# Custom Domains

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


Replace your default `yourapp.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.

<Callout type="info">
Custom domains require a Pro plan or higher.
</Callout>

## Why Use a Custom Domain?

| Benefit | Description |
|---------|-------------|
| **Brand consistency** | Keep users on your domain |
| **Trust** | Users stay in your branded environment |
| **Professionalism** | No third-party branding in the URL |

## Prerequisites

Before setting up a custom domain:

- Pro 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

<Steps>
  <Step title="1">
    <strong>Add DNS Record First</strong>

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

    | Type | Name | Value |
    |------|------|-------|
    | CNAME | `chat` (or your subdomain) | `custom.chipp.ai` |

    <Callout type="info">
    We recommend using a subdomain (like `chat.`) rather than your root domain. This keeps your main website separate and makes DNS configuration simpler.
    </Callout>
  </Step>

  <Step title="2">
    <strong>Open Settings</strong>

    Go to your app's **Settings** page. You'll see the Custom Domain card.
  </Step>

  <Step title="3">
    <strong>Enter Your Domain</strong>

    Type your subdomain in the input field:

    ```
    chat.yourbrand.com
    ```

    Do not include `https://` or `www.` in your domain.
  </Step>

  <Step title="4">
    <strong>Click Add</strong>

    Chipp will verify your DNS configuration. If the CNAME record is found and points to `custom.chipp.ai`, your domain will be added.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## 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: `custom.chipp.ai`
6. Proxy status: **DNS only** (gray cloud)

<Callout type="warning">
Disable Cloudflare's proxy (orange cloud) for the subdomain. Use "DNS only" mode for custom domains to work correctly.
</Callout>

### GoDaddy

1. Go to **My Products** > **DNS**
2. Click **Add** under Records
3. Type: **CNAME**
4. Name: your subdomain
5. Value: `custom.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: `custom.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: `custom.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: `custom.chipp.ai`

## Verifying Your Setup

### Check DNS Propagation

Use these tools to verify your DNS is configured:

- [dnschecker.org](https://dnschecker.org)
- [whatsmydns.net](https://whatsmydns.net)

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

### "CNAME record does not match"

Your CNAME is pointing somewhere else. Update it to point to `custom.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 `yourapp.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:

| Good | Why |
|------|-----|
| `chat.brand.com` | Clear purpose |
| `ai.brand.com` | Modern, concise |
| `assistant.brand.com` | Descriptive |
| `help.brand.com` | Support-focused |

### Backup Access

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