Add a custom domain name
If you have a website, you probably have a domain. It's the part of your URL after the www. and the part of your email address after the @. If you don't have one, you can buy a domain from Microsoft and set it up as a part of your subscription.
In this article, we'll walk you through the steps for adding an existing domain you already own or buying a new one.
Notes:
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If you purchased a new domain when you signed up, your domain is all set up and you can move on to Downloading and installing your apps.
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If you don't connect a domain to Microsoft 365, your users will sign into their apps and use email with the default "yourcompany.onmicrosoft.com" domain.
Tip: It's easiest to add a custom domain before you add your users. Otherwise, you'll need to update your users' usernames when you connect your domain.
When you signed up, that first user account became the global administrator who can change any setting in Microsoft 365, including adding domains. Other employees you add later won't have this privilege by default.
If you want to buy a new domain
Tip: Having a custom domain for your business helps show potential customers that you're established and professional.
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Go to the setup page in the admin center, and then select Get your custom domain set up.
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Select Manage, and then select Buy domain.
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Enter the domain name you chose in the search box, and then select Check availability.
Tip: A shorter domain name is easier and faster to type. Look for opportunities to use a shorter name but be careful about sacrificing too much clarity. "contosoautopaintandbodyrepairservice.com" is clear but fairly long. "contbodpntrep.com" might be a little too obscure. "contosoautobody.com" is a nice balance that customers can remember.
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If the name you've chosen is available, select Use this domain.
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On the next page, add the contact information for domain ownership.
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Choose the email address (and username) for your new domain.
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You'll be signed out of Microsoft 365 so that you can sign in with your new username (yourname@newdomain.com).
If you already have a domain
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Go to the setup page in the admin center, and then select Get your custom domain set up.
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Select Manage, and then select Add domain.
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Enter your domain (yourcompany.com) and select Use this domain.
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If your domain is hosted at a common registrar like GoDaddy, WordPress, or 1&1 IONOS, you have the option to sign in to that registrar and give Microsoft permission to set up your domain for you.
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Select Verify.
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Sign in to your registrar if prompted, and then select Authorize.
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Select Continue.
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Choose the services you want to use with your domain name (Email, contacts, Teams, etc.), and then select Configure.
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Select Authorize to finish domain setup.
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If your domain with a less common registrar you must set up your domain manually or contact support for help.
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To manually verify ownership and configure DNS records, follow the instructions in Add DNS records to connect your domain.
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To contact support for help setting up your domain, select the headset icon in the lower right of the admin center, enter a brief description such as setting up my domain, select Contact support, fill out some contact information, and then select Contact me.
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Next steps
To start using World, Excel, PowerPoint, and more, see Download and install your apps.
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