Namecheap is a domain registrar, where you can buy an available domain or subdomain name.
For shortening links in Short.io, you have to add your domain or to use a generic one "smth.shortcm.li." If you don't have a domain, you can acquire it from Short.io or any domain registrar. The advantage of buying a domain from Short.io is that the domain will be active at once.
If you acquire a domain from the registrar, you have to follow some activation steps.
Learn the instruction below on how to add a Namecheap domain to Short.io account.
1. Sign in Namecheap and buy an available domain.
2. Click "Manage" next to your domain.
3. Click the "Advanced DNS" tab.
4. Click on Add a new record and from the Type menu select A record:
Host: @
Value: 207.174.61.1
Click "Save all changes" or green tick icon.
6. If you configure:
a domain — delete unnecessary CNAME, A and URL Redirect records of the domain;
a subdomain — learn the Namecheap subdomain setup guide.
7. Go to your Short.io account.
8. Open the User menu and choose "Add a domain.
9. Choose the third option — Add my own domain
10. Specify a domain and confirm that this domain is dedicated only for shortening links.
11. Go to your domain settings to check if the domain is active. Refresh a domain status in 1-2 hours if the domain is still inactive.
Important: Wait a few hours and refresh a domain status in Short.io domain settings.
12. After the domain is active, feel free to shorten links and enjoy Short.io.
Watch the video instruction to configure a Namecheap domain.