Setting Up Custom Domains in Flowcode 2
Flowcode 2 supports custom domains, allowing you to use your own branded URLs for your QR code scan destinations. This guide provides clear steps to set up either a custom subdomain or a custom apex domain for use in Flowcode 2. This flexibility enables brands to offer short, memorable URLs and use their existing domains.
Understanding Domain Types
Custom Subdomains
A custom subdomain refers to a specific prefix before your domain, such as smart.johnny.run.
Custom Apex Domains
A custom apex domain is the root domain, such as johnny.run, without any prefix.
Key Terms
Apex Level Domain: The main domain name, such as mycompany.com.
Subdomain: A subdivision of your main domain, like go.mycompany.com.
Benefits
Apex Level Domains: Ideal for creating the shortest URLs possible, improving user engagement.
Subdomains: Allow you to integrate Flowcode with your existing domain without disrupting your website.
Key Differences: CNAME Record vs. A Record
CNAME Record: Used for custom subdomains. For example, smart.johnny.run needs a CNAME record pointing to the correct Flowcode value.
A Record: Used for custom apex domains. This points directly to specific IP addresses.
If you are setting up a subdomain (e.g., smart.johnny.run), you do not need to create A records for IP addresses. A records are only required for apex domains (e.g., johnny.run).
Correct CNAME Record Value
For setting up a subdomain, use the following CNAME record value:
CNAME Record Value: whitelabel.flowsto.com
⚠️ Important: Please ensure you use whitelabel.flowsto.com and not the outdated value whitelabel.flows.to. Using the correct value is critical to ensuring your custom domain functions properly.
Steps to Set Up Your Custom Domain
Point Your Domain to Flowcode's IP Addresses (For Apex Domains Only)
Add the following IP addresses to your domain’s settings:
For IPv4:
162.159.140.242
172.66.0.240
For IPv6:
2606:4700:7::f7
2a06:98c1:58::f7
These IP addresses allow for apex domain customizations. For subdomains, use CNAME records instead.
Add the Domain to Flowcode
Log in to your Flowcode organization’s dashboard.
Navigate to the settings section.
Add the custom domain under the "Custom Domains" option.
Verification and SSL Certificate
Flowcode will verify your DNS updates and automatically issue an SSL certificate to ensure your custom domain is secure.
Start Using Your Custom Domain
Once verification is complete, you can start using your custom domain for all your Flowcode QR codes. You can even set it as the default for conversion flows within your workspace settings.
Step-by-Step Setup for a Custom Subdomain
Example: Setting up smart.johnny.run in GoDaddy
Log in to your DNS provider (e.g., GoDaddy, Namecheap, Cloudflare).
Navigate to the DNS Management section for your domain.
Add a new CNAME record with the following details:
Host/Name: smart (the subdomain prefix)
Points to: whitelabel.flowsto.com
TTL: Default or Automatic
Save the record.
Wait for DNS propagation (this typically takes a few minutes to a few hours).
Testing Your Setup
Open a browser and navigate to your custom subdomain (e.g., smart.johnny.run).
Confirm that the URL resolves correctly to your Flowcode destination.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
Subdomain not resolving:
Double-check the CNAME record value.
Confirm that the subdomain is spelled correctly in the DNS settings.
Apex domain setup not working:
Verify that the A Records point to the correct IP addresses.
Ensure the CNAME record for www is correctly configured.
DNS propagation delay:
DNS changes can take time to propagate across the internet. Wait for up to 24 hours and test again.
Need Help?
If you encounter any issues or have further questions, please contact our support team or refer to the attached images showing an example subdomain setup for smart.johnny.run. These examples were tested and confirmed to work.
![Example DNS Setup for smart.johnny.run in GoDaddy]