# Domains (/docs/domains)



Domains let you move QR codes onto branded links instead of relying only on the default organization option.

Custom domains require a paid plan. Free includes no custom-domain capacity.

<MiniAlert tone="info" title="Before you begin">
  You need access to the company where your domain is managed, such as Cloudflare, GoDaddy, or another domain provider. If someone else manages it, send them the settings GeoQR displays and ask them to add the records for you.
</MiniAlert>

<Cards>
  <SectionCard title="Create a QR Code" href="/docs/qr-codes/create-a-qr-code" icon="<QrCode />" eyebrow="Use It" description="Return to the QR builder after your domain is active and select it during the domain step." />

  <SectionCard title="QR Code and Scan Issues" href="/docs/troubleshooting/qr-code-and-scan-issues" icon="<CircleHelp />" eyebrow="Fix It" description="Use this when the DNS looks correct but the QR result or branded link still behaves unexpectedly." />
</Cards>

## Add a Domain [#add-a-domain]

<Steps>
  <Step>
    Open the Domains page and select **Add domain**.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Enter the hostname or subdomain you want to use.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Add the DNS records GeoQR shows you exactly as written.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Wait for the domain to become active before you assign it to an important live QR code.
  </Step>
</Steps>

Most teams use a dedicated subdomain for QR codes rather than their main website root, because it is easier to manage and test safely. <HelpTip label="Why use a subdomain?">A dedicated subdomain keeps QR routing separate from your main website and is usually easier to update, test, and troubleshoot.</HelpTip>

<MiniAlert tone="tip" title="Best first setup">
  Start with a subdomain you control, such as `qr.yourbrand.com`, and wait until it is fully active before assigning it to an important live QR code.
</MiniAlert>

Examples many teams prefer:

* `qr.yourbrand.com`
* `go.yourbrand.com`
* `scan.yourbrand.com`

## What GeoQR May Ask You To Add [#what-geoqr-may-ask-you-to-add]

Depending on the domain state, GeoQR may show:

* a CNAME record
* a TXT verification record
* an extra GeoQR TXT ownership record when GeoQR needs to confirm that your organization controls the domain

These are copy-and-paste settings. Match the record type, name, and value exactly in your domain provider. The labels **CNAME** and **TXT** are included because you will see the same names there; you do not need to understand how they work.

## When the Domain Becomes Usable [#when-the-domain-becomes-usable]

After the DNS records are added correctly, the domain moves into an active state and becomes available for QR codes.

Changes can take a little time to become visible and for the secure connection to become ready.

Until the domain is active, use another available domain when creating a QR code.

Do not switch an important live QR to a branded domain until that domain is fully active and tested.

On the Domains page, GeoQR also shows the current status, how many QR codes are linked to the domain, and when it was last checked.

## Common Domain Questions [#common-domain-questions]

<Accordions type="single">
  <Accordion title="The domain still looks pending. What should I check first?">
    Confirm the record name and value in the domain's DNS settings, and allow time for the changes to appear. If it still is not ready, correct any typos, then refresh the domain status from the row actions menu.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can I share the DNS values with another teammate?">
    Yes. The row actions menu can copy the CNAME target and any TXT verification values GeoQR is currently expecting.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can I remove a domain while it is in use?">
    No. Move any QR codes that still use the domain to another domain first, then return and remove it.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Why can I not manage this domain after a downgrade?">
    Domains above the current plan limit remain connected so existing QR codes keep working, but they become read-only. Delete other domains or upgrade until this domain is within the allowance.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can I change the domain on an existing GS1 QR code?">
    No. A GS1 Digital Link QR keeps the serving domain selected when it was created. Confirm the domain before creating the QR code.
  </Accordion>
</Accordions>

## What To Do Next [#what-to-do-next]

When the domain becomes active:

1. open an existing QR code or create a new one
2. select the domain in the QR flow
3. save and test the QR again

## See Also [#see-also]

* [Create a QR code](/docs/qr-codes/create-a-qr-code)
* [Test and share](/docs/qr-codes/publish-and-share)
* [GS1 Digital Link](/docs/qr-codes/gs1-digital-link)
* [Choose a plan](/docs/getting-started/choose-a-plan)
* [QR code and scan issues](/docs/troubleshooting/qr-code-and-scan-issues)