# Custom Domain

Last updated Sep 11, 2026

Use any DNS provider with GrackerAI portals.

## Setup Steps [Permalink for this section](/content/docs/custom-domain#setup-steps/index.html)

1. In your DNS provider, create a CNAME record:
   - **Name:** your subdomain (e.g., `compare`)
   - **Value:** `portals.gracker.ai`
2. For apex domains, use ALIAS or ANAME (not all providers support this)
3. In GrackerAI → Portal Settings → Domains, add your domain
4. Wait for DNS propagation (usually < 1 hour)
5. SSL is auto-provisioned via Let's Encrypt. no manual cert needed

## Apex Domain Limitation [Permalink for this section](/content/docs/custom-domain#apex-domain-limitation/index.html)

DNS standards don't allow CNAME on apex domains (e.g., `acme.com` itself, vs `compare.acme.com`). Workarounds:

- Use ALIAS/ANAME if your provider supports it (Route53, DNSimple, Cloudflare do; many basic providers don't)
- Use a subdomain instead (`portal.acme.com`). recommended
- Use Cloudflare's CNAME flattening. see [Cloudflare Integration](/content/docs/cloudflare/index.html)

## Verification [Permalink for this section](/content/docs/custom-domain#verification/index.html)

Status appears in **Portal Settings → Domains**:

- **Pending**. DNS not yet propagated; wait
- **Active**. Verified, serving traffic
- **Error**. DNS misconfiguration; check the diagnostic message