Custom Domains for QR Codes: What It Is and Why It Matters
A custom domain lets your QR links use your brand URL (for example, go.yourbrand.co.za) instead of a platform URL. This improves trust, improves recognition, and creates a cleaner customer experience.
What You Unlock With a Custom Domain
- Fully branded QR redirect links for campaigns, packaging, and printed media.
- SSL/HTTPS handled automatically once DNS is configured correctly.
- Full analytics still tracked (scan counts, location, device, time).
- Smart redirects remain active because QR behavior is still managed by the platform.
- Brand trust and recognition gains due to consistent domain identity.
- Subdomain flexibility using supported subdomains you own (for example
qr.yourdomain.com,go.yourdomain.com).
Important Plan Requirement
Custom domains are included on Pro+, Pro++, and all Team-tier plans. The standard Pro plan uses the standard QR Code Pro URL.
Before You Start
Prepare the following:
- An eligible plan (Pro+, Pro++, Team, Team+, Team++, or Enterprise).
- Access to your DNS provider (Cloudflare, GoDaddy, Namecheap, etc.).
- The exact DNS target values shown in your domain setup screen.
Go to Account > Domains (/account/domains) and start the domain setup flow.
Step-by-Step Setup
Step 1: Add your subdomain in the dashboard
Add the subdomain you want to use (example: go.yourbrand.co.za) in the domain management screen.
Step 2: Add DNS record at your DNS provider
Create the required DNS record exactly as shown in the dashboard.
Checklist:
- Host/name is correct (example:
go). - Record type matches platform instructions.
- Target/value is copied exactly.
- No extra proxy rules that break validation.
Step 3: Wait for verification and SSL
After DNS is correct, verification and certificate provisioning begin. This can take time depending on DNS propagation.
Step 4: Assign the domain to your QR links
After verification, select your custom domain for the QR code/link so redirects use your branded URL.
Why Your URL Is Not Being Used (Shows QR Code Pro URL Instead)
Use this exact fix order:
- Plan check Confirm your workspace is on Pro+ (or higher).
- Verification check
Confirm domain status is verified in
/account/domains. - DNS check Re-check host, type, and target values.
- SSL check Wait for certificate issuance to complete.
- Assignment check Confirm the specific QR/link is assigned to the custom domain.
- Propagation/cache check Allow DNS propagation time, then retest in an incognito browser.
How to Verify It Is Working
- Open the QR/link details and confirm custom domain is selected.
- Scan the code from two different devices.
- Verify destination opens from your branded URL.
- Open analytics and confirm new scans are still being recorded.
Troubleshooting Quick Table
| Symptom | Likely Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Still sees QR Code Pro URL | Domain feature not active or link not assigned | Upgrade to Pro+ (or higher) and assign domain to the link |
| Domain pending verification | DNS mismatch | Re-check host/type/target values |
| SSL not active yet | Propagation/certificate delay | Wait and retry after propagation |
| Some users see old behavior | Local cache or DNS cache | Test incognito and on second network |
Related Actions
- Compare plans at
/pricing. - Manage domains at
/account/domains. - Read advanced docs at
/docs/custom-domains.
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