Are you stuck with a custom root domain that refuses to work on Vercel? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! Many developers have faced this issue, and we’re here to help you overcome it. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive into the world of custom root domains on Vercel, explore common pitfalls, and provide step-by-step solutions to get your domain up and running smoothly.
Understanding Custom Root Domains on Vercel
A custom root domain is a custom domain that points directly to your Vercel site, without the need for a subdomain (e.g., example.com instead of example.vercel.app). Vercel allows you to configure a custom root domain, giving you more control over your site’s branding and user experience. However, getting it to work can be a challenge.
How Vercel Handles Custom Root Domains
Vercel uses DNS (Domain Name System) records to route traffic from your custom domain to their servers. When you set up a custom root domain, Vercel generates a unique SSL certificate for your domain. This certificate is used to establish a secure connection between your domain and Vercel’s servers.
Common Issues with Custom Root Domains on Vercel
Before we dive into the solutions, let’s take a look at some common issues that might be causing your custom root domain to malfunction:
DNS records not properly configured: DNS records are the backbone of custom root domains. If they’re not set up correctly, your domain won’t work.SSL certificate issues: Vercel’s SSL certificate might not be properly generated or installed, leading to connection errors.Domain verification failure: Vercel requires domain verification to ensure that you own the domain. If verification fails, your custom root domain won’t work.Subdomain conflicts: If you have an existing subdomain (e.g.,blog.example.com) that conflicts with your custom root domain (e.g.,example.com), it can cause issues.
Troubleshooting Steps for Custom Root Domain Issues on Vercel
Now that we’ve covered the common issues, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of troubleshooting:
Step 1: Check DNS Records
Review your DNS records to ensure they’re properly configured. You’ll need to create the following records:
| Type | Name | Value | TTL |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | @ | vercel-dns.com | 1 hour |
| CNAME | www | cname.vercel-dns.com | 1 hour |
Make sure to replace vercel-dns.com with the actual value provided by Vercel. You can find this value in your Vercel project settings.
Step 2: Verify Domain Ownership
Vercel requires domain verification to ensure that you own the domain. You can verify your domain using one of the following methods:
: Create a TXT record with the value provided by Vercel. HTML file verification: Upload an HTML file to your domain’s root directory with the content provided by Vercel.
Once you’ve set up verification, wait for Vercel to validate your domain. This might take a few minutes.
Step 3: Check SSL Certificate Status
Ensure that Vercel has generated a valid SSL certificate for your custom root domain. You can check the certificate status in your Vercel project settings. If the certificate is not generated or invalid, try restarting the SSL certificate generation process.
Step 4: Resolve Subdomain Conflicts
If you have an existing subdomain that conflicts with your custom root domain, you’ll need to resolve the conflict. You can do this by:
Updating the subdomain's DNS records: Point the subdomain to a different IP address or hostname.Removing the subdomain: If the subdomain is no longer needed, remove it to avoid conflicts.
Step 5: Check Vercel Project Settings
Double-check your Vercel project settings to ensure that:
The custom root domain is correctly configured: Verify that the custom root domain is set up correctly in your Vercel project settings.The SSL certificate is enabled: Make sure that SSL encryption is enabled for your custom root domain.
Additional Tips and Tricks
To avoid common pitfalls and ensure a smooth setup process, keep the following tips in mind:
Use a DNS Provider that Supports ANAME Records
Vercel uses ANAME records to route traffic to their servers. Ensure that your DNS provider supports ANAME records. If not, consider switching to a provider that does, such as Cloudflare or DNSimple.
Wait for DNS Propagation
After setting up your DNS records, wait for DNS propagation to complete. This can take anywhere from 1-48 hours, depending on your DNS provider and TTL settings.
Test Your Custom Root Domain
Once you’ve completed the troubleshooting steps, test your custom root domain to ensure it’s working correctly. You can use tools like dig or nslookup to verify DNS resolution and SSL certificate status.
dig example.com +nostats +nocomments +nocmd
Conclusion
Troubleshooting a custom root domain that’s not working on Vercel can be a frustrating experience. However, by following the steps outlined in this guide, you should be able to identify and resolve the underlying issues. Remember to check DNS records, verify domain ownership, and ensure SSL certificate status is valid. If you’re still having trouble, refer to Vercel’s official documentation and support resources for additional guidance.
With patience and persistence, you’ll be able to get your custom root domain up and running smoothly on Vercel. Happy troubleshooting!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Stuck with a custom root domain not working on Vercel? You’re not alone! Here are some commonly asked questions and answers to help you troubleshoot the issue.
Why is my custom root domain not working on Vercel?
Make sure you’ve completed the domain setup process correctly. Double-check that you’ve added the correct DNS records, including the CNAME and A records, and that they’re propagated correctly. Also, ensure that your domain is verified in the Vercel dashboard.
How long does it take for DNS changes to propagate?
DNS changes can take anywhere from a few minutes to 48 hours to propagate globally, depending on your DNS provider and the TTL (time to live) set for your records. You can use tools like Dig or DNSViz to check the status of your DNS records.
What are the correct DNS records I need to add for my custom root domain?
For a custom root domain on Vercel, you’ll need to add a CNAME record pointing to cname.vercel-dns.com, and an A record pointing to the IP address provided by Vercel. The exact records will vary depending on your specific setup, so be sure to check the Vercel documentation for more information.
Can I use a custom domain with a non-www subdomain (e.g., example.com instead of www.example.com)?
Yes, Vercel supports custom domains with non-www subdomains. However, you’ll need to configure your DNS provider to route traffic from the root domain to the www subdomain, or use a proxy service like Cloudflare to handle the routing.
What if I’m still having issues with my custom root domain after trying the above steps?
If you’ve double-checked your DNS records and domain setup, try reaching out to Vercel support for further assistance. They can help you troubleshoot the issue or provide additional guidance specific to your situation.
