone automatically. Check the resulting record before you save it.
</Tip>

## Use a subdomain for the simplest setup

To use an apex domain such as `example.com`, your DNS provider must support CNAME flattening or an equivalent ALIAS record. Otherwise, use a subdomain such as `store.example.com`.

## Check activation

After you add the records, Gamecart checks their status with the provider. This check runs periodically, so activation may take some time.

* `PENDING` means the records or provider validation are still incomplete.
* `ACTIVE` means routing and TLS are active.
* `FAILED` means validation reached a permanent failure. Check your records before you select **Recheck** in **Settings > Domain**.

<Frame caption="A pending domain keeps the required DNS records visible while Gamecart validates them.">
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/gamecart-acec9933/Dq0cBp0LrLW7eLct/images/tutorials/custom-domain/domain-pending.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=Dq0cBp0LrLW7eLct&q=85&s=627fc2ef6b207427f55c9f1d9a2cb20d" alt="Custom domain settings with the pending status and DNS records highlighted" width="910" height="820" data-path="images/tutorials/custom-domain/domain-pending.png" />
</Frame>

<Frame caption="An active status confirms that routing and TLS are ready for the storefront hostname.">
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/gamecart-acec9933/Dq0cBp0LrLW7eLct/images/tutorials/custom-domain/domain-active.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=Dq0cBp0LrLW7eLct&q=85&s=a96db7b7c2235ca8d833ce933672b006" alt="Custom domain settings with the active status and activation date highlighted" width="910" height="560" data-path="images/tutorials/custom-domain/domain-active.png" />
</Frame>

## Troubleshoot DNS setup

If the domain does not become active:

* Check that the configured hostname and `_acme-challenge` record were not expanded into the wrong name by your DNS provider.
* Confirm that both records are **DNS only** when your provider offers proxying.
* Remove or correct stale, conflicting `A`, `AAAA`, or `CNAME` records for the same hostname.
* For an apex domain, confirm that your provider supports flattening or an ALIAS-equivalent record.
* Wait for DNS changes to propagate before selecting **Recheck**.

<Warning>
  Do not delete working DNS records until you understand the replacement path. A record that looks unrelated can still serve another website, email service, or integration.
</Warning>