Connecting a custom domain to a LearnDash Cloud site allows you to replace the default vanity domain (for example, greenapple.mylearndash.com) with your own branded domain. This creates a more professional experience for learners and makes the site easier to recognize and share.
Domains can either be purchased directly through LearnDash or connected from an external registrar. This guide explains both options and outlines what to expect during the connection process.
Accessing Your Site Details #
Before connecting a domain, access the LearnDash Cloud site details.
- Go to account.learndash.com/sites.
- Locate the site to update.
- Click the arrow icon next to the site to open its details.
Option 1: Buy and Connect a Domain Through LearnDash #
Purchasing a domain through LearnDash is the simplest option, as DNS records are managed automatically.
Buying a domain #
- From Site Details, click Domains.
- Under Add New Domain, click Get a Domain.
- Enter the desired domain name (including
.com,.org,.co.uk, etc.). - Click Search.
Search results typically appear within 15–60 seconds.
Click the shopping cart icon next to the desired domain to add it to the basket.
Note: LearnDash Cloud currently supports one mapped domain per site, so multiple domains cannot be purchased or connected at the same time.
- Complete the checkout process using the same account and billing details used when purchasing LearnDash Cloud.
After checkout, a message appears indicating that the domain is being prepared. This process typically takes 5–10 minutes.
Before connecting the domain #
When a domain is purchased through LearnDash, DNS records are configured automatically. However, standard DNS propagation still applies and may take up to 48 hours.
Important: Click Connect only when ready to go live. During DNS propagation, the site may be temporarily inaccessible to administrators and learners.
Finishing the connection #
Click Connect to begin the automated setup process. During this step, LearnDash Cloud:
- Replaces all instances of the vanity domain with the custom domain
- Generates and configures a new SSL certificate
- Creates and applies DNS records to make the site publicly accessible
While the setup is in progress, a status message appears in the account area. The site URL updates immediately, even though DNS propagation may still be underway.
There is no automatic notification when propagation completes. Clearing the browser cache after a few hours and testing site access is recommended.
After the Domain Is Connected #
Once the domain is live:
- The WordPress admin login is available at
https://example.com/wp-admin - Learners can access the site using the custom domain
If additional DNS records are required (for example, for email services such as Outlook or Google Workspace), contact LearnDash Support for assistance.
Option 2: Connect a Domain Purchased Elsewhere #
Domains purchased from registrars such as GoDaddy or Namecheap can also be connected to a LearnDash Cloud site. This process involves configuring DNS records with the registrar and then completing the connection in LearnDash.
Step 1: Configure DNS records #
- Log in to the LearnDash account and open Site Details.
- Go to Domains.
- Select I already have my own domain and copy the IP address displayed (do not click Connect yet).
Next, log in to the domain registrar and open the DNS management area. This may be labeled Manage DNS, DNS Zones, Host Records, or similar.
Add the following DNS records:
Primary domain
- Type: A
- Host: @
- Value / Target: LearnDash Cloud IP address
- TTL: Automatic
WWW version
- Type: A
- Host: www
- Value / Target: LearnDash Cloud IP address
- TTL: Automatic
Adding both records ensures the site is accessible with and without the www prefix.
Waiting for DNS propagation #
DNS changes may take anywhere from a few minutes to up to 72 hours to fully propagate, depending on the registrar.
Step 2: Connect the domain in LearnDash #
After DNS propagation:
- Return to Domains in the LearnDash Cloud site details.
- Click I already have my own domain.
- Confirm that DNS has been updated by selecting the confirmation checkbox.
- Click Connect to finish connecting the domain.
Note: If changes are not visible immediately, propagation may still be in progress. If more than 24 hours have passed and the domain is still not connecting, the issue is often caused by an A record collision. This occurs when multiple @ records point to different IP addresses. Remove any conflicting @ records and retain only the record pointing to the LearnDash Cloud IP.
Conclusion #
Connecting a custom domain provides a branded, professional presence for a LearnDash Cloud site. Whether the domain is purchased through LearnDash or connected from an external registrar, following the correct steps and allowing time for DNS propagation ensures a successful setup. For issues during the connection process or for additional DNS configuration, LearnDash Support can assist.
