> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.davazmysel.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Connect a domain

> Add a tracking subdomain, point DNS at Dava, and wait for verification.

Dava tracks traffic on subdomains you own, such as `lp.mybrand.com` or `go.mybrand.com`. You add the subdomain in the dashboard, create one DNS record, and Dava handles TLS certificates automatically.

## Requirements

* A valid hostname (letters, numbers, hyphens, and at least one dot) that you control DNS for — `lp.mybrand.com` works. A subdomain is strongly recommended over an apex domain (e.g. `mybrand.com`) so the CNAME record doesn't conflict with your root domain's existing DNS.
* Access to your domain's DNS settings.

## Add the domain

<Steps>
  <Step title="Create the domain">
    Go to **Domains** and add your hostname, for example `lp.mybrand.com`. You also pick a [redirect mode](/domains/redirect-modes) here — you can change it later.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Create the CNAME record">
    The dashboard shows the CNAME target with a copy button. In your DNS provider, create:

    | Type  | Name                       | Target                            |
    | ----- | -------------------------- | --------------------------------- |
    | CNAME | your subdomain (e.g. `lp`) | the target shown in the dashboard |

    <Warning>
      If your DNS is on Cloudflare, set the record to **DNS only** (turn the proxy status off).
    </Warning>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Wait for verification">
    Dava checks DNS automatically every 30 seconds against multiple public resolvers. Propagation usually takes 5–30 minutes. You can also use the **Refresh status** button.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Domain status

Each domain shows two status badges:

| Badge       | Meaning                                                                     |
| ----------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| DNS Pending | Waiting for your CNAME record to propagate                                  |
| DNS         | DNS verified                                                                |
| DNS Failed  | DNS no longer resolves correctly — check that the CNAME record still exists |
| SSL Pending | DNS is active, TLS certificate is still provisioning                        |
| SSL         | Certificate issued — the domain is fully ready                              |

TLS certificates are issued and renewed automatically. No action is needed on your side.

<Warning>
  Don't send campaign traffic to the subdomain until both badges are green. Links clicked before DNS propagates will fail for those visitors.
</Warning>

## Next steps

* Choose how the domain handles traffic: [redirect modes](/domains/redirect-modes)
* Verify your setup with [Test a URL](/domains/test-a-url)