Setting up a real domain on Cloudways might seem tricky at first, but after doing it once, it becomes a straightforward process. This guide is designed for those who prefer managing their DNS independently rather than relying on Cloudways' built-in DNS management.

Follow these five steps carefully to ensure a smooth setup.

Step 1: Access Your Cloudways Application

1. Find and Copy Your Public IP:

   • Log in to your Cloudways dashboard.

   • Locate the Public IP of your server and copy it.

2. Add Your Domain to Cloudways:

   • Navigate to Domain Management in the right menu.

   • Click + Add Domain and enter your domain name.

   • Set it as Primary by selecting it and clicking Make Primary.

Step 2: Configure DNS Records

To link your domain with Cloudways, update your DNS settings in your preferred DNS manager (e.g., Cloudflare, GoDaddy, Namecheap).

• A Record (for root domain, e.g., example.com)

  • Host/Name: @ or leave blank

  • Value/Target: Your Cloudways app's Public IP Address

• CNAME Record (for www subdomain, e.g., www.example.com)

  • Host/Name: www

  • Value/Target: example.com

This setup ensures that both your root domain and www subdomain correctly point to your Cloudways server.

Step 3: WordPress Configuration (If Applicable)

1. No Need to Change the Domain in WordPress Settings

   • WordPress should automatically detect and apply the new domain, so no manual updates are required.

2. If You Use Elementor, Activate It on the Real Domain

   • Some Elementor features require reactivation when moving to a new domain. Ensure all functionalities work correctly after the switch.

Step 4: Install and Verify SSL

Securing your domain with an SSL certificate is crucial to prevent browser security warnings.

1. Navigate to SSL Certificate settings in Cloudways.

2. Choose Let’s Encrypt and enter your domain name.

3. Click Install Certificate to apply SSL protection.

4. If SSL does not work immediately, wait for DNS propagation and try again.

Step 5: Final Checks Before Going Live

Before fully launching your website, run these final checks:

• Confirm that your domain is resolving correctly by visiting it in a browser.

• Use WhatsMyDNS to check DNS propagation.

• Flush your local DNS cache or restart your router if needed.