How to use a custom domain on Blogger
In Blogger, open Settings, choose Custom domain under Publishing and enter your address. Blogger shows an error with two CNAME records. Add both at your DNS provider, wait at least an hour, then repeat the step. To make the bare domain work too, add four A records and turn on Redirect domain.
What you need before you start
You need two things: a Blogger blog and a domain you control. If you do not own a name yet, search for one on /domains/ or browse ideas on /ideas/. Names that are already in use are sold on our marketplace at /#browse, with payment held in escrow.
You also need access to the DNS settings of wherever the domain is managed. That might be the registrar's panel or a separate DNS host. If you are unsure where your DNS lives, ask whoever registered the name for you. Having the login ready saves time later.
Add the domain inside Blogger
Blogger starts the process, so begin there. Do this once the domain is in your hands:
- Open your blog in Blogger and go to Settings.
- Under Publishing, click Custom domain.
- Type your domain, usually with www in front, and click Save.
- Blogger shows an error. This is expected. It lists two CNAME records that you must create.
Create the two CNAME records
The first record is for your blog. Its name is your subdomain, such as www, and it points to ghs.google.com. The second is a security record. Its name and value are unique to your blog and Google account, so copy them exactly from the Blogger screen.
Add both in your DNS panel. Some panels want only the host part, for example www, not the full name. Copy the long second value carefully, with no extra spaces. Then wait at least one hour, go back to Blogger and repeat the Custom domain step so the setup completes.
Make the bare domain work
Many visitors type your address without www. To handle that, first delete any existing A records for the bare domain. Then add four A records for it, pointing to 216.239.32.21, 216.239.34.21, 216.239.36.21 and 216.239.38.21.
Next, return to Blogger Settings, find Publishing and turn on Redirect domain. This sends visitors from example.com to www.example.com. Keep one main address, as it is tidier for anyone sharing your link. Our /guides/ section has more DNS basics.
HTTPS and common problems
If your domain has CAA records, add one for letsencrypt.org. Without it, Blogger cannot create or renew your SSL certificate. If you never set CAA records, you can ignore this.
Google says your old blogspot.com address can take up to 24 hours to redirect to the new domain. Its help pages also say DNS changes may take up to 48 hours to take effect. If Blogger still shows an error, check that both CNAME records match what Blogger shows and try again later.
Registering a .pk name? Read /register-pk-domain/ first, as the registrant name is fixed at registration.
Common questions
Why does Blogger show an error after I enter my domain?
That is expected. The error is how Blogger shows you the two CNAME records to create. Add them at your DNS provider, wait at least an hour and repeat the step.
Do I need A records?
Only if you want the bare domain, such as example.com, to open your blog. Remove old A records first, add the four Google addresses, then turn on Redirect domain in Blogger.
How long until my domain works?
Google says the old blogspot address can take up to 24 hours to redirect, and DNS changes can take up to 48 hours. Check again later before changing anything.
Can I use a .pk domain on Blogger?
Yes, the steps are the same for any extension where you can edit DNS. See /pk-domain/ for how .pk names work, including the two-year minimum term.
Can SastiDomains set this up for me?
We sell and register domains in your own name. The Blogger and DNS steps are done by you in your own accounts. Message us on WhatsApp if you need help choosing a name.