How to Add a Domain to a Sparkforge WordPress Site

By Sparkforge Support Team ·Last reviewed May 3, 2026

To attach a domain to a Sparkforge-hosted WordPress site, add it under Sites > WordPress, validate ownership with two TXT records, then point the A record (root) or CNAME (www/subdomain) at Sparkforge. If you use Cloudflare, set the records to DNS-only.

A Sparkforge-hosted WordPress site goes live on the public internet only after you point a real domain at it. The flow is the same whether you are adding a root domain, a www version, or a subdomain — verify ownership with TXT records, then add the A or CNAME record Sparkforge generates.

Add a Root Domain as Primary

  1. In the sub-account, open Sites > WordPress and click Add Domain.
  2. Enter the root domain (for example example.com) and click Add Domain.
  3. Sparkforge returns two TXT records. Add both to your DNS provider with the lowest available TTL.
  4. Click Verify Records. Sparkforge then returns an A record and a CNAME.
  5. Add the A record at your DNS provider so the root domain resolves to the WordPress site. Add the CNAME if you also want www.example.com to work.
  6. Back in Sparkforge, open the dashboard, click the domain, and choose Mark as Primary.

If You Use Cloudflare

Disable the orange-cloud proxy on these records. Set the proxy status to DNS only so Sparkforge can issue and renew SSL certificates without conflict.

Add www as Primary When the Root Already Exists

If the root domain is already attached, adding www.example.com generates a CNAME. Configure that CNAME at your DNS provider and the www version resolves to the same site.

Add the Root When www Already Exists

Sparkforge generates an A record for the root domain. Configure that A record at your DNS provider and both versions will work side by side.

Add a Subdomain

  1. Click Add Domain and enter the subdomain (for example blog.example.com).
  2. Add the two TXT records Sparkforge returns to your DNS provider.
  3. Click I have added the records to verify.
  4. Add the resulting CNAME at your DNS provider.

Common Pitfalls

  • TTL set too high — verification can take longer than needed. Use the lowest TTL your provider allows during setup.
  • Cloudflare proxy left on — SSL fails to issue. Switch to DNS-only.
  • Old records still in place — remove any A or CNAME records pointing to a previous host before adding the new ones.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the same domain on multiple sub-accounts?
No. A domain can only be attached to one Sparkforge sub-account at a time. Sparkforge will block verification if the domain is already in use.
Why is my SSL certificate failing on Cloudflare?
The orange-cloud proxy blocks the certificate issuance handshake. Set the relevant records to DNS-only until the certificate is issued.
Do I need a staging domain before adding my real domain?
Not strictly, but using the staging domain lets you finish design and content before pointing real DNS at the site.
How do I make www the primary instead of the root?
Add both versions, then click the www domain in the dashboard and choose Mark as Primary.

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