How to Add and Manage Custom Domains in Microsoft 365

Microsoft recommends using a custom domain name for your organization to improve brand recognition, email deliverability, and user trust. When you add a custom domain, Microsoft 365 supports registrars that are Domain Connect enabled.

If you’re using Microsoft 365 for email, add users and set up mailboxes in Microsoft 365 for all email users on your domain. Add users after adding the custom domain but before adding an MX record for Microsoft 365.

This blog post discusses custom domain name, steps for adding and managing domains in Microsoft 365, and domain connector registers.

What is a Domain Name?

A domain is a unique name that comes after the ‘@’ sign in email addresses, and after www. in web addresses. It takes the form of your business name and a standard internet suffix. Using a custom domain in Microsoft 365 helps you build credibility and recognition for your brand.

Custom domain name enhances your email reputation, depending on email provider, reducing the chances of your emails getting marked as spam. You can buy a domain in Microsoft 365 and Microsoft 365 can set it up automatically. Or you can buy or bring one you already own from a domain registrar.

What Are the Key Requirements of Domain Management in Microsoft 365?

Before you add a custom domain to Microsoft 365, ensure the following requirements are met. Only a Domain Name Administrator of a business or enterprise plan can add, modify, or remove domains. Customized administrators or regular users can’t make these changes. If you’re using Microsoft 365 for email, add users and set up mailboxes in Microsoft 365 for all email users on your domain.

Add users after adding the custom domain but before adding an MX record for Microsoft 365. Adding users before setting up the MX record ensures that email works without interruption as the email moves from the previous email provider to Microsoft 365. Also, determine if your registrar supports Domain Connect.

How to Add a Custom Domain to Microsoft 365?

Here are the steps to adding a custom domain to Microsoft 365 using Domain Connect:

Step 1: Login to the Microsoft 365 Admin Center & Click on Setup

Log in to the Microsoft 365 admin center. In the left navigation bar, select Setup. In the Setup page, under Sign-in and security, select Get your custom domain set up.

Step 2: Select Domains & Go to Add Domain

Under Settings, select Domains. In the Domains page, select + Add domain.

Step 3: Enter the New Domain Name

In the Add a domain page, provide the new domain name to add. Then click on “Use this domain”.

Step 4: Select Continue

In the Verify you own your domain page, check the details. Choose “add a TXT record to the domain’s DNS records” and tap on Continue.

Step 5: Verify Domain

In the “Add a record to verify ownership” page, proceed to Verify. Once your TXT records are validated, the setup will be completed.

What are the Domain Connect Registrars Integrated with Microsoft 365?

The following registrars support Domain Connect integration with Microsoft 365: GoDaddy, Aruba, IONOS, EuroDNS, Cloudflare, WordPress.com, Plesk, SecureServer or WildWestDomains (GoDaddy resellers that use SecureServer DNS hosting).

When you add a custom domain, Microsoft 365 supports registrars with Domain Connect enabled. On using Domain Connect, Microsoft 365 automatically handles tasks such as confirming domain ownership and adding DNS records required for Microsoft 365 services.

Final Thoughts

Users can get a clear overview of adding and managing domains in Microsoft 365 through the steps in this blog post. Follow our blog page to stay updated on technical insights.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What permissions do I need to add a domain?

To add a domain, one should be a Domain Name Administrator of a business or enterprise plan. As these changes affect the whole tenant, customized administrators or regular users make these changes.

2. Will adding a domain affect my existing website?

Changing the default domain affects new accounts only. This doesn’t affect user credentials or their access to applications or services. Removing or changing a domain on an account can affect mail, online storage, and sign-in credentials.

3. Which DNS records does Microsoft 365 need?

Microsoft 365 requires specific DNS records at your domain registrar to verify ownership, route emails, and enable core services like Teams and device management.

4. Should I add users before or after pointing my domain to Microsoft 365?

If you’re using Microsoft 365 for email, add users in Microsoft 365 for all email users on your domain. Add users after adding the custom domain but before adding an MX record for Microsoft 365.