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Common Mistakes when Configuring a Domain
Common Mistakes when Configuring a Domain
Andy Kostenko avatar
Written by Andy Kostenko
Updated over a week ago

Domain configuration isn’t as easy as it may seem. While adding a domain and forwarding it to necessary servers, missing minor settings can spoil domain activation.

We, here on Short.io, realize how difficult it can be to carry out all the steps of domain configuration. So, let’s take a closer look at some mistakes that influence your domain activation.

FAQ: After registering a domain, it’s still inactive on Short.io. Why?

Several reasons are possible:

  • The most common one: Everything is configured correctly, but due to caching, DNS zones haven't been updated yet. Upgrading DNS zones usually takes 2–24 hours.

  • You did not specify DNS servers for the domain, and they were not updated.

  • You specified Short.io DNS servers but added wrong records and hosts.

  • You specified DNS servers, but didn't delete extra records.

Key Steps in Domain Configuration

So, here’s the checklist that helps you to find out a mistake quickly. Domain and subdomain configurations are slightly different from each other, so the steps are described separately for domain and subdomain.

1. Domain Configuration

Check if the following the step are completed:

  1. Add a domain to a registrar.

  2. Delete extra A, AAAA, CNAME records of the domain.

  3. Add the Short.io servers:

  • A-record – @ Host – 52.21.33.16 Value

  • A-record – @ Host – 52.59.165.42 Value

4. If using Namecheap or GoDaddy, remove domain forwarding.

Important: Some domain registrars don’t allow specifying @ host. If so, leave the field blank.

Do be patient, though it sometimes takes a couple of seconds, it could take a day as well. In case the domain isn't active after 24 hours, contact Short.io support.

2. Subdomain Configuration

Check if the following the step are completed:

  1. Open the DNS settings of your domain.

  2. Add the Short.io servers:

  • A-record – the name of subdomain – 52.21.33.16 Value

  • A-record – the name of subdomain – 52.59.165.42 Value

3. If using Namecheap or GoDaddy, remove domain forwarding.

When all the steps are completed, wait a few hours for the subdomain to become active. In case it isn't available after 24 hours, contact Short.io support.

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