A naked domain is a root domain that does not contain a subdomain and is also known as apex/base/bare/zone domain. In the DNS provider settings, naked domains are sometimes symbolized by an @ symbol.
For example, yourschool.com is a naked domain because it doesn't have any subdomain parts, whereas www.yourschool.com is not a naked domain because it contains the subdomain part www. In other words, the naked domain is the domain you originally purchased without the "www" or any other subdomains.
Your naked domain can be connected in two ways:
1. A Record
2. Forwarding feature from your naked domain to your subdomain
In this article, we will show the steps for connecting your naked domain by creating an A record or by using the Forwarding feature.
The aforementioned steps are based on GoDaddy. The procedure in other providers may vary; however, these are the basic steps you need to take.
A Record
Step 1: Create your A Records
1. Login to your domain provider and navigate to the DNS Settings.
2. Make sure to remove any forwarding feature you may have (if).
3. Add 3 new A records with the following values/IP addresses:
- 104.22.60.249
- 104.22.61.249
- 172.67.36.150
4. The final result needs to be three total A records with the mentioned values/IP addresses.
Notes:
- If a parked A record already exists, you can proceed to delete it.
- Cloudflare has a different procedure, and a CNAME record needs to be created instead. You can find more information here.
- Some DNS providers, such as Google Cloud Platform, allow multiple values/IP addresses per record. In this case, you should add one A record, including all three IP addresses:
Step 2: Check if the A Records are correct
1. Go to Google Admin Toolbox.
2. Insert your naked domain free of https:// or / at the end (e.g. learnworlds.com or mylearnworlds.com).
3. If the A records are properly created, the school's IP will appear in Target.
If you face difficulties in adding the A record, you can contact us to further assist you.
Step 3: Request the Domain's change in your School Settings
If the A records have been successfully created:
1. Navigate to Settings → School Settings → Site email & domain.
2. Type the subdomain you created.
3. Click on Change Domain.
4. A pop-up message will appear confirming that your domain will be ready within the next 5 minutes.
Forwarding feature
If you do not wish to add an A record, you can proceed with the forwarding feature:
1. Log in to your domain provider and navigate to the DNS Settings/DNS Management.
2. Click on Add in the Forwarding.
3. Type your LearnWorld domain (including www) at the forward to. Make sure to keep the https:// protocol.
4. Save the changes.
5. Request the domain change in your LearnWorlds school.
Notes:
- If your A record currently points to another live website, modifying it will affect your live existing site, and it will not be reachable anymore.
- You can have up to two secondary domains, including the naked domain (domains that redirect to your primary domain), apart from the LearnWorlds default domain.
- You can change the primary domain to a different custom domain, as long as the records remain correct.
- You cannot delete the default LearnWorlds URL.
- If you want to use your naked domain along with a subdomain, click here to check the steps.