How-to complete the validation process for your linked domain

If you've connected an external domain to your Lodgify website but are unable to complete the setup or the process is stuck at the validation stage, please follow the steps below to ensure all instructions have been correctly followed.

Stuck at step 1: Validate CAA and DNSSEC Settings

If you're stuck on the first step, it's likely due to active CAA or DNSSEC settings in your domain configuration. Please follow these instructions to verify and disable them:

1. Disable CAA and DNSSEC in your domain's DNS settings via your domain registrar or DNS provider.
2. To confirm they've been disabled, use a public DNS lookup tool (we recommend DNS Lookup). Search for your domain and select "All record types."
   
   
   
3. Scroll down to the DS and DNSKEY sections—these are related to DNSSEC.
   1. These sections should be empty if DNSSEC is properly disabled.
   2. If you still see values under DS or DNSKEY, you’ll need to go back and disable DNSSEC and any active CAA records from your DNS settings.
      
      

Stuck at step 2: Validate TXT and CNAME Records

If you're stuck on Step 2 of the domain linking process, it's likely due to issues with your TXT or CNAME records. Please follow the steps below to confirm everything is correctly configured:

Verify TXT Record

To check that your TXT record is correctly added:

1. Use a public DNS lookup tool (we recommend DNS Lookup)
2. Search using the TXT value provided by Lodgify, combined with your domain.
   
   Example: http://_cf-custom-hostname.myd0main10.com/ 
3. Select TXT as the record type.

The result should return the TXT value provided in your Lodgify account.
If you don’t see it, it means the record hasn’t been added correctly in your DNS settings.

Verify CNAME Record

Now, confirm that the required CNAME record is correctly:

1. Use the same DNS lookup tool.
2. Search using the CNAME value provided by Lodgify, combined with your domain.
   
   Example: _acme-challenge.myd0main10.com
3. Select CNAME as the record type.

The result should return the CNAME value from your Lodgify account.
If not, make sure the correct value is entered in your DNS settings.

Remove Conflicting CNAME Records

Log into your domain registrar and go to the DNS Management section.

1. Make sure there are no CNAME records that conflict with your domain.
   For example, if your domain is myd0main10.com, ensure there isn't another CNAME record with the exact same name.
2. Delete any old or unused CNAME records to avoid conflicts.

Stuck at step 3. Validate A Records

If you're still stuck on Step 3, the issue might be with your A Records. These records are essential for connecting your domain and subdomain (e.g., www) to Lodgify's servers.

Follow these steps to ensure the records have been added properly.

1. Log into your domain host account.
2. Go to the DNS Management section.
3. Confirm that both A Records are present and correctly configured:
   1. One for yourdomain.com
   2. One for www.yourdomain.com
      
      Both should point to the Lodgify IP address provided in your Lodgify account.

Confirm A Record Propagation

To ensure the A Records are properly set up and have propagated:

1. Use a public DNS lookup tool (we recommend DNS Lookup)
2. Search for:
   1. yourdomain.com (select A Record)
   2. www.yourdomain.com (select A Record)
   3. The tool should return two A Records—both pointing to Lodgify’s IP address.
3. If either result is missing or incorrect, recheck your DNS settings and update them accordingly.

If the A Records are already in place, try flushing your DNS cache to help the changes propagate:

1. Visit a DNS flush tool.
2. Enter yourdomain.com, select A Record, and click Flush.
3. Repeat the process for www.yourdomain.com.