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Azure App Service enables you to host web apps on a fully managed platform. By default, apps hosted on Azure App Service are assigned a domain name like myapp-00000.westus.azurewebsites.net. However, for most production applications, you’ll want to use your own domain name (e.g., www.contoso.com) to create a professional, branded web presence. This is referred to as adding a custom domain to your app.
In this article, you'll get an overview of how to configure and manage custom domain names in Azure App Service—whether you're buying a new domain, migrating an existing one, managing DNS, or securing your domain with SSL/TLS certificates.
What is a custom domain?
A domain name is the address people type into a web browser to reach your website. A custom domain is a domain name that you own and configure to point to your Azure-hosted app, replacing the default Azure domain.
For example:
- Default Azure domain:
myapp-00000.westus.azurewebsites.net - Custom domain:
www.contoso.com
Using a custom domain allows you to:
- Establish a branded, user-friendly web address.
- Improve trust and credibility with customers.
- Manage and secure traffic to your application.
Common scenarios for custom domains in Azure App Service
Azure App Service supports various scenarios for working with domain names:
- Point a custom domain name to your App Service app.
- Purchase a domain name directly through Azure, simplifying DNS management.
- Migrate an existing domain name from another registrar to be managed via Azure.
- Distribute global traffic using Azure Traffic Manager with your domain.
- Secure your custom domain with SSL/TLS certificates for HTTPS.
Key steps to set up and manage custom domain names
Map a custom domain name to your app
To associate a domain name with your App Service app, you need to create DNS records with your domain registrar that point to Azure. This typically involves:
- Adding an A record (using the app's IP address) or a CNAME record (aliasing the Azure default domain).
- Verifying ownership of the domain.
- Binding the domain name to your app in the Azure portal or via CLI.
Buy a domain name from Azure
Azure lets you search for and purchase domain names directly through the Azure portal. Domains purchased via Azure are automatically linked to Azure DNS for easier setup.
Benefits of buying a domain name through Azure:
- Simplified DNS management.
- Seamless integration with App Service.
- Easier SSL certificate setup.
Migrate an existing domain name to Azure DNS
If your web app is currently hosted elsewhere and actively serving traffic, you can migrate your custom domain to Azure App Service without downtime by carefully managing DNS updates. The migration process allows you to transition your domain while minimizing disruption to users.
Azure provides options to:
Verify domain ownership before switching traffic to avoid interruptions. Preconfigure domain settings in App Service to ensure seamless redirection. Manage DNS changes strategically to reduce propagation delays.
Configure Traffic Manager with your custom domain
To improve global performance and availability, you can use Azure Traffic Manager to route traffic for your custom domain based on geographic location, latency, or availability. Traffic Manager works with your App Service app to ensure users are directed to the best-performing instance.
Secure your custom domain name with SSL certificates
Securing your custom domain with an SSL/TLS certificate enables HTTPS, which is essential for protecting user data and building trust. Azure App Service supports:
- Free App Service Managed Certificates for custom domains.
- Bring Your Own Certificate (BYOC) for more advanced configurations.
Certificates can be easily created, uploaded, and managed within Azure.
Summary
Adding a custom domain name to your Azure App Service app helps you create a branded, secure, and professional online experience. Whether you're purchasing a new domain, migrating an existing one, optimizing traffic flow, or securing your app, Azure provides a complete set of tools to manage domain names efficiently.