---
layout: article
title: Add external domain
description: Add a domain registered with another registrar and delegate DNS to Appwrite without moving registration.
---

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 {% #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 {% #point-nameservers %}

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

```text
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.

{% info title="DNS propagation" %}
Nameserver changes can take up to 48 hours to propagate globally. During propagation, verification may fail intermittently.
{% /info %}

# Verify {% #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 {% #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](/docs/products/domains/manage-dns#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](/docs/products/domains/manage-dns#import-and-export-a-zone-file) if you exported records from your previous DNS provider.

# Apex vs subdomain {% #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](/docs/products/network/dns#using-cname-flattening) in the Network DNS docs. Organization **Domains** is intended for full-zone management via Appwrite nameservers.

# Connect to products {% #connect-to-products %}

After verification, [connect to products](/docs/products/domains/connect) for Sites, Functions, and API custom domains.

# Delete a domain {% #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](/docs/products/domains/delete) for single and bulk delete and registry implications.

You can [change organization](/docs/products/domains/change-organization) from the **Settings** tab. See [Registration](/docs/products/domains/registration) for organization scope and plan limits.