Connect Existing Domains

If you prefer to use an existing domain for your website, you can integrate it through your website’s domain management settings.

Connect your domain

1. Add your domain

1. Go to Manage Domains on your website.

2. Add your existing domain, such as yourdomain.com.

2. Update DNS records

1. Sign in to your domain provider’s control panel.

2. Create these DNS records:

Type: CNAME
Host/Name: @
Value/Points to: endpoint.rechat.site
TTL: Default (or 3600 seconds)

Type: CNAME
Host/Name: www
Value/Points to: endpoint.rechat.site
TTL: Default (or 3600 seconds)

Some providers do not allow a root (@) CNAME. Redirect yourdomain.com to www.yourdomain.com, then create only the www CNAME.

3. Wait for propagation

DNS propagation begins after you save the records. It can take a few hours, or up to 24 hours.

Your website becomes available on your custom domain after propagation completes.

4. Provider-specific guides

• GoDaddy

• Namecheap

• HostGator

Configure SSL

Your website needs a valid SSL certificate to load securely over HTTPS.

When you use the CNAME connection method, you manage SSL certificates. Rechat does not provision or renew them.

Without SSL, browsers may show security warnings. Your website may not load securely.

Option 1: Use your registrar’s SSL certificate

Many registrars sell SSL certificates for domains they manage.

1. Purchase an SSL certificate from your registrar.

2. Complete its domain validation process.

3. Install the certificate using its instructions.

4. Confirm that https://yourdomain.com loads without certificate warnings.

Choose this option if your registrar manages your DNS.

Option 2: Use Cloudflare’s free SSL

Cloudflare is the simplest option for most customers. It provides:

• Free SSL certificates with automatic renewal

• DNS management and a global CDN

• DDoS protection and performance features

1. Create a free Cloudflare account.

2. Add your domain to Cloudflare.

3. Update your registrar’s nameservers with Cloudflare’s nameservers.

4. Create the required Rechat DNS records in Cloudflare.

5. Enable Cloudflare SSL. Use Full or Full (strict) when applicable.

Cloudflare then manages certificate renewal automatically.

We recommend Cloudflare for most customers. You retain DNS control without managing certificate renewals.

Option 3: Transfer your domain to Cloudflare

You can transfer your domain registration to Cloudflare Registrar.

• Cloudflare manages both registration and DNS.

• Cloudflare manages SSL automatically.

• Billing and renewals move to Cloudflare.

This option is supported, but not generally recommended. Keep your registrar separate and use Cloudflare DNS for greater flexibility.

DNS ownership best practices

Connecting a domain does not transfer its ownership.

We recommend keeping:

• Domain registration in your own account

• DNS management under your control, or in Cloudflare

• SSL certificates with your chosen provider

This keeps you in control while Rechat hosts your website.

Frequently asked questions

Does Rechat provide SSL certificates?

No. With the CNAME connection method, SSL provisioning and renewal happen outside Rechat.

Will my website work without SSL?

DNS may resolve, but modern browsers expect HTTPS. Without a valid certificate, visitors may receive security warnings or be unable to load the website.

Which option should I choose?

Option	Best for	Recommendation
Registrar SSL	Keeping all services with your registrar	Good
Cloudflare free SSL	Most customers	Recommended
Transfer to Cloudflare	Using Cloudflare as your registrar	Supported, but not generally recommended

Will changing nameservers affect my domain?

Switching nameservers to Cloudflare does not transfer domain ownership. Your domain remains with its current registrar. Only DNS management changes.

Can I switch SSL providers later?

Yes. Keep your DNS records pointing to Rechat. You can change SSL providers without reconnecting the website.