PWA Custom Domain

This help guide walks you through setting up a custom domain to make your app easily accessible and professional. Learn how to connect a new domain specifically for your app or use a subdomain of your existing website, such as app.yourdomain.com. This guide provides step-by-step instructions on configuring redirects and CNAME records, finding your unique app code on the AppInstitute Dashboard, and ensuring a smooth setup process. Perfect for first-time users, this guide will help you make your app’s web address simple, memorable, and brand-aligned.

David Hall
Written by David HallLast update 9 days ago

Setting Up a Custom Domain for Your App

To make your app easily accessible, we recommend setting up a custom domain. This can either be a new domain purchased specifically for the app or a subdomain of an existing domain, like app.yourdomain.com.

Tip: Make sure to replace {{appcode}} with your unique app code. You can find your app code on your AppInstitute Dashboard, just under the App Icon and App Name, or in the bottom right-hand corner of the app builder when editing your app.


Option 1: Using a New Domain

If you’re purchasing a new domain specifically for your app, here’s how to set it up:

  1. Purchase a Domain: Visit a domain provider, such as GoDaddy, Namecheap, or Google Domains, to buy a new domain for your app.

  2. Set Up a 301 or 302 Redirect:

    • Log in to your domain provider’s account.

    • Locate the Redirect or Forwarding option in your domain settings.

    • Enter your app’s link as the destination:

      • Link format: https://{{appcode}}.appbuild.io

      • Example (replace with your app code): https://myappcode.appbuild.io

    • Choose either 301 (Permanent) or 302 (Temporary) based on your preference.

    • Save the settings.

  3. Test the Redirect: After saving, type your new domain into a browser to check if it correctly redirects to your app’s PWA link.


Option 2: Using a Subdomain of an Existing Domain

If you already have a website domain, you can use a subdomain like app.yourdomain.com for your app:

  1. Log In to Your Domain Provider: Access the account where your domain is hosted.

  2. Create a Subdomain:

    • Go to the DNS settings or Domain Management section.

    • Look for an option to Add Subdomain or Manage DNS.

  3. Set Up a CNAME Record:

    • In the DNS settings, add a CNAME record for your subdomain.

    • Name/Host: Enter your desired subdomain name, such as app.

    • Target/Value: Enter your app’s PWA link without the https:// prefix, using your app code:

      • Format: {{appcode}}.appbuild.io

      • Example (replace with your app code): myappcode.appbuild.io

  4. Save the Settings: After entering these values, save the CNAME record.

  5. Test the Subdomain: Open a browser and type in your new subdomain (e.g., app.yourdomain.com). It should take you directly to your app’s PWA link.


Where to Find Your App Code

  • Dashboard: Log in to your AppInstitute Dashboard, and find your app code displayed just below your App Icon and App Name.

  • App Builder: If you’re editing your app in the AppInstitute App Builder, look to the bottom right corner to locate your app code.

Example: If your app code is "myappcode", then your custom domain setup should point to https://myappcode.appbuild.io.


Need Help?

If you need further assistance setting up a custom domain, feel free to reach out to our support team.


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