How to create DNS alias for SharePoint Site

SharePoint allows its users to create publicly available sites within their network. Each site created within SharePoint has a domain alias associated with SharePoint. However, users may want to customize their domain alias. So this article will show you how to create a custom domain alias for a SharePoint site.

You will need to use the method below to create a DNS alias to allow your SharePoint site to point to a new hostname rather than an IP address.

  • Firstly, you need to assign your domain to Office 365. You can create your own domain using sites such as GoDaddy. 
  • You will need to go into the Admin center and change the DNS to point to your SharePoint site to create your custom domain alias.

How to assign a domain in Office 365 to create DNS alias

To begin the process, you must first assign your domain to Office 365. Office 365 allows you to host your domain on their platform.

You can use an external web host; however, assigning a domain to Office 365 will give you more control over managing your SharePoint sites. It will also be easier for you to create a DNS alias for a specific site in SharePoint without any verification or time delays.

  • Firstly, open the Office 365 Admin center. 

Sign in with your regular Office 365 credentials, ensuring you have admin permissions to continue with the steps ahead. As the features to edit and assign custom domains onto Office 365 is within the admin center, you will need admin permissions to make the required changes. 

  • Click on the option for “Setup.” 

You need to find the option for Setup from the list of options available on the side menu and then click on it. 

  • Scroll down and select “Get your custom domain set up.” 
  • Click on “Get started.” 
  • Enter your domain name, then click on “Use this domain.” 
  • Choose one of the options to verify your domain. (I recommend verification via DNS) 
  • Press “Continue.” 
  • Copy the TXT name, value, and TTL and paste it into your current domain host. 
  • Come back to this section and click on “Verify.” 

If the domain verification has been unsuccessful, you’ll get a notification telling you what the actual DNS is versus what it should be.

  • Verify domain approval by ensuring the Status shows “Healthy.” 

Once you have completed the steps, you will have managed to assign a custom domain to Office 365. Remember that the process may take up to 48 hours for your domain to be properly assigned to Office 365. So if you don’t see the status showing “Healthy,” try waiting for the DNS transfer to complete. 

Once the status is shown as Healthy, you can be assured that the domain is now on Office 365, and you can proceed to create a DNS alias for a SharePoint site. Your custom domain is now approved, and you can bring it in place of the current IP site name layout on your current SharePoint site.

How can you create DNS aliases for a SharePoint site using the domain you have just added

Now you have a custom domain assigned to Office 365; you can now proceed to create a domain alias for one of your SharePoint sites. You can keep a domain on the original host; however, as illustrated earlier, verifying the domain and assigning it as a DNS alias may require more time to complete. 

Having a domain assigned to Office 365 means you can go into the domain DNS settings and update the name to display your current site in the records.

  • In the domains section of Office 365, click on the domain you have just assigned to the program. 
  • Now click on the option for “DNS records.” 
  • Click on “Add record.”
  • Input the custom DNS information.
  • Here are the values you need to add.
    • TXT name: This is the name of the site the domain will point to.
    • TXT Value: As the value set for Office 365 is universal, add the @ symbol to this section.
    • TTL: Input the value equivalent to 1 hour or 3600 seconds.
  • Click on “Save” to complete the process.

Once you have completed this step, you will have managed to create a DNS alias for a SharePoint site. When you input the DNS alias in a web browser, it will open and display publicly viewable content.

Conclusion

Thank you for reading our content and how you can create a custom domain alias for a SharePoint site. I have provided the steps on how you can assign a custom domain for you to create your SharePoint alias. From there, I have also provided a guide on how you can use the domain to create a DNS alias for a SharePoint site. If you encounter any issues trying to follow the steps, you can drop a comment below, and we will address them. 

Saajid Gangat

Saajid Gangat has been a researcher and content writer at Business Tech Planet since 2021. Saajid is a tech-savvy writer with expertise in web and graphic design and has extensive knowledge of Microsoft 365, Adobe, Shopify, WordPress, Wix, Squarespace, and more! You can connect with Saajid on Linkedin.

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