What are Custom Domains?

Custom domains let you use your own domain (like api.yourdomain.com) instead of auto-generated Tunnelwise URLs. This provides:

• Stable URLs that persist across tunnel sessions
• Professional appearance for client demos and presentations
• Automatic SSL certificates without manual configuration
• Better integration with webhooks and third-party services

How It Works

1. Configure your tunnel in Tunnelwise with your custom domain
2. Add a CNAME record in your DNS provider pointing to Tunnelwise
3. Tunnelwise handles SSL provisioning and traffic routing automatically

Setup Instructions

Step 1: Configure Tunnelwise

In your Tunnelwise app:

1. Select your tunnel and click Edit
2. Enable "Use Custom Domain"
3. Enter your FQDN (e.g., api.yourdomain.com)
4. Click Save

Note: You cannot use root domains (e.g., yourdomain.com). Always use a subdomain.

Step 2: Add DNS Record

Add a CNAME record at your DNS provider:

Step 3: Verify Configuration

DNS changes typically propagate within 1-4 hours. Verify your setup:

# Check DNS resolution
dig your-subdomain.yourdomain.com CNAME

# Or use nslookup
nslookup your-subdomain.yourdomain.com

# Test the tunnel
curl https://your-subdomain.yourdomain.com

Provider-Specific Guides

Select your DNS provider for detailed instructions:

• 📘 Cloudflare - Free DNS with global CDN
• 📗 GoDaddy - Popular domain registrar
• 📙 Hostinger - Affordable hosting with DNS
• 📕 AWS Route 53 - Enterprise-grade DNS

Other Providers

The process is similar for other providers:

• Namecheap: Domain List → Manage → Advanced DNS → Add New Record
• Google Domains: My domains → Manage → DNS → Custom records
• DigitalOcean: Networking → Domains → Add Record → CNAME
• Bluehost: Domains → Zone Editor → Add Record → CNAME

Important Considerations

DNS Requirements

• CNAME only - Cannot use A or AAAA records
• Subdomains only - Root domains don't support CNAME
• No proxying - Disable Cloudflare proxy if using (gray cloud)
• TTL settings - Use 300-600 seconds for faster updates during testing

Security Best Practices

1. Implement authentication in your application
2. Stop tunnels when not in use to disable the access to your Web application

Troubleshooting

Domain Not Resolving

Check these common issues:

• CNAME record saved correctly
• No typos in domain names
• DNS propagation complete (use whatsmydns.net)
• Tunnel is running in Tunnelwise
• Browser DNS cache cleared

Record Conflicts

If you can't add the CNAME:

• Remove existing A/AAAA/CNAME records for the same subdomain
• Check for conflicting wildcard records
• Try a different subdomain

FAQ

Can I use my root domain?
No, CNAME records cannot be created for root domains. Use subdomains like tunnel.yourdomain.com.

How many custom domains can I use?

• Single License: 2 custom domains
• Multi-Device License: 4 custom domains (2 per license)

Is it secure?
Yes, all traffic is encrypted with TLS. Tunnelwise automatically provisions SSL certificates.

Do custom domains expire?
No, they work indefinitely as long as you maintain your Tunnelwise config and your DNS records.

Need Help?

1. Check the Tunnelwise Documentation
2. Review existing issues on Github. Feel free to open a new issue if you need further assistance
3. Select your DNS provider guide above for specific instructions