Add external domain_

If you already registered a domain elsewhere, you can add it to Appwrite and delegate DNS without transferring registration. The Console shows an external registrar for these domains. Appwrite manages DNS once nameservers are verified.

This guide walks you through adding the domain, updating nameservers, and restoring DNS records.

Add a domain

1. Open Domains in your organization.
2. Click Add domain.
3. Enter the domain name without a protocol (for example example.com or www.example.com).
4. Click Add domain to create the resource.

Appwrite creates the domain and pre-populates DNS records required for Appwrite network routing. Some of these records are locked and cannot be edited or deleted.

Point nameservers to Appwrite

At your DNS host or registrar, replace the domain's nameservers with:

ns1.appwrite.zone
ns2.appwrite.zone

This delegates DNS for the domain to Appwrite. Any existing DNS records at your previous host stop being authoritative once delegation propagates.

Verify

1. Return to the domain in the Appwrite Console.
2. When nameservers are correct, status changes to Verified and nameservers show Appwrite.
3. If verification fails, click Verify to retry after you confirm nameserver updates at your registrar.

Until verification succeeds, you cannot rely on Appwrite-managed DNS for product connections that require a verified zone.

Recreate existing records

Delegating nameservers to Appwrite replaces your previous DNS configuration for that domain. Recreate records Appwrite does not add automatically:

• MX and TXT for email (see Configure email in Manage DNS records)
• TXT for domain verification with third-party services
• CNAME or A records for non-Appwrite hosts

Use the Records tab or import a zone file if you exported records from your previous DNS provider.

Apex vs subdomain

You can add apex domains (example.com) or subdomains (app.example.com). For apex domains used only with CNAME-based products (Sites, Functions) without full NS delegation, see CNAME flattening in the Network DNS docs. Organization Domains is intended for full-zone management via Appwrite nameservers.

Connect to products

After verification, connect to products for Sites, Functions, and API custom domains.

Delete a domain

Removing a domain from Appwrite deletes its DNS zone in Appwrite. It does not cancel registration at your external registrar. See Delete a domain for single and bulk delete and registry implications.

You can change organization from the Settings tab. See Registration for organization scope and plan limits.