This document summarizes frequently asked questions regarding custom domain and DNS settings in Shifter, as well as the scope of support.
Basic Setup
Q. How do I set up a custom domain in Shifter?
Select the project in the Shifter dashboard and add the custom domain under the “Domain” settings. After adding it, configure one of the following records with your registrar or DNS provider.
- A Record: When setting up an apex domain (
example.com) (for DNS providers that do not support CNAME flattening) - CNAME Record: When setting up a subdomain (
www.example.com, etc.)
The configuration values are displayed on the “Domain” settings screen in the Shifter admin console.
Q. How long does it take for DNS changes to take effect after configuration?
It typically takes a few minutes to a maximum of 48 hours for DNS changes to propagate worldwide. If the changes do not take effect immediately after configuration, please wait a while and check again.
You can check the propagation status using tools such as whatsmydns.net.
Q. My SSL certificate isn’t being issued. How can I resolve this?
To issue an SSL certificate, your DNS records must be configured correctly and have fully propagated. Please check the following:
- Whether the values specified in the Shifter admin panel (CNAME or A records) are set correctly
- Whether DNS propagation is complete ( check using the
digcommand or whatsmydns.net) - Retry issuing the SSL certificate in the Shifter management console
If the issue persists after checking the above, please contact support.
Redirects with or without “www”
Q. I want to redirect traffic to www.example.com when accessing example.com (Apex domain). How do I do this?
The procedure varies depending on your DNS provider.
If you use a provider that supports CNAME flattening, such as Cloudflare
Since Cloudflare supports CNAME flattening, you can configure a CNAME record for your apex domain.
If you use Route 53
You can configure the Apex domain by using Route 53’s ALIAS record.
If you use a provider that does not support CNAME flattening, such as Onamae.com’s standard DNS
Since you cannot set a CNAME record for the Apex domain, please consider one of the following methods.
| Method | Overview | Suitable Cases |
|---|---|---|
| External redirection services such as EasyRedir | Redirect the Apex domain to the redirection service using an A record to implement HTTP redirection | When you want to minimize changes to DNS settings |
| Migrating DNS to Cloudflare | Change the nameservers to Cloudflare and configure redirection using CNAME flattening + Page Rules | When you want to centralize DNS management in the long term |
| Route 53 ALIAS Record | Configure the Apex domain using an AWS Route 53 ALIAS record | When you are already using an AWS environment |
Please note that any contracts and fees for external services such as EasyRedir are the customer’s responsibility.
Q. When accessing www.example.com, I want to be redirected to example.com (the apex domain). The standard method is to configure the version with
The common approach is to set the www version as the custom domain in Shifter and forward the apex domain to www. For forwarding on the apex domain, use your registrar’s or DNS provider’s URL forwarding/redirect feature.
If you are unsure how to proceed, please contact support.
Configuration by Major DNS Provider
Q. What are the key points to keep in mind when configuring Cloudflare?
- We recommend setting the “Proxy” option (orange cloud icon) for the DNS record to “DNS Only” (gray cloud). Enabling Cloudflare’s proxy may affect SSL certificate issuance on the Shifter side.
- Since Shifter supports CNAME flattening, you can also set a CNAME record for your Apex domain.
Q. What should I keep in mind when configuring this with Onamae.com?
- Onamae.com’s standard DNS does not support CNAME flattening. Set an A record for the apex domain.
- It may take some time for DNS records to propagate (setting a shorter TTL makes it easier to verify).
Q. What are the key points to keep in mind when configuring settings in Route 53 (AWS)?
- Use standard CNAME records for subdomains.
- For Apex domains, you can achieve the same configuration as a CNAME by using an ALIAS record (A or AAAA).
About Support Coverage
Q. What types of DNS and domain configuration issues can I consult support about?
The following topics are covered by free support:
- Setting up a custom domain for your Shifter project (guidance on CNAME/A record values)
- Guidance on configuration with major registrars/DNS providers such as Cloudflare, Route 53, Onamae.com, and MuuMuu Domain
- Troubleshooting SSL certificate issuance errors (for certificates managed by Shifter)
- Guidance on setting up redirects with or without “www”
- Guidance on how to check DNS propagation status
Q. Are there any issues that support cannot handle (outside the scope of support)?
The following are outside the scope of free support:
- Configuration changes for servers or proxies not managed by Shifter
- Acting on your behalf to register or transfer domains
- Acting on your behalf to sign up for external services such as EasyRedir
Q. I would like to request more complex configurations or detailed, individualized support.
For matters exceeding the standard scope of support (such as complex DNS configurations or on-site assistance with migration), we will review the details and provide a customized quote. Please feel free to contact us via the support chat first.
Contact Us
If you are having trouble with domain or DNS settings, please provide the following information so we can assist you more efficiently:
- Your registrar (e.g., Onamae.com, Cloudflare, Route 53)
- The domain you are trying to configure (e.g., example.com)
- Your current DNS records (a screenshot of the settings page would be helpful)
- Details of any errors occurring (screenshots or specific error messages)