> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.convella.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Domain

Use your free Convella subdomain or connect a custom domain to give your website its own address.

Open [Domain settings](https://convella.com/site?publicationSettings=domain) under **Settings → Site → Domain**.

## Convella subdomain

Every website includes an address such as `yourname.convella.com`, so you can launch without buying a domain.

To change it, click **Edit** beside **Subdomain**, enter an available name, and click **Update**. This option is shown while your website doesn't have a connected custom domain.

## Add a custom domain

Click **Add custom domain** to open the guided setup. You can buy a new domain or connect one you already own.

![Sprouts domain settings with Add custom domain and its free Convella subdomain](https://mintcdn.com/convella/pBat-kSuSzw_lXD9/images/website/domain-status-sprouts.jpg?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=pBat-kSuSzw_lXD9\&q=85\&s=3ad2814f526b382d7e895e7ca250885c)

### Buy a new domain

Choose the option to buy a domain, search for a name, and select an available result. Complete checkout with the domain provider shown in the setup flow.

Convella uses Entri to guide the purchase and configure the domain connection. Keep your domain provider's account details for managing renewals and billing later.

### Connect an existing domain

Choose the option to connect a domain and enter the address you own. Follow the prompts to identify your DNS provider and authorize the required DNS changes.

If the flow offers manual setup, follow the DNS instructions it provides. Use the records shown for that domain; another website's records or older setup instructions may differ. Connecting your domain doesn't transfer its registration to Convella. Keep the verification TXT record in place after the connection succeeds, and preserve unrelated email records when changing website DNS.

## Check your connection

After setup, your domain appears in **Domain settings** with its current status. Click **Edit** to see the details. You may also see a domain-status notice in the dashboard sidebar; click it to open the same settings.

| Status | What it means | What to do |
| - | - | - |
| **Setup incomplete** | The guided setup still needs to be completed. | Click **Finish setup**. |
| **Connection in progress** | Convella is verifying DNS or setting up HTTPS. | Open **Edit** to see which stage is pending. |
| **Action needed** | There's a connection issue that needs attention. | Read the message and click **Fix connection**. |
| **Connected** | Your domain is connected with HTTPS. | Use the open-link icon beside the domain to visit it. |

![Sprouts custom domain showing Connected](https://mintcdn.com/convella/pBat-kSuSzw_lXD9/images/website/domain-connected-sprouts.jpg?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=pBat-kSuSzw_lXD9\&q=85\&s=cf4d6b3e938bcf2ae73914dce49b6c40)

### Waiting for DNS or SSL

While DNS is being checked, **DNS connection** shows **Verifying**. The **SSL certificate** may show **Waiting for DNS**.

Once DNS is verified, **DNS connection** shows **Verified** while Convella sets up the SSL certificate. The certificate may show **Processing** before becoming **Active**.

> [!NOTE]
>
> DNS changes can take up to **48 hours** to appear. If the message says DNS is verified and SSL is being set up, no further DNS changes are needed.

![Domain details showing DNS Verifying and SSL Waiting for DNS](https://mintcdn.com/convella/pBat-kSuSzw_lXD9/images/website/domain-details-sprouts.jpg?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=pBat-kSuSzw_lXD9\&q=85\&s=f0856bc52fe70376018f11f1af591d16)

### Connection emails

After you submit a domain connection, Convella checks its progress about once an hour. The website owner receives an email when the domain and its secure HTTPS connection are ready. Connecting a domain does not make a private website public.

If the connection is still incomplete after **72 hours**, we'll send one email with a link to review your domain settings. If it connects later, you'll still receive the success email. Canceled or replaced connection attempts don't receive these notifications.

## Manage your domain

Click **Edit** beside your domain to review its **DNS provider**, **DNS connection**, and **SSL certificate**.

![Connected Sprouts domain with DNS Verified and SSL certificate Active](https://mintcdn.com/convella/pBat-kSuSzw_lXD9/images/website/domain-connected-details-sprouts.jpg?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=pBat-kSuSzw_lXD9\&q=85\&s=b874f9aee55eca09b00f9ea88c4b4926)

Depending on your provider, you'll also see:

* **Manage domain** — Manage DNS, renewals, and billing together when they're handled by the same provider.
* **DNS settings** — Open the provider that manages your DNS records.
* **Registration and billing** — Open your registrar's account tools when a separate link is available.

If Convella can't identify the DNS provider, click **Details** for guidance. Your DNS provider may be different from the company where you bought the domain.

## Disconnect a domain

Click **Disconnect domain**, then confirm with **Disconnect**. Your original Convella address remains available, and you still own the domain at your registrar.

If custom email sending was enabled, newsletters return to the default sender. Domain registration, renewals, and billing remain with your domain provider.


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