Add a Domain to a Sparkforge WordPress Site

By Sparkforge Support Team ·Last reviewed May 3, 2026

In the Live environment, open Sites > WordPress > Manage Website > Manage Your Domain, add the domain, drop in the TXT (primary domain only) and CNAME/A records at your DNS host, and verify.

Pointing a domain at a Sparkforge WordPress site involves verifying DNS, issuing SSL, and confirming records. Subdomains skip the SSL TXT validation step the primary domain requires.

Where it works

Domain Management is available in the Live environment only. In Staging, the domains area is disabled. Switch environments using the selector in the top-right header action bar.

What you get

  • Automatic SSL after primary domain DNS is verified.
  • Multiple domains: up to 5 domains or subdomains per site, with one designated primary.
  • Subdomain mapping (blog.example.com) without the SSL TXT step.
  • Domain Connect for supported registrars to auto-configure DNS.
  • Status indicators for SSL and DNS at a glance.

Prerequisites

  • You're in the Live environment.
  • The WordPress site is provisioned in the right sub-account.
  • You have access to DNS at your registrar (Cloudflare, GoDaddy, IONOS, etc.).
  • If using Cloudflare, turn off the proxy (gray cloud) on the relevant records.

Add a primary domain

  1. Log into your sub-account.
  2. Go to Sites > WordPress.
  3. Click Manage Website on the target site.
  4. Open Manage Your Domain, click + Add Domain.
  5. Enter the domain name.
  6. Choose Auto Configure or Add Manually. Sparkforge checks if the domain is already linked to another location.
  7. If available, continue.
  8. Add the provided TXT records at your DNS provider for SSL validation. Set TTL to 600 seconds (or the lowest available) for faster propagation. Most records propagate in under an hour; global propagation can take up to 48 hours.
  9. Once TXT records verify, add the provided CNAME and A records at your DNS provider.
  10. Click Verify DNS Records.

Add a subdomain

Same flow, minus the SSL TXT step. SSL for subdomains is verified during the Update DNS step.

  1. Open Manage Your Domain, click + Add Domain.
  2. Enter the subdomain.
  3. Choose Auto Configure or Add Manually.
  4. Add the provided CNAME and A records at your DNS provider.
  5. Click Verify DNS Records.

Domain dashboard

  • SSL Issuance Status: SSL Issued / SSL Not Issued tags.
  • DNS Verification: Verified / Not Verified tags.
  • Domain limit: up to 5 domains/subdomains per site, one primary.
  • Prefix toggle: switch between www and non-www with Change prefix to WWW / Remove WWW Prefix.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the primary domain need an SSL TXT record but subdomains don't?
The TXT validation confirms control of the apex domain so the certificate authority can issue an SSL cert. Subdomains inherit trust once the primary is validated.
How long does DNS propagation take?
Most changes appear within minutes when TTL is set to 600 seconds. Global propagation can take up to 48 hours in edge cases.
My domain is connected to another Sparkforge location. What now?
Ask the current owner to remove it from that location. If ownership is unclear, contact support.
Do I need both A and CNAME records?
Add exactly the records the UI shows for your site. Some setups need both, others use one. The values are unique to your install.
How many domains can I attach to one WordPress site?
Up to 5 domains or subdomains, with one designated as primary.

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