---
title: "How to Set Up a Custom Domain"
description: "Setting up a custom domain lets your help center be accessible at your own URL (for example, help.yourcompany.com) instead of the default Brainfish subdomain."
canonical_url: "https://help.brainfi.sh/articles/how-to-set-up-a-custom-domain-GyHOrF2LqX"
md_url: "https://help.brainfi.sh/articles/how-to-set-up-a-custom-domain-GyHOrF2LqX.md"
---
# How to Set Up a Custom Domain

Setting up a custom domain lets your help center be accessible at your own URL (for example, `help.yourcompany.com`) instead of the default Brainfish subdomain.

> **Moving a live production domain?** If this hostname already serves customers on another provider and you need HTTPS ready before DNS cutover, follow [Migrating a Live Custom Domain (Zero-Downtime Switchover)](/articles/migrating-a-live-custom-domain-zero-downtime-switchover-v1k9sZ7KWq).

## Where to find Domain Settings

1. Log in to your Brainfish dashboard.
2. Go to **Distribution**.
3. Select **Agents** and open your **Help Center Agent**.
4. Click **Advanced Settings**.
5. Scroll to the **Domain Settings** section.

## Step 1: Add your custom domain

1. In the **Custom Domain** block, enter the domain you want (for example, `help.yourcompany.com`).
2. Click **Add Custom Domain**.

Brainfish will immediately check the domain and display a verification status.

## Step 2: Configure DNS records

You will need to add DNS records at your DNS provider. Which record type you add depends on your domain:

> **Tip:** If your DNS provider does not offer `86400` as a TTL option, set the highest value available. DNS propagation can take 1–12 hours.

## Step 3: Check verification status

After adding your DNS records, return to the **Domain Settings** section. Brainfish automatically checks your domain and shows one of the following statuses:

Once the status shows **Valid Configuration**, your help center is live at your custom domain. A **Preview** button will appear — click it to open your help center in a new tab.

## Pending Verification: adding a TXT record

If your status is **Pending Verification**, Brainfish needs to confirm you own the domain. A TXT record will be displayed in the Domain Settings section:

1. Copy the **TXT record** name and value shown.
2. Add it to your DNS provider on the apex domain (e.g. `yourcompany.com`).
3. Wait for DNS propagation (up to 12 hours), then return to check the status.

> **Warning:** If this domain is currently used by another service, adding the TXT record will transfer domain ownership away from that service.

## Deleting a custom domain

1. In the **Custom Domain** block, click **Delete**.
2. A confirmation dialog will appear. Type your custom domain name exactly to confirm.
3. Click **I'm sure – Delete**.

This action is permanent. Once deleted, your help center will no longer be accessible at the custom domain. You can add a new domain afterwards if needed.

## Troubleshooting

* **DNS changes not reflecting** — DNS propagation can take up to 12 hours. Wait and refresh the Domain Settings page.
* **Conflicting DNS records** — Remove any existing A, CNAME, or AAAA records for the same hostname before adding the new ones.
* **Still seeing an error after 12 hours** — Contact our support team at **hello@brainfi.sh**.

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