> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.butternut.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Domain Management (Dashboard)

> Link a custom domain, configure DNS, verify connection, and generate SSL from your dashboard.

Connect your own custom domain (for example, `yourcompany.com`) to your Butternut website.

## Prerequisites

* **Paid subscription** (not available on free plan)
* **Admin access**
* Access to your domain registrar (GoDaddy, Namecheap, etc.)

## How to access

1. Open your dashboard.
2. Click **Domains** in the navigation menu.

## Connect your domain

### Step 1: Enter domain information

1. **Email**: enter your email address.
2. **Website ID**: enter your website ID (found in your dashboard).
3. **Domain name**: enter your domain (for example, `example.com`).
   * Don’t include `www.`
   * Don’t include `https://` or `http://`
4. Click **Link Domain**.

### Step 2: Configure DNS records

After linking, add the required DNS records at your domain registrar.

Add these **A records**:

| Type | Name | Value                                |
| ---- | ---- | ------------------------------------ |
| A    | @    | (IP address shown in your dashboard) |
| A    | www  | (IP address shown in your dashboard) |

Where to add them (common registrars):

* GoDaddy: Domain Settings → Manage DNS
* Namecheap: Domain List → Manage → Advanced DNS
* Google Domains: DNS → Custom records
* Cloudflare: DNS → Records

### Step 3: Verify connection

1. Wait **15–30 minutes** for DNS propagation (can take up to **48 hours**).
2. Click **Verify Connection**.

If verification fails:

* Wait longer
* Double-check records for typos
* Ensure the record values match your dashboard

### Step 4: Generate SSL certificate

Once verified:

1. Click **Generate SSL**.
2. Wait **2–5 minutes**.
3. Your site will be accessible via HTTPS.

## What SSL is (and why it matters)

* Secures your website (`https://`)
* Encrypts visitor data
* Required for many payment setups
* Can improve SEO ranking

## Troubleshooting

### “Records are not updated”

* DNS can take up to 48 hours—wait and retry.
* Confirm A records are correct and saved.

### SSL generation fails

* Verify the domain first.
* Wait a few minutes and try again.
* Contact support if it persists.

### Domain shows “not verified”

* Re-check DNS values and names (`@`, `www`).
* Wait for propagation and re-verify.

**Last updated:** January 2026\
**Version:** 1.0