QRcodly
Guides

Custom Domains

Learn how to use your own domain for QR code short links

Use your own domain (like links.yourbusiness.com) instead of the default QRcodly domain for your dynamic QR codes. This keeps your brand consistent and gives you full control over your short URLs.

Custom domains require a Pro Plan. View pricing to learn more about upgrading.

Why Use a Custom Domain?

  • Brand Recognition: Your short URLs will use your own domain, making them instantly recognizable
  • Trust: People are more likely to scan QR codes that lead to familiar domains
  • Full Control: Keep ownership of your links even if you switch QR code providers
  • Professional Look: Perfect for business cards, marketing materials, and product packaging

Before You Start

You'll need:

  1. A Pro Plan subscription
  2. Access to your domain's DNS settings (usually in your domain registrar like GoDaddy, Namecheap, Cloudflare, etc.)
  3. A subdomain to use (e.g., links.yourdomain.com, qr.yourdomain.com)

Only subdomains are supported (like links.example.com). You cannot use a root domain (like example.com) or multi-level subdomains (like qr.links.example.com).

Step 1: Go to Domain Settings

  1. Log in to your QRcodly account
  2. Click on your profile image in the top right corner of the header
  3. Click on Domains in the settings sidebar

Or simply go directly to Settings → Domains.

You'll see the domains management page where you can add and manage your custom domains.

Step 2: Add Your Domain

  1. Click the Add Domain button
  2. Enter your subdomain (e.g., links.yourbusiness.com)
  3. Click Add to register the domain

After adding your domain, QRcodly will provide you with DNS records that you need to configure.

Step 3: Configure DNS Records

You'll need to add two DNS records in your domain registrar's DNS settings:

TXT Record (Ownership Verification)

This record proves you own the domain.

TypeName/HostValue
TXT_qrcodly.linksqrcodly-verification=abc123...

The exact name and value will be shown in QRcodly after you add your domain. Copy them exactly as displayed.

CNAME Record (Traffic Routing)

This record directs traffic from your subdomain to QRcodly's servers.

TypeName/HostValue
CNAMElinkscustom.qrcodly.de

The Name/Host field should only contain the subdomain part (e.g., links), not the full domain. Some providers may require the full subdomain — check your provider's documentation.

DNS Provider Examples

Cloudflare

  1. Go to your domain in Cloudflare Dashboard
  2. Click DNS in the sidebar
  3. Click Add Record
  4. For the TXT record: Select "TXT", enter the name and value from QRcodly
  5. For the CNAME record: Select "CNAME", enter the subdomain name, set content to custom.qrcodly.de
  6. Important: Set the Proxy status to DNS only (grey cloud) for the CNAME record

GoDaddy

  1. Go to your domain's DNS Management
  2. Click Add under the Records section
  3. For TXT: Select "TXT" type, enter the host and value from QRcodly
  4. For CNAME: Select "CNAME" type, enter the subdomain as host, and custom.qrcodly.de as the value
  5. Save your changes

Namecheap

  1. Go to Domain List and click Manage next to your domain
  2. Click Advanced DNS
  3. Click Add New Record
  4. Add both TXT and CNAME records with the values from QRcodly
  5. Save all changes

Step 4: Verify Your Domain

After configuring DNS records, go back to QRcodly:

  1. Find your domain in the list
  2. Click the menu icon (three dots)
  3. Select Verify or Setup Instructions to check the status

QRcodly will check if your DNS records are correctly configured. This verification can take a few minutes to a few hours depending on DNS propagation.

Verification Phases

PhaseStatusWhat it means
DNS VerificationPendingWaiting for TXT and CNAME records to be detected
DNS VerificationPartial (1/2)One record verified, one still pending
SSL SetupPendingDNS verified, now setting up SSL certificate
ReadyActiveDomain is fully configured and ready to use

DNS changes can take anywhere from a few minutes to 48 hours to propagate worldwide. If verification fails, wait a bit and try again.

Step 5: Set as Default

Once your domain is verified, set it as your default domain so it will be used for all new dynamic QR codes:

  1. Click the menu icon next to your domain
  2. Select Set as Default

This step is important! Only after setting your custom domain as default will new dynamic QR codes automatically use it for their short URLs.

Troubleshooting

DNS records not detected

  • Wait longer: DNS propagation can take up to 48 hours
  • Check for typos: Make sure you copied the values exactly as shown in QRcodly
  • Verify record type: Ensure you're using TXT (not A) and CNAME (not A or AAAA)
  • Check the host field: Some providers want just the subdomain (links), others want the full name (links.example.com)

SSL certificate pending

  • SSL certificates are automatically issued after DNS verification
  • This usually takes a few minutes but can occasionally take longer
  • If it's been more than an hour, try clicking Verify again

Domain shows error status

  • Check if your domain registrar has any restrictions on CNAME records
  • Make sure the CNAME record isn't proxied (Cloudflare users: use DNS-only mode)
  • Contact support if the issue persists

Existing QR codes not using new domain

  • QR codes created before adding your custom domain will keep their original URLs
  • To use your custom domain, edit the QR code and select your domain from the dropdown
  • Or create a new QR code with your custom domain selected

Need Help?

If you're having trouble setting up your custom domain, contact our support team and we'll help you get everything working.

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