When your IONOS custom domain name is set up correctly, yourdomain.com
will load your Format site with https://www.yourdomain.com
shown in the web browser address (URL) bar.
This guide uses jane-dovercourt.format.com
, janedovercourt.com
and yourdomain.com
as EXAMPLES ONLY. You will replace these with your own unique Format Address and Custom Domain Name.
Format Domain settings
-
From the lower-left of your Format sidebar, navigate to Settings
-
Click Domain and Email
-
Scroll down to the Format Address area
-
Replace the auto-generated Format Address with your own unique Format Address. It is best to match this as closely as possible to your actual custom domain name; in this example
jane-dovercourt
without the .com or other .tld (top-level-domain extension) -
Website Domain: your website can always be accessed through your Format address (in this example
https://jane-dovercourt.format.com
) -
Click Connect Your Domain to access and enter your existing custom domain name (see screenshot below)
Add your existing Custom Domain Name
-
Add your unique existing custom domain name. If you have previously used the same domain name with another Format website it will not be possible to use this without it being disconnected from the other website first. If you need help with this, you can reach out to our Success Team
-
Follow the instructions to update your domain registrar/provider's DNS settings to connect to your Format site (you will sign in to your IONOS account to complete the connection, see below)
-
Click Save Changes
Failed Connection
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Failed Connections happen when the correct connection settings have not been sent, or propagated (updated) from your domain registrar
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BEFORE you click the 'File a help request' link ensure you have completed the remaining steps in this guide below:
Sign in to IONOS
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Access your Domains & SSL tab and navigate to your custom domain (if you only have one domain, you may be brought here automatically)
-
Click on the DNS tab
Add a new record
Within the DNS panel, you will be able to view all of your domain's current DNS records. You will need to add one new record to connect your domain to your Format site.
-
Click Add record
External Nameservers Configured
If you have the Nameservers set to use another service, like ns1.wix.com
, or nsXXX.domaincontrol.com
, please check with one of our Success Team before changing, as you may lose access to any pre-configured services like emails that are managed outside of the IONOS control panel if the Nameservers are reset.
Add a CNAME Record
- Select the CNAME record option
- Input www in the Host name field
- Input your Format address into the Points to field. Do not use our example of
jane-dovercourt.format.com
- Set the TTL to 1 hour
- You can view a preview of your new CNAME record
- Click Save to add your new CNAME record
If there was an existing CNAME record on the www subdomain, you will not be able to save a second one, and will get an error message. Instead, edit the existing record, replacing the fields following the steps above.
Set up Domain Forwarding
Navigate back to your domain details panel, where you will see the following options:
- Click on Adjust Domain Forwarding
- Select Your domain for the Type
- Add your domain using the format
http://www.yourdomain.com
(in this case,http://www.janedovercourt.com
) - Ensure that Also set up for www subdomain is NOT selected
- Select HTTP redirect for the Redirect type
- Save the Domain Forward
You can now log out of IONOS after saving your Domain Forward, as there are no further steps that need to be taken within your domain's DNS or Forwarding area.
Check domain connection
Changes made in your IONOS account are not usually instant. They may take up to 24 to 48 hours to fully propagate and connect.
It is best to check your connection after 1 - 2 days.
You will know that your domain connection is working when you enter yourdomain.com
and your Format site loads with www.yourdomain.com
in the address bar.
Be sure to check that www is visible in the address bar along with a 'secure padlock' icon.
Custom Domain Connection Confirmed
-
Status updated to show as Connected
Your custom domain should connect within 48 hours once all Format settings and the IONOS DNS records have been set correctly.
Still not working?
You may feel you have done everything correctly, just as this guide says, but your domain is still not working.
Please send us a secure Domain Help Request so we can assist you.
2-factor authentication
IONOS may require 2-factor authentication when accessing your account. If so, please reach out to us via live chat once you have submitted the Domain Help Request form.
Still have questions? Reach us on our live chat or email us at info@format.com. We’re here to help!