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How to add custom domain on Cloudways

beginner 8 min read Updated 2026-03-13
Quick Answer

Add your domain in Cloudways Domain Management, copy the server's public IP from Access Details, set A record (@ to IP) and CNAME (www to domain) at your registrar, make the domain primary, then install Let's Encrypt SSL. DNS propagation takes 5-48 hours; verify with WhatsMyDNS.net. Common issues like non-resolving domains are fixed by double-checking DNS records.

Prerequisites

  • Active Cloudways account with a server and application (e.g., WordPress)
  • Purchased custom domain from a registrar like Namecheap, GoDaddy, or Cloudflare
  • Access to your domain registrar's DNS management panel

Step-by-Step Instructions

1

Log in and select your server/application

Access the Cloudways dashboard, select your server from the left sidebar, then click the globe icon (Applications) to view installed applications. Choose your target application (e.g., WordPress).
2

Retrieve the server's public IP address

In the application view, go to the Access Details tab. Scroll to find the Public IP address (e.g., 123.456.789.012), and click to copy it. This IP is used for DNS records.
Copy carefully to avoid DNS errors later.
3

Add the domain in Cloudways Domain Management

From the left sidebar of the application, select Domain Management. Click Add Domain. Enter your root domain (e.g., example.com, without www or https://). Click Save Changes. A confirmation message appears after processing.
4

Set the domain as primary

In Domain Management, locate your added domain. Click the kebab menu (three dots) next to it, then select Make Primary or Set as Primary from the popup. Confirm to make it the main domain, replacing the temporary URL.
This step is needed only if you want to replace the default domain.
5

Configure A record at your domain registrar

Log in to your domain registrar's DNS management (e.g., 'Advanced DNS' on Namecheap/GoDaddy, 'DNS' on Cloudflare). Add A Record for root domain: Type: A, Host/Name: @, Value/IPv4: Paste the Cloudways Public IP from step 2, TTL: Automatic. Save changes.
If using Cloudflare, ensure proxy is off initially for A records.
6

Configure CNAME record for www subdomain

Still in your registrar's DNS panel, add CNAME Record: Type: CNAME, Host/Name: www, Value/Target: Your root domain (e.g., example.com), TTL: Automatic. Save changes. DNS propagation takes 5-30 minutes (up to 48 hours rarely); use tools like WhatsMyDNS.net to verify.
7

Install SSL Certificate for HTTPS

In the application left sidebar, select SSL Certificate. Enter your email address and domain name (e.g., example.com). Click Install Certificate (uses Let's Encrypt free SSL by default). Enable HTTPS Redirection when prompted to force secure HTTPS and prevent mixed content.
Always enable HTTPS redirection for security.
8

Verify and test the setup

Wait for DNS propagation. Visit http://yourdomain.com and https://www.yourdomain.com; both should resolve to your site. In Domain Management, check for green status indicators. Optional: Add www/non-www redirects via Application Settings > General Settings.
Use WhatsMyDNS.net if site doesn't load after 30 minutes.

Common Issues & Troubleshooting

Domain not resolving after setup

Double-check A record IP matches Cloudways Public IP exactly and CNAME target is root domain. Verify propagation with WhatsMyDNS.net; wait up to 48 hours.

Incorrect IP or host values entered

Re-copy the Public IP from Access Details and ensure host is <code>@</code> for A record and <code>www</code> for CNAME. Delete and re-add records if needed.

Cloudflare proxy issues with A record

Turn off Cloudflare proxy (orange cloud) initially for the A record until DNS propagates, then re-enable if desired.

HTTPS mixed content or redirect errors

Ensure SSL is installed and HTTPS Redirection is enabled in Cloudways. Clear browser cache and test in incognito mode.

Domain not set as primary or temporary URL persists

In Domain Management, use kebab menu to select <strong>Make Primary</strong> and confirm. Wait a few minutes for changes to apply.

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