Domains FAQs

What is the difference between an "external" and a "purchased through Rebrandly" domain?

• External Domains
  • Definition: These are domains that you have purchased from a third-party registrar (like GoDaddy) and then connected to your Rebrandly account.
  • Management: You can manage these domains within your Rebrandly dashboard, but they are not registered through Rebrandly.
  • Setup: Requires you to configure DNS settings to connect the domain to your Rebrandly account.
    
    
• Domains purchased through Rebrandly
  • Definition: These are domains that you can purchase through Rebrandly.
  • Management: They are managed entirely within the Rebrandly platform, making it easier to create branded links without additional setup.
  • Renewal: When you purchase a domain through Rebrandly, you enter a yearly agreement with a third-party registrar, and renewals are required to maintain ownership.

How can I delete or remove a domain purchased through Rebrandly from my dashboard?

• A domain registration can’t be revoked and the domain will expire on the natural expiration date if the renewal is not requested (only if the domain has the Auto-renew OFF).
• Domains registered through Rebrandly become part of their system and expire according to their original registration period (after 1 year). They cannot be deleted or removed from your dashboard until they will expire and only after the grace period and the redemption period (usually 70 days after the expiration date). If not renewed, they will be automatically removed from your dashboard. In the meantime you have to add another domain slot if you have used the available ones.

How can I delete or remove an external domain (not purchased through Rebrandly) from my dashboard?

• A domain cannot be deleted, you can easily remove an external domain from your Rebrandly account but doing so will remove all links and resources associated with that domain.
• To remove an external domain that wasn't purchased through Rebrandly:
  • Log in to your Rebrandly dashboard.
  • Go to the "Domain" tab.
  • Hover your mouse over the domain you want to remove.
  • Click the trash can icon that appears to delete the domain.

Can I remove an expired domain from my account?

• Yes, you can delete an external expired domain from your account very easily.
• However, there's a waiting period If the domain was purchased through Rebrandly. You'll need to wait until the grace period and redemption period have ended (typically 70 days after expiration). During this time, only the domain owner can renew it. Once this period is over, you can safely remove it from your Rebrandly dashboard.

Can I use my domain name both for the Rebrandly short link service and for my website/blog as well?

• Yes, you can use your domain name both for the Rebrandly short link service and for your website/blog. Here are the details:
  
  
• Rebrandly Connectors:
  • You can use the domain you already own and add Rebrandly on top of your website or blog using one of our Connectors.
  • This setup requires you to install a component on your website, but once you get past the initial setup efforts, you will unlock the opportunity to reinforce your brand by sharing links from a trusted domain name your users are already familiar with. Learn more about using a Rebrandly Connector.
  • Paid Plans: To use the ALIAS DOMAIN feature, you need to have one of our paid plans.
  • DNS Configuration: You may need to change the DNS settings of your domain to set up the integration properly.
    
    
• Using a Subdomain:
  • If you prefer, you can use a subdomain of the domain you already own and use for your website/blog. For example, you could use "go.mybrand.com" or "social.mybrand.com" Learn how to set up a subdomain as your branded URL shortener.

How can I redirect my Main Branded Domain?

• Redirecting your main branded domain with Rebrandly is a straightforward process. Learn how Redirecting/Forwarding the Main Branded Domain.

Does Rebrandly have domain forwarding and 404 management feature?

• Yes, in Rebrandly you can use our main domain redirection feature to redirect the domain to any specific destination URL. Learn how Redirecting/Forwarding the Main Branded Domain.
• You can manage any broken link redirection (404-type) as well. Learn how 404 Page Redirect and Target Mirror Domain.

Do I need to verify my identity with ICANN again to buy a new domain?

• No, you don't need to re-verify your identity with ICANN for each new domain purchase. ICANN's verification process is a one-time step to confirm your identity and domain ownership.
• However, your domain registrar might have their own verification requirements for security or regulatory purposes. This could include identity verification or address confirmation, especially for commercial domains.

Can I modify the DNS or NS settings for my Rebrandly domain?

• No, you cannot change the DNS or NS settings of a domain purchased through Rebrandly. These domains are specifically configured for link shortening.
• If you want to use the domain for a website, blog, or other service in addition to link shortening, you can purchase our alias domain feature.

What is the difference between a custom Domain and a Branded Domain?

• While all branded domains are custom domains, not all custom domains are branded. A branded domain specifically includes your brand name (for instance: nike.link), while a custom domain can be any domain name you own (for instance: myblog.com).

Is folder creation possible for Rebrandly domains?

• No, Rebrandly is designed to shorten URLs, not manage folders or files. It doesn't have a feature for creating folders within domains. However, if you've set up a domain alias, you can manage specific folders like the .well-known folder, which is used for domain verification.