# Address and domains (/docs/website/address-and-domains)



Every website needs an address before it can be published. Manage it in **Template settings > Website address**.

A free address [#a-free-address]

Choose a name and your website lives at `yourname.resytech.site`. Names use lowercase letters, numbers and hyphens, at least three characters. Some names are reserved, and each name can only be used by one website. A free address works as soon as you publish; there is nothing to set up anywhere else.

**Change address** moves your website to a new name. Links to the old name stop working, so do this before you share your address widely.

Your own domain [#your-own-domain]

You can use a domain you already own, such as `www.yourbusiness.com`.

1. In **Website address**, choose **Your own domain** and type the full address, including `www`.

2. At the company where you manage your domain (your registrar or DNS provider), add a **CNAME** record:

   | Type  | Name  | Value                   |
   | ----- | ----- | ----------------------- |
   | CNAME | `www` | `connect.resytech.site` |

3. Back in Resytech, click **Connect domain**. If the record isn't visible yet, you'll see what Resytech found and can click **Check again**. New records usually appear within a few minutes, occasionally longer.

4. Once the record is found, Resytech sets up your domain and its secure certificate. This usually takes a few minutes; the editor keeps checking while it is open, or you can come back later and click **Check again**.

5. As soon as the domain is ready, your website moves to it and the status shows **Live**.

Your current address keeps working right up to step 5, so connecting a domain never takes your website offline.

Your own domain needs custom domains to be switched on for websites. If the editor says they aren't yet, contact support.

Root domains [#root-domains]

A CNAME record can't be added to a root domain like `yourbusiness.com` (without `www`). Use `www.yourbusiness.com` for your website and ask your domain provider to forward `yourbusiness.com` to it; most providers have a simple forwarding setting.

Domains used elsewhere [#domains-used-elsewhere]

A domain can only point to one place. If you already use a domain for your Resytech booking page, choose a different one for your website (for example `www.yourbusiness.com` for the website and `book.yourbusiness.com` for booking).

Statuses [#statuses]

| Status              | Meaning                                                                                                     |
| ------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Live**            | Your website is served on this domain.                                                                      |
| **Setting up**      | The certificate is being issued or renewed. No action needed.                                               |
| **Waiting for DNS** | Resytech can't see the CNAME record, or it points somewhere else. Check the record at your domain provider. |
| **Needs attention** | Setting up the domain failed. Contact support.                                                              |

Removing an address [#removing-an-address]

**Remove** takes the address off your website. A published website goes offline and returns to draft until you choose a new address and publish again. A free name you remove can be claimed by anyone.