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How to set up custom domain on Ghost

intermediate 8 min read Updated 2026-03-18
Quick Answer

Setting up a custom domain on Ghost involves configuring your domain's DNS records to point to Ghost's servers and updating your site's URL in Ghost admin. The process requires adding A records or CNAME records and updating the site configuration.

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Prerequisites

  • Ghost site hosted on Ghost Pro or self-hosted
  • Custom domain purchased from a domain registrar
  • Access to DNS settings for your domain
  • Admin access to your Ghost site

Step-by-Step Instructions

1

Access your Ghost Admin panel

Log in to your Ghost admin panel by navigating to yoursite.ghost.io/ghost and entering your credentials. Click on Settings in the left sidebar, then select General from the settings menu.
Make sure you have owner or administrator permissions to modify site settings.
2

Update your site URL

In the General settings, locate the Site URL field. Replace the default Ghost URL with your custom domain, including the protocol. For example, change from https://yoursite.ghost.io to https://yourdomain.com. Click Save to apply the changes.
Always use HTTPS in your site URL for better security and SEO.
3

Configure DNS A records

Access your domain registrar's DNS management panel. Add the following A records:
  • Host/Name: @ (root domain) Value: 178.128.43.39
  • Host/Name: www Value: 178.128.43.39
Set the TTL to 3600 seconds or use the default setting.
DNS changes can take up to 24-48 hours to propagate globally, but usually take effect within a few hours.
4

Add CNAME record (if using subdomain)

If you're using a subdomain like blog.yourdomain.com, add a CNAME record instead:
  • Host/Name: blog (or your chosen subdomain)
  • Value: yoursite.ghost.io
  • TTL: 3600 seconds
Save the DNS changes in your registrar's panel.
5

Wait for DNS propagation

Allow time for DNS changes to propagate across the internet. You can check the status using online DNS checker tools or by running nslookup yourdomain.com in your terminal. The domain should resolve to Ghost's IP address when ready.
Use tools like whatsmydns.net to check DNS propagation status across different locations worldwide.
6

Enable SSL certificate

Once DNS propagation is complete, return to your Ghost admin panel. Navigate to Settings > General. Ghost should automatically provision an SSL certificate for your custom domain. If not, click Generate SSL Certificate or contact Ghost support.
SSL certificates on Ghost Pro are automatically managed and renewed, so you don't need to worry about expiration.
7

Test and verify setup

Visit your custom domain in a web browser to confirm it loads correctly. Check that:
  • The site loads without errors
  • HTTPS is working (look for the padlock icon)
  • All internal links redirect to the new domain
  • Admin panel is accessible at yourdomain.com/ghost
Clear your browser cache if you encounter any issues or see the old domain still appearing.
8

Update redirect settings (optional)

In Ghost admin, go to Settings > Advanced and configure redirects if needed. Set up 301 redirects from your old Ghost URL to ensure SEO value transfers to your custom domain. Add redirect rules in the Redirects section using JSON format.
Keep the redirect rules simple and test them thoroughly to avoid redirect loops.

Common Issues & Troubleshooting

Domain not resolving after DNS changes

Check that DNS records are correctly configured with your registrar. Verify A records point to 178.128.43.39 and allow up to 48 hours for full propagation. Use DNS lookup tools to verify changes.

SSL certificate not generating

Ensure DNS is fully propagated before requesting SSL. In Ghost admin, go to Settings > General and try regenerating the certificate. If issues persist, contact Ghost support for manual certificate provisioning.

Site showing 'Page not found' error

Verify the site URL in Ghost admin matches your custom domain exactly, including HTTPS protocol. Check that DNS records are pointing to the correct Ghost IP address and clear your browser cache.

Admin panel not accessible on custom domain

Confirm the site URL in Ghost settings includes the full domain with HTTPS. Try accessing yourdomain.com/ghost directly. If still not working, temporarily revert to the original Ghost URL to regain access and reconfigure.

Prices mentioned in this guide are pulled from current plan data and may change. Always verify on the official Ghost website before purchasing.
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