Troubleshooting Domain Issues - ClickSpot

Troubleshooting Domain Issues

Having trouble with your custom domain? This guide covers common issues and how to resolve them.

Domain Not Verifying

Problem: "DNS records not found"

Causes:

  • DNS records haven't propagated yet
  • Incorrect record values entered
  • Records added to the wrong zone/domain

Solutions:

  1. Wait for propagation - DNS changes can take up to 48 hours, though most complete within 1-2 hours
  2. Verify your records - Use a tool like MX Toolbox to check if your records are visible
  3. Check for typos - Ensure you copied the CNAME value exactly as shown
  4. Confirm the domain - Make sure you added records to the subdomain you're trying to verify (e.g., links.example.com, not example.com)

Problem: "Verification failed"

Causes:

  • CNAME record points to wrong destination
  • Conflicting A records exist
  • Domain is already in use by another ClickSpot workspace

Solutions:

  1. Remove conflicting records - Delete any A records for the subdomain before adding the CNAME
  2. Check the destination - Your CNAME should point to r.clickspot.io
  3. Contact support - If the domain is claimed by another workspace, we can help resolve ownership

SSL Certificate Issues

SSL certificates are issued automatically once your domain is verified. You don't need to take any action—certificates are provisioned within a few minutes of verification.

Problem: SSL certificate error in browser

Causes:

  • Domain was just verified (certificate still being issued)
  • CAA records blocking certificate issuance
  • Browser caching an old certificate

Solutions:

  1. Wait a few minutes - Certificates are usually issued within 5 minutes of verification
  2. Check CAA records - If you have CAA DNS records, add an entry allowing Let's Encrypt: 0 issue "letsencrypt.org"
  3. Clear browser cache - Or try an incognito/private window
  4. Verify domain status - Ensure the domain shows as "Verified" in your workspace settings

Links Not Working

Problem: "404 Not Found" on custom domain links

Causes:

  • Domain not verified
  • Link doesn't exist or was deleted
  • Short code typo

Solutions:

  1. Verify domain status - Check that your domain shows "Verified" in settings
  2. Check the link exists - Search for the short code in your workspace
  3. Test the ClickSpot URL - Try the link with the ClickSpot domain to isolate the issue

Problem: Links redirect to wrong destination

Causes:

  • Multiple domains with same short codes
  • Link was edited after sharing
  • Browser caching

Solutions:

  1. Check the link - Open the link in your workspace and verify the destination URL
  2. Clear browser cache - Redirects can be cached; try incognito mode
  3. Check analytics - See where clicks are actually going

DNS Provider-Specific Issues

Cloudflare

  • Disable the orange cloud (proxy) for your CNAME record - it should be "DNS only" (gray cloud)
  • If using Cloudflare proxy, SSL may conflict with ClickSpot's certificates

GoDaddy

  • Remove the trailing dot if GoDaddy adds one to your CNAME value
  • Set TTL to the lowest available option for faster propagation

Namecheap

  • Use "CNAME Record" not "URL Redirect Record"
  • For the Host field, enter just the subdomain (e.g., links not links.example.com)

Still Having Issues?

If you've tried these solutions and still have problems:

  1. Take a screenshot of your DNS settings
  2. Note your domain name and workspace
  3. Email support@clickspot.io with these details

Our support team typically responds within 24 hours and can help diagnose complex DNS issues.