Domain Settings

Your domain settings control how customers and staff access your restaurant system. You can use our default subdomain or connect your own custom domain for a more professional appearance.

Plan Requirement: Custom domains are available on Professional and Enterprise plans. See Plans & Subscription Management for plan details and pricing.

Your Business URL

Every business gets a default URL based on your business name. This URL is used for:

• Admin access - Where you manage your restaurant
• Customer ordering - Where customers place orders (if enabled)
• API endpoints - For integrations and mobile apps

Default URL Structure

Your default URL follows this pattern:

your-business-name.typemenu.com

Examples:

• marios-pizza.typemenu.com
• golden-gate-restaurant.typemenu.com
• the-coffee-shop.typemenu.com

Changing Your Business Domain

When to Change Your Domain

• Rebranding - New business name or identity
• Name changes - Legal name updates
• URL improvements - Make it easier to remember or spell
• SEO benefits - Better search engine optimisation

How to Change Your Domain

1. Go to Settings → Online Store
2. Open the Domain section (you may need to scroll down)
3. Click “Edit Domain”
4. Enter your new domain
5. Preview the URL before saving
6. Click “Save Changes”

Domain Requirements

• URL-friendly characters only (letters, numbers, hyphens)
• No spaces or special characters
• Unique across all businesses
• 3-50 characters long

Important Notes

• URL changes immediately after saving
• Bookmarks may break - update any saved links
• Customer communications - Update printed materials and emails
• Mobile apps - May need app updates if using custom URLs

Custom Domain Setup

For a more professional appearance, you can use your own domain instead of the default subdomain.

Benefits of Custom Domains

• Professional branding - orders.yourrestaurant.com
• Customer trust - Recognisable domain
• SEO advantages - Better search rankings
• Marketing flexibility - Use in advertising and promotions

What You’ll Need

• Domain ownership - You must own the domain
• DNS access - Ability to add DNS records
• Subdomain choice - We recommend a subdomain (not root domain)

Recommended Setup

We recommend using a subdomain like:

• app.yourrestaurant.com
• orders.yourrestaurant.com
• menu.yourrestaurant.com

Avoid using your root domain (yourrestaurant.com) as this can interfere with existing websites or email.

Step-by-Step Custom Domain Setup

Step 1: Enable Custom Domain

1. Go to Settings → Online Store
2. Open the Domain section
3. Check “Use custom domain”
4. Enter your full domain (e.g., app.yourrestaurant.com)
5. Click “Save”

Step 2: Update Your DNS Records

What is DNS?

DNS (Domain Name System) translates your domain name into an IP address. You need to add a CNAME record that points your subdomain to our servers.

Accessing Your DNS Settings

• GoDaddy - Login → Domain Settings → DNS Management
• Cloudflare - Login → DNS → Add record
• Namecheap - Login → Domain List → Manage → Advanced DNS
• Other providers - Look for “DNS”, “Name servers”, or “Advanced settings”

Add the CNAME Record

Create a new CNAME record with these exact values:

Field	Value
Type	CNAME
Name/Host	app (or your chosen subdomain prefix)
Target/Value	domains.typemenu.com
TTL	Auto/Default (usually 3600)

Important DNS Notes

• Use CNAME, not A record - A records won’t work
• Disable proxy/CDN - If using Cloudflare, set to “DNS only”
• Wait for propagation - Changes can take 5 minutes to 2 hours
• Check both www and non-www - Only set up one version

Step 3: Wait for Verification

After adding the DNS record:

• Status changes to “Pending DNS” - We’re waiting for the record
• Status changes to “Pending TLS” - DNS found, setting up SSL
• Status changes to “Active” - Domain is ready to use!

Domain Status Explanations

Pending DNS

• What it means: We’ve saved your domain but haven’t found the DNS record yet
• What to do: Wait for DNS propagation (usually 5-60 minutes)
• Status icon: Yellow clock

Pending TLS

• What it means: DNS record found, now setting up SSL certificate
• What to do: This usually completes within 5-10 minutes
• Status icon: Yellow clock

Active

• What it means: Domain is fully connected and working
• What to do: You can now use your custom domain!
• Status icon: Green checkmark

Error

• What it means: Something went wrong with the setup
• What to do: Contact support for help
• Status icon: Red warning

SSL Certificates

We automatically handle SSL certificates for your custom domains:

• Free certificates from Let’s Encrypt
• Automatic renewal - No action needed from you
• HTTPS everywhere - All connections are secure
• Trust indicators - Green padlock in browsers

Troubleshooting

DNS Changes Not Taking Effect

• Wait longer - DNS propagation can take up to 24 hours
• Check record is saved - Log back into DNS provider to verify
• Clear DNS cache - Try a different device/network
• Check for typos - Verify the CNAME record exactly matches

”Pending DNS” Status Won’t Change

• Verify DNS record - Use online DNS checkers (e.g., dnschecker.org)
• Check subdomain spelling - Make sure it matches exactly
• Wait 24 hours - Sometimes propagation takes longer
• Contact your DNS provider - They may have issues

Domain Not Working After “Active” Status

• Browser cache - Try incognito mode or different browser
• DNS cache - Flush your local DNS cache
• Wait a bit more - Sometimes it takes time for all systems to update
• Check the URL - Make sure you’re using the full subdomain

SSL Certificate Issues

• We handle this - SSL setup is automatic
• Contact support if you see certificate warnings
• Check domain spelling - Typos can cause certificate issues

Common Questions

Can I Use My Root Domain?

At the moment, we only support subdomains (like app.yourdomain.com). Using your root domain (yourdomain.com) can interfere with existing websites, email, or other services.

Will This Affect My Existing Website?

No. Only the subdomain you choose will be affected. Your main website and email will continue working normally.

Can I Change My Custom Domain Later?

Yes, but you’ll need to:

1. Remove the old DNS record
2. Update settings with the new domain
3. Add the new DNS record
4. Wait for propagation

Do I Need Technical Knowledge?

Basic DNS knowledge helps, but our step-by-step instructions and support team can guide you through it. Most customers complete setup in under 30 minutes.

What If My DNS Provider Isn’t Listed?

The instructions work for most DNS providers. Look for “DNS Management”, “DNS Settings”, or “Advanced DNS” in your provider’s control panel.

Can I Use Multiple Domains?

Currently, each business can have one custom domain. If you need multiple domains, contact our sales team about enterprise options.

What About Mobile Apps?

If you have a mobile app, you may need to update it to use the new domain. Contact our development team for assistance.

Need Help?

If you run into issues setting up your domain:

Self-Service Options

• Check DNS propagation using online tools
• Review our instructions carefully
• Try a different DNS provider if needed
• Contact your domain registrar for DNS help

Contact Support

• Email support with your domain and DNS details
• Include screenshots of your DNS settings
• Provide your domain name and current status
• We’ll guide you through any issues

Emergency Access

If your custom domain isn’t working, you can always access your admin using the default subdomain (yourbusiness.typemenu.com) while we resolve the issue.

Remember: Your domain is the address customers use to find and order from your restaurant. A professional, memorable domain builds trust and makes it easier for customers to return!