How to Connect Your Namecheap Domain to a Render App (Step-by-Step Guide)

If you're hosting your web app on Render and want to use a custom domain from Namecheap, the setup is easier than it looks. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the complete process—from adding your domain on Render to configuring DNS records on Namecheap and enabling HTTPS.

Whether you're deploying a full-stack app, API, or static website, the steps are the same. Let’s get started!

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🔧 Step 1: Add Your Custom Domain in Render

1. Log in to your Render Dashboard.
2. Open the app you want to connect (Static Site or Web Service).
3. Navigate to the Settings tab.
4. Scroll down to Custom Domains.
5. Click Add Custom Domain.
6. Enter the domain you purchased from Namecheap (e.g., example.com or www.example.com).
7. Click Continue.

Render will now generate DNS records that you need to add in your Namecheap dashboard. Keep this page open—you’ll need the values.

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🌐 Step 2: Configure DNS Records in Namecheap

1. Log in to your Namecheap account.
2. Go to Domain List → click Manage next to your domain.
3. Switch to the Advanced DNS tab.

Before adding new records:

• Remove any old or conflicting DNS records (A, CNAME, URL redirect records).

Now add the records Render provided. Usually, the setup looks like this:

For your main/root domain (example.com):

Type	Host	Value (Target)	TTL
A	@	Render IP address (shown in Render)	Auto

For the www subdomain (www.example.com):

Type	Host	Value (Target)	TTL
CNAME	www	your-app-name.onrender.com (or equivalent)	Auto

If Render gave you unique DNS targets or a different setup, be sure to use the exact values shown on your dashboard.

Once you save your changes, DNS propagation begins. This usually completes within a few minutes but can take up to a few hours.

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🔒 Step 3: Enable HTTPS on Render

After your DNS records propagate:

1. Return to the Custom Domains section in Render.
2. Wait for Render to verify your domain.
3. Once verified, click Enable Automatic HTTPS.

Render will automatically issue an SSL certificate via Let’s Encrypt. When completed, your website will be accessible securely via HTTPS.

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🧪 Step 4: Test Your Domain

After everything is set up:

• Visit https://yourdomain.com
• Or https://www.yourdomain.com

You should now see your Render-hosted application running under your custom domain.

If the site doesn’t load immediately, don’t worry—DNS propagation may still be in progress.

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🔍 Bonus Tips

Check DNS Propagation

Use tools like:

• whatsmydns.net
• dnschecker.org

Enter your domain and check if the A and CNAME records have updated globally.

Choose between root or www

You can choose whichever will serve as your primary address:

• Primary: example.com ➝ redirect www.example.com
• Primary: www.example.com ➝ redirect example.com

Render lets you configure domain redirects easily in the Custom Domains section.

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🎉 Final Thoughts

Connecting a custom domain from Namecheap to Render is straightforward once you understand the DNS steps. With your custom domain in place, your project looks more professional, builds trust, and becomes easier for users to access.