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Custom Domains & DNS

Last updated on Apr 04, 2026

Custom Domains

LinkMe supports two ways to connect your custom domain:

  1. Use Manual Setup: you create the DNS CNAME record yourself.
  2. Connect DNS automatically: you authorize your DNS provider through Domain Connect and LinkMe creates the DNS record for you.

If the hostname is already connected to another app/team, LinkMe uses a DNS TXT ownership challenge and a short grace window before transfer completes.

App settings screen showing custom domain controls

Before you start

  • Use a subdomain you control (recommended), for example: link.example.com
  • CNAME target for LinkMe is: cname.li-nk.me
  • Keep only one active custom domain per app unless your plan/workflow requires more

Option 1: Use Manual Setup

  1. Open your app in LinkMe Portal: App Settings -> Connect your domain
  2. Enter your hostname (for example link.example.com)
  3. Click Use Manual Setup
  4. In your DNS provider, create:
    • Type: CNAME
    • Host/Name: link (or full host link.example.com, depending on provider UI)
    • Target/Value: cname.li-nk.me
  5. Wait for DNS propagation, then save/confirm in LinkMe

If hostname is already connected elsewhere

When you try to connect a hostname that is already attached to another app/team:

  1. LinkMe returns a TXT challenge record (for example _linkme-challenge.link.example.com = <token>).
  2. Add the TXT record exactly as shown.
  3. Retry connection after DNS propagation.
  4. LinkMe marks transfer as pending and keeps the current owner active during the grace window.
  5. After re-verification, LinkMe transfers the hostname and sends email notifications to both sides.

Option 2: Connect DNS automatically (Domain Connect)

  1. Open your app in LinkMe Portal: App Settings -> Connect your domain
  2. Enter your hostname (for example link.example.com)
  3. Click Connect DNS automatically
  4. You will be redirected to your DNS provider authorization screen
  5. Approve DNS changes and return to LinkMe
  6. LinkMe attaches your domain automatically

If your DNS provider does not support Domain Connect (or your provider has not enabled LinkMe template support yet), use Manual Setup.

HTTPS and verification

  • After DNS points to LinkMe, HTTPS is provisioned automatically.
  • Certificate issuance may take a few minutes after DNS propagation.
  • iOS/Android association endpoints are served on your connected domain once DNS + TLS are active.

Cloudflare note

  • For LinkMe custom-domain CNAME records, Cloudflare should be configured as DNS only (not proxied) unless specifically validated for your setup.
  • If your record is proxied and app deep-link behavior is inconsistent, switch the CNAME to DNS only and retry.

Troubleshooting

"Domain Connect is not available for this domain"

  • Your DNS provider may not support Domain Connect for this domain.
  • The provider may support Domain Connect but not yet have LinkMe template onboarding enabled.
  • Use Manual Setup in the meantime.

"DNS may still be propagating"

  • This is normal right after record creation.
  • Wait a few minutes and recheck the domain.

Domain does not attach

  • Confirm CNAME points exactly to cname.li-nk.me
  • Remove conflicting A/AAAA/CNAME records on the same host label
  • Ensure no typo in hostname (for example extra dot or wrong subdomain)
  • If this hostname is currently in use by another app/team, confirm the TXT challenge record is present exactly as shown by LinkMe.