For shortening links in Short.io, you have to add your domain name or, if you do not have a domain, you can acquire one 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.
Namecheap configurations
Sign in to your Namecheap account and buy an available domain.
Click on Manage next to your domain:
Click on Advanced DNS tab:
Click on Add a new record and from the Type menu select A record:
Host: @
Value: 207.174.61.1
Click on Save all changes or green tick icon.
If you configure:
a domain — delete unnecessary CNAME, A and URL Redirect records of the domain
a subdomain — learn the Namecheap subdomain setup guide
Short.io configurations
Sign in to your Short.io account.
Click on Add domain and then on Add own domain:
Enter your domain name and click on This is empty short domain (sub-domain) just for links:
Click on Add domain.
Open the Domain settings and check if the domain is in status Active:
Important note: If the domain is Inactive then wait for a few hours and click on Refresh to check if the status has changed.
You will receive an email from the Short.io team informing you that the domain is now configured. Feel free to shorten your links and enjoy Short.io.