A custom domain is a personalized web address, such as www.yourdomain.com. Using one for your Pixieset Website can help you create a professional online presence and keep your branding consistent.

Pixieset can automatically configure most custom domains, so you won’t need to manually update DNS records.

Early access: Automatic domain connection is currently in early access and may not be available in your account yet. If you do not see the options below, follow these manual set-up instructions instead.

On this page:

• Before you start
• Purchasing a custom domain
• Connecting an existing domain automatically
• Connecting an existing domain manually

Before you start

Note: An upgraded Website or Suite subscription is required to connect a domain to your Pixieset Website.

Pixieset hosts your website. To make custom domain setup easier, we work with IONOS and Entri:

• If you don’t own a domain, you can purchase one from IONOS through your Pixieset Website settings. You’ll use your IONOS account to manage and pay for the domain, including renewals.
• If you already own a domain, Entri helps connect it to your Pixieset Website automatically. Your domain stays with your current provider, where you’ll continue to manage and pay for it.

Purchasing a custom domain

If you do not already own a custom domain, you can purchase one directly through your Pixieset Website settings. Pixieset partners with IONOS to provide a simple, integrated way to purchase your domain and connect it to your website automatically.

Note: Your domain is purchased and registered with IONOS. After purchase, you will manage its billing, renewal, and registration details in your IONOS account.

To purchase and connect a custom domain:

1. Go to Settings > Domain in your site builder.
2. Click the pencil icon next to Custom Domain.
3. Select Buy a new domain, then click Next.
4. Search for and select your domain.
5. In the IONOS tab, confirm your domain and create an account.
6. Enter your payment details to complete the purchase.
7. Click Back to Pixieset.

Once your order is confirmed, your new domain will be connected to your website. Pixieset will then automatically generate a security certificate for your custom domain.

Note: Generating a security certificate is a one-time setup that may take up to 48 hours for Pixieset to complete. In the meantime, you can still access your non-HTTPS custom domain.

Connecting your custom domain automatically

If you already own a custom domain, Pixieset can connect it automatically through our domain connection partner, Entri. You will sign in to your domain provider through the connection flow and approve the changes Pixieset needs to make.

Note: Connecting your domain does not transfer its registration to Pixieset or IONOS.

To connect an existing domain you already own:

1. Go to Settings > Domain in your site builder.
2. Click the pencil icon next to Custom Domain.
3. Select Connect a domain you already own, then click Next.
4. Enter your domain, then click Next.
5. Click Connect, then Continue to open Entri.
6. Follow Entri’s instructions to sign in to your domain provider and approve the connection.

Once the connection is complete, you will be redirected to your Pixieset Website. Your domain’s settings will be configured, and Pixieset will automatically generate a security certificate for your custom domain.

Note: Generating a security certificate is a one-time setup that may take up to 48 hours for Pixieset to complete. In the meantime, you can still access your non-HTTPS custom domain.

Connecting an existing domain manually

If automatic connection isn’t available for your domain provider, you can connect your domain manually by updating its DNS records.

In your domain provider’s DNS settings, replace any existing website-related CNAME record for www and A records for @ that conflict with the Pixieset records below. Enter the values exactly as shown—do not customize them with your Pixieset username or domain.

Type	Host (or Alias)	Points to (or Data/Value)	TTL
CNAME	www	domain.pixieset.com	1 hour (or the minimum time allowed)
A	@	104.16.185.173	1 hour (or the minimum time allowed)
A	@	104.16.186.173	1 hour (or the minimum time allowed)

Once you have added the DNS records manually, you can connect your custom domain:

1. In your site builder, go to Settings > Domain.
2. Click the pencil icon and select Connect a domain you already own.
3. Enter your domain, then click Next.
4. Select the manual set-up option and follow the prompts to verify and save your domain.

DNS changes may take time to propagate. Once Pixieset detects the new records, your domain will connect and Pixieset will automatically generate a security certificate for your custom domain.

Note: Generating a security certificate is a one-time setup that may take up to 48 hours for Pixieset to complete. In the meantime, you can still access your non-HTTPS custom domain.

Troubleshooting for manual set-up

• If you can’t find your DNS records: Check that you are editing DNS with the correct provider. Your DNS provider may be different from the company where you originally purchased your domain.
• If you can’t modify your DNS records: Look for a section called Forwarding, Redirects, or something similar, and remove any forwards or redirects that conflict with the records above.
• If your provider does not accept @: Leave the Host field blank or enter your domain name instead.
• If your domain isn’t live right away: Setup typically completes within a few hours, but can take up to 48 hours while a security certificate is generated.