Guides

Custom Domains

Use your own domain for your Chipp AI chatbot instead of the default chipp.ai URL.

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Hunter Hodnett
Hunter Hodnett CPTO at Chipp
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# custom-domains # branding # deployment # tutorials

Replace your default yourbuild.chipp.ai URL with your own custom domain like chat.yourbrand.com. Custom domains make your AI chatbot feel like a native part of your brand.

ℹ️

Custom domains require a Builder plan or higher.

Why Use a Custom Domain?

BenefitDescription
Brand consistencyKeep users on your domain
TrustUsers stay in your branded environment
ProfessionalismNo third-party branding in the URL

Prerequisites

Before setting up a custom domain:

  • Builder plan or higher subscription
  • Own or control a domain name
  • Access to your domain’s DNS settings
  • A published Chipp app

Setting Up a Custom Domain

1

Add DNS Record First

Before configuring in Chipp, add this CNAME record at your domain registrar:

TypeNameValue
CNAMEchat (or your subdomain)fallback.chipp.ai

After you register the domain in Chipp (Step 4), you’ll also need to add a second DNS record for SSL validation. Chipp will show you the exact record to add.

ℹ️

We recommend using a subdomain (like chat.) rather than your root domain. This keeps your main website separate and makes DNS configuration simpler.

2

Open Settings

Go to your app’s Settings page. You’ll see the Custom Domain card.

3

Enter Your Domain

Type your subdomain in the input field:

plaintext
chat.yourbrand.com

Do not include https:// or www. in your domain.

4

Click Add

Chipp will verify your DNS configuration. If the CNAME record is found and points to fallback.chipp.ai, your domain will be added.

After registration, Chipp will show you a second DNS record needed for SSL validation. Add this record at your registrar to activate HTTPS.

DNS Configuration by Provider

Cloudflare

  1. Go to your domain’s DNS settings
  2. Click Add Record
  3. Select CNAME
  4. Name: your subdomain (e.g., chat)
  5. Target: fallback.chipp.ai
  6. Proxy status: DNS only (gray cloud)
⚠️

Disable Cloudflare’s proxy (orange cloud) for the subdomain. Use “DNS only” mode for custom domains to work correctly.

GoDaddy

  1. Go to My Products > DNS
  2. Click Add under Records
  3. Type: CNAME
  4. Name: your subdomain
  5. Value: fallback.chipp.ai
  6. TTL: 1 Hour

Namecheap

  1. Go to Domain List > Manage
  2. Click Advanced DNS
  3. Add new record:
    • Type: CNAME
    • Host: your subdomain
    • Value: fallback.chipp.ai

Google Domains / Squarespace Domains

  1. Go to DNS in the sidebar
  2. Scroll to Custom records
  3. Create new record:
    • Name: your subdomain
    • Type: CNAME
    • Data: fallback.chipp.ai

Route 53 (AWS)

  1. Go to Hosted Zones > your domain
  2. Click Create Record
  3. Record name: your subdomain
  4. Record type: CNAME
  5. Value: fallback.chipp.ai

Verifying Your Setup

Check DNS Propagation

Use these tools to verify your DNS is configured:

Enter your full domain (e.g., chat.yourbrand.com) and check that CNAME records point to fallback.chipp.ai.

Test Your Domain

Once DNS propagates:

  1. Visit your custom domain in a browser
  2. You should see your Chipp chatbot
  3. Check the SSL certificate (padlock icon)

Troubleshooting

”Could not find CNAME record”

  1. Wait for propagation: DNS can take up to 48 hours (usually minutes)
  2. Check record type: Must be CNAME
  3. Check target: Should be exactly fallback.chipp.ai

”CNAME record does not match”

Your CNAME is pointing somewhere else. Update it to point to fallback.chipp.ai.

”Custom domain is already in use”

Another Chipp app is using this domain. Each domain can only be used by one app.

Domain Not Working After Adding

  1. Remove proxy: If using Cloudflare, disable proxy (use DNS only)
  2. Check DNS: Verify CNAME target is correct
  3. HTTPS required: Access via https:// not http://

Removing a Custom Domain

To remove a custom domain:

  1. Go to Settings
  2. Click the trash icon next to your domain
  3. Your app reverts to the default yourbuild.chipp.ai URL

After removing, you should also delete the DNS record from your registrar.

Best Practices

Subdomain Naming

Choose a subdomain that makes sense:

GoodWhy
chat.brand.comClear purpose
ai.brand.comModern, concise
assistant.brand.comDescriptive
help.brand.comSupport-focused

Backup Access

Keep your default yourbuild.chipp.ai URL bookmarked as a backup in case of DNS issues.