How to Add a Custom Domain to Alvys
This guide will walk you through how to add a custom domain to your Alvys account and configure the necessary DNS settings. By following these steps, you'll be able to send emails on behalf of your domain and properly validate it within the system.
📋 Overview
Adding a custom domain allows you to fully utilize your branding by enabling email sending from your domain. The process involves configuring DNS settings (specifically, CNAME records) at your domain registrar, such as GoDaddy or Google Domains, and validating the domain within Alvys.
🛠️ Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Add the Domain to Alvys
Log in to your Alvys account.
Navigate to Management > Email.
Click the ADD DOMAIN button.
Enter your domain name (e.g.,
mycompany.com).Click ADD DOMAIN to proceed.
After adding the domain, you'll be presented with the CNAME records that need to be added to your domain registrar's DNS settings.
Step 2: Access Your Domain Registrar
You'll now configure your DNS settings. Log into your domain registrar's management portal (e.g., GoDaddy, Google Domains, or Domain.com).
How to Find DNS Settings in Popular Registrars:
GoDaddy: Go to My Products > DNS.
Google Domains: Go to My Domains > DNS Settings.
Domain.com: Navigate to Domain Management > DNS.
💡 For registrar-specific instructions, a simple Google search like "configure DNS CNAME records [Registrar Name]" can be helpful.
Step 3: Add CNAME Records
Once you're in your registrar's DNS settings, add the CNAME records provided by Alvys:
Look for an option like Custom DNS Records or DNS Management.
For each CNAME record, add the following:
Type: CNAME
Host: This will be the subdomain portion (e.g.,
s1._domainkey.alvys.com).Value: This is the value provided by Alvys, pointing back to our servers.
Save the records.
⚠️For Squarespace users (and legacy Google Domains), please only copy s1._domainkey instead of the full host address for all three records. The value can be left as is.
Step 4: Validate the Domain in Alvys
After configuring the DNS records, return to Alvys and do the following:
Navigate back to Domains Management.
Click Validate.
If your records are set up correctly, the status will update to Valid.
If it doesn’t, wait a few minutes (up to 48 hours for DNS propagation) and try again.
You may need to refresh the popup for updated status.
🌐 Understanding DNS Propagation Time
DNS changes may take time to propagate across the internet. Although most updates are processed within a few minutes to a couple of hours, it can take up to 48 hours in some cases.
Common Signs of Propagation Issues:
The domain status does not validate within Alvys after several attempts.
The CNAME records aren’t reflecting as expected within your DNS checker.
If you're experiencing delays in validation, it’s most likely due to DNS propagation.
Tip: Use DNS lookup tools like DNSChecker to verify if the CNAME records have propagated globally. Simply enter your domain and check whether your DNS settings have taken effect.
By following this guide, you can successfully add and validate your domain in Alvys. If you encounter any issues, don’t hesitate to reach out to our support team at support@alvys.com