Domain Verification Troubleshooting

Having trouble verifying your custom domain? This guide will help you resolve common issues.

Common Error Messages

"DNS records not found"

Cause: DNS records haven't propagated yet or are incorrect.

Solutions:

1. Wait 10-30 minutes and try again
2. Verify records in your DNS provider
3. Use a DNS checker tool (whatsmydns.net)
4. Ensure TTL is 3600 or lower

"CNAME and other data"

Cause: Subdomain has other DNS records (A, AAAA, etc.) that conflict with CNAME.

Solution:

1. Go to your DNS management
2. Delete ALL existing records for the subdomain
3. Add ONLY the CNAME record shown in Changelogy
4. Wait for propagation

"Domain already in use"

Cause: Domain is configured in another organization or project.

Solution:

1. Remove domain from other organization
2. Wait 5 minutes
3. Try adding again

"Invalid domain format"

Cause: Domain format is incorrect.

Valid formats:

• ✅ changelog.example.com
• ✅ updates.example.com
• ✅ example.com

Invalid formats:

• ❌ http://changelog.example.com
• ❌ changelog.example.com/
• ❌ www.changelog.example.com (unless intended)

DNS Propagation

What is DNS propagation?

DNS changes take time to spread across the internet. This is normal and expected.

How long does it take?

• Typical: 5-30 minutes
• Maximum: Up to 48 hours
• Factors: Your DNS provider, TTL settings, location

Checking propagation

Use these tools:

• whatsmydns.net
• dnschecker.org
• Your terminal: nslookup your-domain.com

Provider-Specific Guides

Cloudflare

1. Set "Proxy status" to "DNS only" (gray cloud)
2. Disable "Auto Minify" temporarily
3. Set TTL to "Auto" or 3600

GoDaddy

1. Use "@" for apex domain or subdomain name
2. Remove any default parking page records
3. TTL can be left at default (600 or 3600)

Namecheap

1. Use "Advanced DNS" tab
2. Remove default redirect records
3. Add new CNAME record

Google Domains

1. Use "DNS" section
2. Select "Custom records"
3. Add CNAME with subdomain name

Verification Checklist

Before clicking "Verify Domain":

• [ ] DNS records added to provider
• [ ] Waited at least 10 minutes
• [ ] Checked DNS propagation
• [ ] Removed conflicting records (for CNAME)
• [ ] Verified record values match exactly
• [ ] DNS cache cleared (if testing locally)

Still Having Issues?

If you've tried everything:

1. Check your subscription: Custom domains require Pro plan
2. Domain ownership: Ensure you own the domain
3. DNS provider: Some providers have delays
4. Contact support: Provide domain name and error message

Testing Your Domain

After verification:

1. Wait 5-30 minutes for SSL provisioning
2. Visit https://your-domain.com
3. Check for SSL lock icon in browser
4. Verify changelog loads correctly
5. Test links and navigation

Removing and Re-adding

Sometimes the easiest fix:

1. Remove the domain from Changelogy
2. Wait 5 minutes
3. Remove DNS records from provider
4. Wait 5 minutes
5. Add domain to Changelogy again
6. Add fresh DNS records
7. Verify

This clears any cached or stale configuration.