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# Google domain setup
- URL: https://ghost.org/help/google-domain-setup/
- Published: 2023-03-27T17:40:00.000Z
- Updated: 2024-03-12T13:28:49.000Z
- Description: Learn how to setup a custom domain with Ghost(Pro) and Namecheap.
- Author: Ghost
- Tags: Ghost(Pro)

⚠️

Google Domains was acquired by Squarespace back in September of 2023\. For those who own domains purchased via Google, that have already migrated to Squarespace, follow the [Squarespace domain setup guide](https://ghost.org/help/squarespace-domain-setup/).

Using a custom domain with Ghost(Pro) not only makes your site memorable, but also establishes your publication as a professional brand.

You can connect any domain or subdomain you've purchased from Google Domains to your Ghost(Pro) publication by adding a CNAME record to your domain's DNS settings. SSL certificates are automatically provisioned (and renewed each year) for you. 

Regardless of how a user enters your publication's URL in their browser, they'll always be directed to the correct site. 

If you own a domain through Google Domains, the following steps explain how you can map your custom domain to your Ghost(Pro) publication.

## Step 1: Access Domain DNS Settings

The first step in setting up your custom domain is to sign into your [Google Domains](https://domains.google/) account and head over to your domain's DNS settings.

## Step 2: Create CNAME Records

In the "Custom resource records" section of your DNS settings, create the following DNS records:

| Subdomain DNS Configuration |     | Record Type          | Host | Value |
| --------------------------- | --- | -------------------- | ---- | ----- |
| CNAME                       | www | <subdomain>.ghost.io |      |       |
| A                           | @   | 178.128.137.126      |      |       |

**Note:** The `A` record will automatically redirect the `http` and `https` root domain to the subdomain you configure.

**Root Domain Configuration**  
Google Domains **does not support `CNAME` root domain configurations** and using an `A` record to achieve a root domain is not supported. To setup a root domain configuration, we recommend that you consider using [Cloudflare](https://ghost.org/help/cloudflare-domain-setup/) for additional flexibility.

## Step 3: Activate the Custom Domain

Login to your publication's Ghost Admin area, and go to the **Ghost(Pro) > Domain** settings.

Click **Setup**, and enter your custom domain into the custom domain field, then click **Activate**, to activate your custom domain.