Brand on the URL
Visitors land on your domain instead of only a platform preview link.
How it works in HaWa
Premium connect → DNS → verify → serve
- 1
Premium unlocks the domain panel
By default only Premium sites can connect a custom domain. Without entitlement the API returns 402. Free sites stay on the platform host/preview flow.
- 2
You connect a hostname you already own
HaWa does not sell domains. In the dashboard Domain tab you add the host and follow nameserver / A / CNAME guidance (DigitalOcean nameservers are prompted; A/CNAME targets come from platform env config).
- 3
Check DNS until verified
Use Check DNS in the panel. Verification queries public DNS. Status moves from pending to verified when records match. Propagation commonly takes hours — not seconds.
- 4
Traffic routes to your published HTML
Verified hosts are served through HaWa’s custom-domain path. The dashboard itself always stays on the platform host. Serving still requires an active Premium/custom-domain entitlement.
Outcomes
What you get out of it
Clear Free vs Premium boundary
Domain connect is a paid entitlement — evaluate the page on Free first.
Self-serve DNS checklist
Connect, verify, and disconnect from the dashboard without a ticket for routine cases.
Realistic go-live expectations
Plan for DNS propagation (often 1–5 hours) rather than instant cutover.
Questions
Feature FAQ
Can free sites use a custom domain?+
Not with default plan settings. Custom domains require Premium (unless an admin changes plan configuration).
Does HaWa register domains for me?+
No. You buy/manage the domain at your registrar, then point DNS/nameservers as instructed in the Domain panel.
How long until the domain works?+
After correct DNS, verification can succeed once public DNS updates — often within a few hours. Instant cutover is not guaranteed.
What if Premium lapses?+
Serving on the custom domain still checks entitlement. Without Premium/custom-domain access, the domain path can stop serving the site.