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1. Register the Domain in Davnode

Navigate to your Davnode dashboard and add your intended custom domain.

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2. Configure DNS Records

Access the DNS management console of your domain registrar (e.g., Cloudflare, Porkbun, Spaceship, Namecheap, GoDaddy, Dynadot).
Recommendation. For domain registration, we recommend Porkbun or Spaceship. For DNS management, we recommend Cloudflare.

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Step 2.1: Verify Domain Ownership

To activate your custom domain, you must prove ownership by adding a specific TXT record.
  1. Copy the unique verification token from your Davnode domain dashboard.
  2. Add the following record to your DNS provider:
DNS Zone file

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Step 2.2: Add Service Records

Add the following records to configure email delivery, security protocols, and service discovery. Bulk Import Method (Recommended for Cloudflare users): You can copy the block below, save it as a dns.txt file, and import it directly into your Cloudflare DNS dashboard.
Important: Cloudflare Configuration. If you are using Cloudflare, you must disable the Proxy Status for all Davnode records. Ensure the cloud icon is set to DNS Only (Grey Cloud), not Proxied (Orange Cloud).

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3. Verify DNS Propagation

Once you have added the records, return to your Davnode dashboard. Click the Verify DNS button. The system will check for the propagated records.
Note: DNS propagation can take anywhere from a few minutes to 24 hours depending on your provider. If verification fails immediately, please wait a few minutes and try again.

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Understanding the @ in DNS Zone Files

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What Does @ Mean?

The @ symbol is simply a placeholder used in your DNS settings to stand for your entire domain name. It’s the easiest way to refer to the main address of your website. Think of it as a nickname for your primary domain.
If your website is mycustomdomain.com, putting @ in the Name field is the exact same thing as writing out mycustomdomain.com every time.

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Why Use the Shortcut?

  1. Saves Time: It’s faster to type @ than the full domain name.
  2. Keeps it Clean: It makes your configuration file much easier to read and manage.

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Practical Equivalence

Both of these records do the exact same job: is the simple way of writing:

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Appendix: DNS Record Reference

Below is a detailed explanation of the records configured in the previous step.

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MX Record (Mail Exchange)

Function: Routes incoming email. Directs the internet to deliver emails addressed to your domain to Davnode’s mail servers. DNS Zone file
Mail server

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TXT Record (SPF)

Function: Sender Policy Framework (Anti-Spam). Authorizes Davnode’s servers to send email on your behalf, preventing your messages from being flagged as spam by receivers. DNS Zone file
Content

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CNAME (DMARC)

Function: Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance. Instructs external email providers on how to handle emails that fail authentication (e.g., attempts to spoof your domain). DNS Zone file

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CNAME (DKIM)

Function: DomainKeys Identified Mail. Adds a cryptographic signature to your emails, allowing the receiver to verify that the email was actually sent by you and was not altered in transit. DNS Zone file

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CNAME (MTA-STS)

Function: Mail Transfer Agent Strict Transport Security. Enforces TLS encryption for incoming emails, ensuring that messages sent to you are secure while in transit. DNS Zone file

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CNAME (Autodiscover)

Function: Client Auto-Configuration. Allows email clients (Outlook, Apple Mail, Thunderbird) to automatically detect server settings, requiring only your email and password for setup. DNS Zone file

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CNAME (DAVs)

Function: Service Discovery. Enables automatic discovery for Calendar (CalDAV) and Contact (CardDAV) synchronization across devices. DNS Zone file