A CNAME aliases one hostname to another. It is common for platform connections, but it is not an HTTP redirect.
Use a hostname as the target
Use the platform’s target hostname without protocol, path or port. The website platform still needs to recognise your custom domain.
Avoid conflicts on the same owner name
A standard CNAME conflicts with other data at the same name. Check existing A and AAAA records on www, without unnecessarily removing unrelated records at the root.
Treat the root separately
The zone apex has essential records, so a normal CNAME usually cannot be used there. Provider-specific ALIAS or flattening features differ. Follow explicit root-domain instructions.
Your practical checklist
- Use a hostname without a protocol.
- Check same-name records.
- Add the domain in the platform too.
- Treat root and www separately.
www may use CNAME while the root uses A, depending on the platform’s requirements.
Sources and further reading
Registration rules and provider functions can change. Check the current requirements for your domain before ordering or changing services.
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