Custom domains

Connect a hostname you own so visitors see your brand instead of the default Pointerly hosts. From Settings → Domains you add a domain, choose its purpose (Short links, Bio pages, or Profiles), publish the DNS records Pointerly shows, verify ownership, test routing, and optionally mark a verified domain as primary for that purpose.

Custom domains require the plan feature custom_domains and permission to view (and manage) the custom_domains module. Without the feature, the page shows an upgrade gate.

What you'll do

• Add a domain and pick Short links, Bio pages, or Profiles
• Create ownership, provider validation, and traffic routing DNS records
• Verify, test connection, export DNS helpers, and set primary

Before you start

• Team plan includes custom domains (otherwise use Billing → Upgrade)
• Permission to open Settings → Domains
• Access to DNS at your registrar (Cloudflare, GoDaddy, Namecheap, etc.)
• Prefer a subdomain (link.brand.com, bio.brand.com) if the apex already hosts a website

Domain types

Each domain serves one purpose. Defaults you replace:

You can attach different hostnames for each purpose. Choosing Bio pages for bio.example.com does not move short links off link.pointerly.io.

Lifecycle statuses

Only verified (or active) domains can be set as primary for their type. An SSL badge appears when the certificate is active.

Step-by-step

Step 1 — Open Domains and review the in-app guide

1. Go to Dashboard → Settings → Domains.
2. If you see an upgrade prompt instead of the form, unlock custom domains on your plan first.
3. Open the help (?) dialog for the built-in stepper while you work.

Step 2 — Add a domain

1. In Add domain, enter the hostname (for example link.example.com).
2. Choose the purpose: Short links, Bio pages, or Profiles.
3. Pick a verification method (DNS TXT recommended).
4. Submit. Pointerly registers the domain with the edge platform and creates a pending domain card.

If the hostname is already registered to another team, you will see an error — pick a different host.

Step 3 — Publish the three DNS groups

On the domain card, expand verification / setup. Configure all groups your card lists:

1. Ownership (Pointerly) — proves you control the domain (often TXT; sometimes CNAME per instructions).
2. Vercel validation — provider records required before the host can go live.
3. Traffic routing — usually a CNAME to cname.vercel-dns.com (or an A record when the card says so).

Copy values from the card — do not invent targets. Some registrars want the full hostname; others want only the left label (link). Use Export DNS (CSV, BIND zone, or JSON) or Copy helpers when handing records to a teammate.

Routing pattern examples:

• link.example.com → CNAME → cname.vercel-dns.com
• bio.example.com → CNAME → cname.vercel-dns.com
• profile.example.com → CNAME → cname.vercel-dns.com

Step 4 — Verify, test, and set primary

1. Wait for DNS propagation (minutes to up to 48 hours).
2. Click Verify on the card. Success moves status toward verified.
3. Click Test to confirm the host reaches Pointerly.
4. When verified, use the card menu to Set as primary for that domain type if this should be the default branded host.
5. Share updated URLs (links, bio, profile) on the new host once active / SSL looks healthy.

Tips

• Keep marketing sites on the apex; put Pointerly on dedicated subdomains.
• One purpose per hostname keeps debugging simple.
• Prefer DNS TXT for ownership when offered.
• Do not delete routing records while SSL is still provisioning.
• For bio-only walkthroughs, see Custom domain for bio.

Troubleshooting

Related

• Settings overview
• Custom domain for bio
• Create and publish a bio
• Links overview
• Plans and upgrades