You can connect your own domain name to your KukuExpress storefront so customers visit your store at www.yourdomain.com instead of the default KukuExpress URL.
Before You Start
You'll need:
- A domain name you own (purchased from providers like GoDaddy, Namecheap, Google Domains, etc.)
- Access to your domain's DNS settings
- An active Online Store subscription on your KukuExpress account
Step 1: Enter Your Domain
- Go to Stores in your sidebar and click Edit on the store you want to connect.
- Scroll down to the Custom Domain section (below the storefront toggle).
- Enter your domain name in the field. For example:
shop.yourdomain.com(recommended — uses a subdomain)www.yourdomain.com(if you want your main website to be your store)
- Click Save to save the store settings.
shop.yourdomain.com or store.yourdomain.com rather than your root domain. Subdomains are easier to configure and don't affect your existing website.
Step 2: Add the DNS Record
After saving, you'll see DNS instructions on the store edit page. You need to add a CNAME record in your domain provider's DNS settings:
| Type | Name / Host | Value / Points To | TTL |
|---|---|---|---|
CNAME |
shop (or your subdomain) |
partner.kukuexpress.com |
Automatic / 3600 |
Where to find DNS settings
The exact steps depend on your domain provider. Here are quick links for popular providers:
- GoDaddy — Go to My Products → DNS → Add Record
- Namecheap — Go to Domain List → Manage → Advanced DNS → Add New Record
- Google Domains — Go to DNS → Custom Records → Manage Custom Records
- Cloudflare — Go to DNS → Records → Add Record (set Proxy to "DNS only" initially)
- Hostinger — Go to Domains → DNS / Nameservers → Manage DNS Records
Step 3: Verify Your Domain
- Go back to your store edit page in KukuExpress.
- In the Custom Domain section, click the Verify DNS button.
- If the DNS record has propagated, you'll see a green Verified badge.
- If verification fails, wait a few minutes and try again. DNS propagation can take time.
Once verified, your storefront will be accessible at your custom domain. The default KukuExpress URL (partner.kukuexpress.com/store/your-slug) will continue to work as well.
Step 4: SSL Certificate
After DNS verification, an SSL certificate will be automatically provisioned for your domain. This ensures your store is accessible via HTTPS (the padlock icon in browsers). This process is automatic and usually takes just a few minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my root domain (yourdomain.com) instead of a subdomain?
We recommend subdomains because root domains cannot use CNAME records with most DNS providers. If you need to use a root domain, you can set up an A record instead — contact our support team for the server IP address.
Can I change my custom domain later?
Yes. Simply update the domain in your store settings. The old domain will stop working and you'll need to verify DNS for the new domain.
Will my old KukuExpress URL still work?
Yes. Your default URL at partner.kukuexpress.com/store/your-slug will always work, even after connecting a custom domain.
I added the DNS record but verification still fails
DNS changes can take up to 48 hours to propagate. Try again after 30 minutes. You can also verify your CNAME record is correct using a free tool like DNS Checker (search "DNS checker" online) — enter your domain and check that the CNAME points to partner.kukuexpress.com.
I'm using Cloudflare. Any special settings?
When adding the CNAME record in Cloudflare, initially set the proxy status to "DNS only" (grey cloud icon) so that KukuExpress can verify the DNS. After verification, you can enable the Cloudflare proxy (orange cloud) if desired.
How do I remove my custom domain?
Go to your store edit page, clear the domain field, and save. Your storefront will only be accessible via the default KukuExpress URL.