Relays for Custom Domain

Pinggy uses CNAME records to configure custom domains. But most DNS servers do not allow setting CNAME records for the root domains, such as mysite.com. Therefore, we provide a relay based configuration for such base domains.

Note: Custom domains set up using relays will work for HTTP(S), TLS, and TCP tunnels. However, you will not be able to use your custom domain for UDP tunnels. You can still use the persistent subdomain.

Relay flow diagram - Pinggy

Get your domain

  • This guide assumes that you own a domain name such as example.com.

  • We also require you to be able to manage the DNS records for this domain.

  • In case you do not own a domain and wish to buy one, you can get one from any popular domain name provider such as GoDaddy, Namecheap, etc.

Configure Custom Domain in Pinggy

Once you have upgraded to Pinggy Pro, log in to Pinggy Dashboard -> Custom Domains.

Set custom domain value

  • Click on the Configure button for the token for which you want to set up the custom domain.
  • Enter your custom domain such as example.com. Then press the Update button.
  • After that, you will get the TXT record configuration instructions, such as:

    Add a TXT record to example.com with the value AWkoZorpwIPDzKB6YMCdycS5bJpa78IFDklUmGq and then click Validate.


NOTE: If you use a subdomain, such as app.example.com, instead of example.com, then you will be guided through a CNAME setup process. Click here to read about the CNAME setup process.


Configure custom domain and get TXT record instructions - Pinggy

Update the TXT record

  • Follow the given instructions to set the TXT record.

  • For example, for the above example, you need to set the TXT record for example.com with the value AWkoZorpwIPDzKB6YMCdycS5bJpa78IFDklUmGq

  • For configuring your TXT record, visit your domain name provider’s DNS manager.

  • There, add a new DNS record. The record type will be TXT.

  • Host value will be the part of the domain name excluding your base domain. Use @ if you are using the base domain. For example: @ in case of example.com. Similarly, for abc.example.com, host will be abc.

  • The value of the record will be the TXT value shown in the dashboard. For example: AWkoZorpwIPDzKB6YMCdycS5bJpa78IFDklUmGq [ Note: you may need to put quotes: "AWkoZorp...." ]

  • Check the TXT record: Use the online tool: toolbox.googleapps.com/apps/dig/ to check if your TXT record is set correctly or not.

  • Click on the Validate button to validate the TXT record and proceed to relay setup.

Update and validate TXT record for custom domain - Pinggy

Update relay records

  • Once the TXT record is validated, you will be able to choose a relay region.
  • Choose the region geographically nearest to you. E.g. If you are located in Canada, you may choose USA.
  • You will then be guided to set up A and AAAA records for your base domain. You need to configure both.
  • For configuring your A and AAAA records, visit your domain name provider’s DNS manager.
  • There, add a new DNS record. The record type will be A or AAAA depending on what you are configuring.
  • Host value will be the part of the domain name excluding your base domain. Use @ if you are using the base domain. For example: @ in case of example.com. Similarly, for abc.example.com, host will be abc.
  • The value of the record will be the value shown in the dashboard. For example: 45.79.40.10
  • Click on the Validate button to validate the Relay records and proceed to certificate issuing step.

Select a relay region for custom domain - Pinggy

Update A and AAAA relay records for custom domain - Pinggy

Issue Certificate

  • Once both TXT and relay records are validated, you can issue a TLS certificate.
  • Make sure that no tunnel is running (with this token).
  • Click on the “Issue Certificate” button.
  • Certificate issuing process may take up to a minute.
  • After the certificate is issued, restart your tunnels after some time. It may take up to 7 minutes for the certificate to be active.
  • You can now access your tunnels with your custom domain such as example.com.

Reach out to us at contact@pinggy.io if you are facing any difficulty in configuring the custom domain.