> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.homespace.co/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Search, claim, and connect a business domain

> Search for an available domain, claim a free Homespace subdomain, or connect one you already own — all from the Domains tab in your dashboard.

The **Domains** page is your central place to manage every domain attached to your Homespace account. From a single screen you can claim a free Homespace subdomain, register a brand-new custom domain, or connect a domain you already own to your website and email.

<Note>
  Domain management is included on every paid Homespace plan. During the 14-day trial you can preview the Domains page, but provisioning unlocks once you upgrade from **Settings > Billing**.
</Note>

## Open the Domains page

In the dashboard sidebar, click **Domains**. The page lists every domain currently linked to your account, along with its status (Active, Pending, or Failed) and what it powers (Website, Email, or both).

If you've never set up a domain, the page opens in setup mode and walks you through claiming or connecting your first one.

## Claim a free Homespace subdomain

Every Homespace account is entitled to one free subdomain at `yourname.homespace.site`.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open the Domains page">
    Click **Domains** in the sidebar.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Pick your subdomain">
    Type the slug you want (for example, `acme-plumbing`) into the **Free subdomain** field. Homespace checks availability in real time.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Claim it">
    Click **Claim subdomain**. Your site goes live at the chosen address immediately, with SSL provisioned automatically.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Register a new custom domain

If you don't already own a domain, you can register one directly from Homespace.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Search for a domain">
    In the **Custom domain** search field, type the name you want (for example, `acmeplumbing.com`). Homespace shows availability and yearly pricing across common TLDs.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add it to your cart">
    Pick the TLD you want and click **Register**. The cost is billed against your Homespace subscription.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Confirm registrant info">
    Confirm the registrant contact details. Homespace handles WHOIS privacy automatically.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Wait for activation">
    Registration typically completes within a few minutes. Once active, the domain appears in your Domains list and is automatically pointed at your Homespace website.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Tip>
  Homespace covers up to \$20/year of the registration cost on your first domain when you register through the platform.
</Tip>

## Connect a domain you already own

If you already own a domain through another registrar, connect it to Homespace by adding a single DNS record.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Enter your domain">
    On the Domains page, click **Connect existing domain** and type the full domain (for example, `www.yourbusiness.com`).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add the DNS record">
    Homespace shows a CNAME record. Copy the name and value, then paste them into your registrar's DNS settings — usually under **DNS Management** or **Advanced DNS**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Verify">
    Return to Homespace and click **Verify connection**. Most DNS records propagate in 10–30 minutes; some registrars may take up to 48 hours.
  </Step>

  <Step title="SSL issued automatically">
    Once verification succeeds, Homespace provisions an SSL certificate. Your site loads over HTTPS without any extra steps.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## What each domain powers

Each domain in your list shows badges for the products it's wired to:

| Badge       | What it means                                                                            |
| ----------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Website** | Your published Homespace website is served from this domain.                             |
| **Email**   | Business email is provisioned on this domain (see [Email](/tools/email)).                |
| **Primary** | The domain visitors see by default — used in marketing links and customer-facing emails. |

You can change the primary domain at any time. Click the **⋯** menu next to a domain and select **Make primary**.

## Troubleshooting

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="My DNS record isn't verifying">
    Double-check that the host (or "name") field doesn't include your full domain. Most registrars expect just the subdomain piece (for example, `www` rather than `www.yourbusiness.com`). After saving, wait 15 minutes before clicking **Verify connection** again.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can I move a domain registered with Homespace to another registrar?">
    Yes. Contact support and we'll generate an authorization code so you can transfer the domain to any ICANN-accredited registrar. Transfers take 5–7 days to complete.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can I use one domain for both my website and email?">
    Yes. The same domain can power your website and host your business email at the same time. Set up email from the [Email](/tools/email) page after connecting your domain.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>