How to Set Up a Custom Domain with Free SSL for Docker Containers

Connecting a custom domain to your Docker container is a foundational step toward running a production ready application. A custom domain improves credibility, strengthens branding, supports SEO, and ensures secure HTTPS access for users and APIs.

SnapDeploy simplifies this entire process. You can attach your own domain to a running container and receive a free SSL certificate automatically, without managing certificates, reverse proxies, or load balancers.

Why Custom Domains Matter for Containerized Applications

Running a container on a random subdomain may work during development, but production workloads require a stable and professional endpoint. A custom domain provides:

• Brand consistency across applications and services
• Better SEO indexing for public facing services
• Increased trust with HTTPS enabled by default
• Easier integration with third party services and webhooks

Prerequisites

Before starting, make sure you have:

• A Docker container already deployed on SnapDeploy
• Access to your domain's DNS settings
• A SnapDeploy Starter plan or higher

Every SnapDeploy container already includes a free subdomain like myapp.containers.snapdeploy.dev. Custom domains are an upgrade feature available on paid plans.

How Custom Domains Work on SnapDeploy

SnapDeploy follows a simple and reliable approach:

• You point your domain to SnapDeploy's proxy IP using an A record
• SnapDeploy verifies DNS ownership
• A free SSL certificate is issued automatically using Let's Encrypt
• HTTPS is enforced and certificates auto renew

This approach works for both root domains and subdomains without requiring CNAME flattening or external proxies.

Step by Step Guide

Step 1: Open Custom Domain Settings

Log in to your SnapDeploy dashboard and select the container you want to expose. Navigate to Container Settings → Custom Domains and click Add Domain.

Step 2: Enter Your Domain Name

Enter the full domain or subdomain you want to use:

• api.example.com
• example.com

SnapDeploy will generate an IP address for this domain mapping.

Step 3: Copy the Provided IP Address

SnapDeploy will display a public IPv4 address such as 52.XX.XX.XX. This is the IP your domain will point to.

Step 4: Configure DNS Using an A Record

Go to your DNS provider and add an A record:

Step 5: Wait for DNS Propagation

DNS propagation typically completes within 5 to 30 minutes. SnapDeploy continuously checks until the record resolves correctly.

Step 6: Automatic SSL Certificate

Once DNS is verified, SnapDeploy automatically provisions a free SSL certificate using Let's Encrypt. No manual uploads, no renewal configuration, no downtime. SSL is usually active within 5 to 10 minutes after DNS propagation.

Step 7: Access Your Application

Your container is now available at https://yourdomain.com. All traffic is encrypted, and certificates renew automatically.

Why SnapDeploy Uses A Records Instead of CNAME

SnapDeploy relies on A records rather than CNAME records. This provides:

• Works with both root domains and subdomains
• Avoids CNAME flattening limitations
• Offers predictable routing for container workloads
• Improves reliability across DNS providers

DNS Provider Instructions

Plan Based Domain Limits

Competitor Comparison

Troubleshooting

Conclusion

Setting up a custom domain with HTTPS for a Docker container does not need to involve complex infrastructure or manual certificate management.

SnapDeploy provides a clean, reliable workflow using A records and automatic SSL provisioning so your application is production ready in minutes.