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Configure & Connect Purchased Domains

Learn how to configure a domain purchased through GHL Customer Care, manage DNS records, connect it to a funnel or website, and troubleshoot common setup issues.

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  1. Table of Contents
  2. What Is Purchased Domain Configuration?
  3. Key Benefits of Purchased Domain Configuration
  4. Supported DNS Records
  5. How to Manage a Purchased Domain
  6. Purchased Domain Status Troubleshooting
  7. Expected Domain Status
  8. When Manage Becomes Available
  9. What “Renews" on: -” Means
  10. What to Check
  11. When to Contact Support
  12. How to Add a DNS Record
  13. Root Domain A Records
  14. How to Connect a Purchased Domain
  15. Using a Root Domain for More Than One Site
  16. Frequently Asked Questions
  17. Related Articles

When you purchase a domain through GHL Customer Care, you can manage its DNS records and connect it to supported GHL Customer Care Sites without leaving the platform. This article explains where to find your purchased domain, how to manage its DNS records, and how to connect it to a Funnel, Website, Store, or Blog.

IMPORTANT: This article applies to domains purchased through GHL Customer Care. If you purchased the domain from another registrar, use the external domain connection process instead.

Table of Contents


What Is Purchased Domain Configuration?

Purchased Domain Configuration lets you manage a domain that was purchased directly through GHL Customer Care. Because GHL Customer Care manages the domain registration, you can view and update supported DNS records from the sub-account instead of signing in to a separate registrar.

You can use Purchased Domain Configuration to:

  • Add, edit, or remove supported DNS records.
  • Connect the domain to a Funnel, Website, Store, or Blog.
  • Review the domain's status and renewal information.
  • Manage the domain from the same GHL Customer Care sub-account where it was purchased.

Key Benefits of Purchased Domain Configuration

Managing a purchased domain inside GHL Customer Care keeps common domain tasks in one place and reduces the need to work between multiple platforms.

  • Centralized DNS Management: Add and manage supported DNS records directly in GHL Customer Care.
  • Faster Site Connection: Connect the domain to supported GHL Customer Care Sites using the guided connection flow.
  • Clear Domain Status: Review whether the domain is still being configured or is active and ready to manage.
  • No External Registrar Login: For domains purchased through GHL Customer Care, common DNS changes can be completed without opening another registrar account.

Supported DNS Records

GHL Customer Care supports managing the following DNS record types for purchased domains.

  • A: Points a domain or hostname to an IPv4 address.
  • CNAME: Points one hostname to another hostname.
  • AAAA: Points a domain or hostname to an IPv6 address.
  • MX: Identifies the mail servers responsible for receiving email for the domain.
  • TXT: Stores text-based information commonly used for domain verification and email authentication.
IMPORTANT: Be careful when changing DNS records that are already in use. Incorrect changes can affect websites, email, or other services connected to the domain.

How to Manage a Purchased Domain

Use the Purchased Domains area to open the domain's configuration and choose whether you want to manage DNS records or connect the domain to a GHL Customer Care site.

  1. From the sub-account, click Settings.
    Step 1 of 4: From the sub-account, click Settings What this shows Step 1 of 4: From the sub-account, click Settings. What this shows Shows what to click for step 1 of 4 in the "How to Manage a Purchased Domain" section of "Configure & Connect Purchased Domains". This screenshot accompanies step 1 of 4 in the "How to Manage a Purchased Domain" section of "Configure & Connect Purchased Domains". At this point in the walkthrough you from the sub-account, click Settings. For context, this section explains: Use the Purchased Domains area to open the domain's configuration and choose whether you want to manage DNS records or connect the domain to a GHL Customer Care site. This part of the guide covers 1 field, listed below. The next step is to open Domains and locate the domain under Purchased Domains. If the domain is still being prepared, its status may show Setting up your Domain and the Configure button may not yet be available. Step 1 of 4Image 1 of 8 What to clickFrom the sub-account, click Settings.
    Fields in this part of the guide The domain configuration page gives you two primary options:
    Buttons and menus referenced SettingsDomainsPurchased DomainsSetting up your DomainActiveConfigure
    Next stepOpen Domains and locate the domain under Purchased Domains. If the domain is still being prepared, its status may show Setting up your Domain and the Configure button may not yet be available.
    All 4 steps in this procedure
    1. From the sub-account, click Settings. this image
    2. Open Domains and locate the domain under Purchased Domains. If the domain is still being prepared, its status may show Setting up your Domain and the Configure button may not yet be available.
    3. Once the domain shows Active, click Configure.
    4. The domain configuration page gives you two primary options:
  2. Open Domains and locate the domain under Purchased Domains.

    If the domain is still being prepared, its status may show Setting up your Domain and the Configure button may not yet be available.

    Step 2 of 4: Open Domains and locate the domain under Purchased Domains. If the… What this shows Step 2 of 4: Open Domains and locate the domain under Purchased Domains. What this shows Shows where to go for step 2 of 4 in the "How to Manage a Purchased Domain" section of "Configure & Connect Purchased Domains". This screenshot accompanies step 2 of 4 in the "How to Manage a Purchased Domain" section of "Configure & Connect Purchased Domains". At this point in the walkthrough you open Domains and locate the domain under Purchased Domains. If the domain is still being prepared, its status may show Setting up your Domain and the Configure button may not yet be available. This part of the guide covers 1 field, listed below. The next step is to once the domain shows Active, click Configure. Step 2 of 4Image 2 of 8 Where to goOpen Domains and locate the domain under Purchased Domains. If the domain is still being prepared, its status may show Setting up your Domain and the Configure button may not yet be available.
    Fields in this part of the guide The domain configuration page gives you two primary options:
    Buttons and menus referenced DomainsPurchased DomainsSetting up your DomainSettingsActiveConfigure
    Next stepOnce the domain shows Active, click Configure.
    All 4 steps in this procedure
    1. From the sub-account, click Settings.
    2. Open Domains and locate the domain under Purchased Domains. If the domain is still being prepared, its status may show Setting up your Domain and the Configure button may not yet be available. this image
    3. Once the domain shows Active, click Configure.
    4. The domain configuration page gives you two primary options:
  3. Once the domain shows Active, click Configure.
    Step 3 of 4: Once the domain shows Active, click Configure What this shows Step 3 of 4: Once the domain shows Active, click Configure. What this shows Shows what to click for step 3 of 4 in the "How to Manage a Purchased Domain" section of "Configure & Connect Purchased Domains". This screenshot accompanies step 3 of 4 in the "How to Manage a Purchased Domain" section of "Configure & Connect Purchased Domains". At this point in the walkthrough you once the domain shows Active, click Configure. This part of the guide covers 1 field, listed below. The next step is to the domain configuration page gives you two primary options. Step 3 of 4Image 3 of 8 What to clickOnce the domain shows Active, click Configure.
    Fields in this part of the guide The domain configuration page gives you two primary options:
    Buttons and menus referenced ActiveConfigureSettingsDomainsPurchased DomainsSetting up your Domain
    Next stepThe domain configuration page gives you two primary options:
    All 4 steps in this procedure
    1. From the sub-account, click Settings.
    2. Open Domains and locate the domain under Purchased Domains. If the domain is still being prepared, its status may show Setting up your Domain and the Configure button may not yet be available.
    3. Once the domain shows Active, click Configure. this image
    4. The domain configuration page gives you two primary options:
  4. The domain configuration page gives you two primary options:
    • Add Record: Manually add a DNS record.
    • Connect this domain: Connect the domain to a supported GHL Customer Care Sites asset.
      Step 2 of 2: Connect this domain: Connect the domain to a supported GHL Customer Care… What this shows Step 2 of 2: Connect this domain: Connect the domain to a supported GHL Customer Care Sites asset. What this shows Shows what this covers for step 2 of 2 in the "How to Manage a Purchased Domain" section of "Configure & Connect Purchased Domains". This screenshot accompanies step 2 of 2 in the "How to Manage a Purchased Domain" section of "Configure & Connect Purchased Domains". At this point in the walkthrough you connect this domain: Connect the domain to a supported GHL Customer Care Sites asset. This part of the guide covers 1 field, listed below. Step 2 of 2Image 4 of 8 What this coversConnect this domain: Connect the domain to a supported GHL Customer Care Sites asset.
      Fields in this part of the guide The domain configuration page gives you two primary options:
      Buttons and menus referenced SettingsDomainsPurchased DomainsSetting up your DomainActiveConfigure
      All 2 steps in this procedure
      1. Add Record: Manually add a DNS record.
      2. Connect this domain: Connect the domain to a supported GHL Customer Care Sites asset. this image

 Purchased Domain Status Troubleshooting

Expected Domain Status

After purchase, the domain may show Setting up your Domain.

Once setup is complete, the domain should show Active and the Manage option should become available.

GHL Customer Care states that domain registration usually takes about 1 minute.

When Manage Becomes Available

The Manage option should appear after the domain becomes Active.

If the domain is still setting up, you may need to wait until provisioning is complete.

Screenshot placeholder: Show an Active domain with the Manage option.

What “Renews" on: -” Means

“Renews on” is the date when the purchased domain is scheduled to renew for another registration period.

For example, if it says Renews on: September 10, 2027, the domain is expected to renew on that date, assuming renewal remains enabled and the account can be charged.


What to Check

Before contacting Support:

  • Confirm the domain appears under Settings > Domains > Purchased Domains.

  • Check the current domain status.

  • Refresh the page.

  • Check whether Manage is available.

  • Look for any error messages.

  • Note what appears next to Renews on.

When to Contact Support

Contact GHL Customer Care Support if the domain stays in setup longer than expected, Manage does not become available, or you see an error.

Include the following:

  • Domain name

  • Screenshot of the domain status

  • What appears next to Renews on

  • Approximate purchase date and time

  • Any error message shown

This information helps Support review the domain provisioning status.

How to Add a DNS Record

Manual DNS management is useful when you need to add a specific record for a website, email service, verification process, or another connected service.

  1. From the purchased domain configuration page, click Add Record.
  2. Select the required DNS record Type.
  3. Enter the Name or host value.
  4. Enter the required destination or content value.
  5. Select the TTL value.
  6. Click Save.
How to Add a DNS Record (image 5 of 8) What this shows From the purchased domain configuration page, click Add Record. What this shows Illustrates the "How to Add a DNS Record" section of "Configure & Connect Purchased Domains". This screenshot appears in the "How to Add a DNS Record" section of "Configure & Connect Purchased Domains". The text alongside this image reads: From the purchased domain configuration page, click Add Record. Select the required DNS record Type. Enter the Name or host value. Enter the required destination or content value. Select the TTL value. Click Save. Immediately after, the guide continues: The fields shown can vary depending on the DNS record type you select. Image 5 of 8 What to fill inFrom the purchased domain configuration page, click Add Record. Select the required DNS record Type. Enter the Name or host value. Enter the required destination or content value. Select the TTL value. Click Save.
Buttons and menus referenced Add RecordTypeNameTTLSave
Next stepThe fields shown can vary depending on the DNS record type you select.
All 6 steps in this procedure
  1. From the purchased domain configuration page, click Add Record.
  2. Select the required DNS record Type.
  3. Enter the Name or host value.
  4. Enter the required destination or content value.
  5. Select the TTL value.
  6. Click Save.

The fields shown can vary depending on the DNS record type you select.

Root Domain A Records

When pointing a root domain, avoid creating multiple A records for the same root hostname unless your configuration specifically requires them.

Multiple A records for the same root domain can create DNS resolution conflicts, especially when GHL Customer Care needs to automatically add the required A record.


How to Connect a Purchased Domain

The Connect this domain option uses a guided flow to associate the purchased domain with content you built in GHL Customer Care.

  1. From the domain configuration page, click Connect this domain.
  2. Confirm the domain you want to connect.

    You can also choose whether to include the www version of the domain when that option is available.

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    Fields in this part of the guide FunnelWebsiteStoreBlog
    Buttons and menus referenced wwwConnect this domainContinueProceed to finish
    Next stepClick Continue and follow the prompts to add the required DNS records.
    Example values
    Website
    https://northgatedental.com

    Illustrative values showing the expected format. They are not read from the screenshot.

    All 7 steps in this procedure
    1. From the domain configuration page, click Connect this domain.
    2. Confirm the domain you want to connect. You can also choose whether to include the www version of the domain when that option is available. this image
    3. Click Continue and follow the prompts to add the required DNS records.
    4. Select what you want to connect the domain to:
    5. Choose the specific asset from the dropdown.
    6. Review any available additional options, then click Proceed to finish
    7. After configuration is complete, return to the purchased domain page and review the DNS records.
  3. Click Continue and follow the prompts to add the required DNS records.
  4. Select what you want to connect the domain to:
    • Funnel
    • Website
    • Store
    • Blog
  5. Choose the specific asset from the dropdown.
  6. Review any available additional options, then click Proceed to finish
    Step 6 of 7: Review any available additional options, then click Proceed to finish What this shows Step 6 of 7: Review any available additional options, then click Proceed to finish What this shows Shows what to click for step 6 of 7 in the "How to Connect a Purchased Domain" section of "Configure & Connect Purchased Domains". This screenshot accompanies step 6 of 7 in the "How to Connect a Purchased Domain" section of "Configure & Connect Purchased Domains". At this point in the walkthrough you review any available additional options, then click Proceed to finish. This part of the guide covers 4 fields, listed below. The next step is to after configuration is complete, return to the purchased domain page and review the DNS records. Step 6 of 7Image 7 of 8 What to clickReview any available additional options, then click Proceed to finish
    Fields in this part of the guide FunnelWebsiteStoreBlog
    Buttons and menus referenced Proceed to finishConnect this domainwwwContinue
    Next stepAfter configuration is complete, return to the purchased domain page and review the DNS records.
    Example values
    Website
    https://northgatedental.com

    Illustrative values showing the expected format. They are not read from the screenshot.

    All 7 steps in this procedure
    1. From the domain configuration page, click Connect this domain.
    2. Confirm the domain you want to connect. You can also choose whether to include the www version of the domain when that option is available.
    3. Click Continue and follow the prompts to add the required DNS records.
    4. Select what you want to connect the domain to:
    5. Choose the specific asset from the dropdown.
    6. Review any available additional options, then click Proceed to finish this image
    7. After configuration is complete, return to the purchased domain page and review the DNS records.
  7. After configuration is complete, return to the purchased domain page and review the DNS records.
    Step 7 of 7: After configuration is complete, return to the purchased domain page… What this shows Step 7 of 7: After configuration is complete, return to the purchased domain page and review the DNS records. What this shows Shows what this covers for step 7 of 7 in the "How to Connect a Purchased Domain" section of "Configure & Connect Purchased Domains". This screenshot accompanies step 7 of 7 in the "How to Connect a Purchased Domain" section of "Configure & Connect Purchased Domains". At this point in the walkthrough you after configuration is complete, return to the purchased domain page and review the DNS records. This part of the guide covers 4 fields, listed below. Step 7 of 7Image 8 of 8 What this coversAfter configuration is complete, return to the purchased domain page and review the DNS records.
    Fields in this part of the guide FunnelWebsiteStoreBlog
    Buttons and menus referenced Connect this domainwwwContinueProceed to finish
    Example values
    Website
    https://northgatedental.com

    Illustrative values showing the expected format. They are not read from the screenshot.

    All 7 steps in this procedure
    1. From the domain configuration page, click Connect this domain.
    2. Confirm the domain you want to connect. You can also choose whether to include the www version of the domain when that option is available.
    3. Click Continue and follow the prompts to add the required DNS records.
    4. Select what you want to connect the domain to:
    5. Choose the specific asset from the dropdown.
    6. Review any available additional options, then click Proceed to finish
    7. After configuration is complete, return to the purchased domain page and review the DNS records. this image
NOTE: DNS changes may take time to propagate across the internet. If the connected domain does not work immediately, allow time for the DNS changes to update before troubleshooting further.

Using a Root Domain for More Than One Site

A single root domain should normally be connected to one primary site type at a time. For example, you would not use the same root domain as the direct address for both a Website and a separate Store.

If you need different experiences on the same domain family, use subdomains such as:

This lets each subdomain point to a different destination without creating a conflict on the root domain.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I manage a domain in GHL Customer Care if I purchased it somewhere else?

You can connect an externally purchased domain to GHL Customer Care, but the Purchased Domain Configuration described in this article is specifically for domains purchased through GHL Customer Care. External domains may require DNS changes at the registrar or DNS provider.

Q: What DNS records can I manage for a purchased domain?

You can manage A, CNAME, AAAA, MX, and TXT records from the purchased domain configuration area.

Q: Why is the Configure button unavailable?

If the domain is still being set up, configuration may not yet be available. Wait until the purchased domain shows an Active status, then open Configure.

Q: Do I need to verify a domain purchased through GHL Customer Care manually?

Domains purchased directly through GHL Customer Care are handled within the GHL Customer Care domain-purchase system, so you do not need to complete the same external registrar verification process used when connecting a third-party domain.

Q: Can I connect the same root domain to both a Funnel and a Website?

A root domain should be connected to one site type at a time. Use subdomains when you need separate destinations for different assets.

Q: Why isn't my domain working immediately after I changed the DNS?

DNS changes are not always immediate. Propagation can take time, so wait for the DNS update to complete before assuming the configuration has failed.

Q: What happens if my GHL Customer Care account is canceled but I still own a domain purchased through GHL Customer Care?

If you can no longer access the domain management area after cancellation, use GHL Customer Care's dedicated purchased-domain release process.


Frequently asked questions

What Is Purchased Domain Configuration?
Purchased Domain Configuration lets you manage a domain that was purchased directly through GHL Customer Care. Because GHL Customer Care manages the domain registration, you can view and update supported DNS records from the sub-account instead of signing in to a separate registrar. You can use Purchased Domain Configuration to: Add, edit, or remove supported DNS records. Connect the domain to a Funnel, Website, Store, or Blog. Review the domain's status and renewal information. Manage the domain from the same GHL Customer Care sub-account where it was purchased.

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