how to setup a custom domain in blogger (Step-by-Step Guide)

If you are using Blogger and still have a blog address like yourblog.blogspot.com, you are missing a big opportunity. A custom domain makes your blog look professional, trusted, and serious. That is why many beginners search how to setup a custom domain in blogger.

In this guide, I will explain everything in very simple words, step by step. Even if you have never touched domain settings before, you will understand it clearly by the end.

What Is a Custom Domain in Blogger

A custom domain is your own website address, like yourblog.com, instead of the free Blogger address.

When you set up a custom domain in Blogger, your blog still runs on Blogger, but the web address looks professional. Visitors will never see “blogspot” again.

This is exactly why people search how to set up a custom domain in Blogger they want trust, branding, and growth.

Why You Should Use a Custom Domain on Blogger

Using a custom domain gives your blog a serious upgrade. First, it builds trust. People are more likely to click and read a blog with a real domain name.

Second, it helps with branding. Your blog name becomes memorable. Third, it improves SEO slightly because search engines trust custom domains more than free subdomains.

If you want to grow your blog, setting up a custom domain is not optional it is necessary.

Things You Need Before Setting Up a Custom Domain

Before learning how to set up a custom domain in Blogger, make sure you have these things ready.

You need a Blogger blog, a domain name (like .com, .net, or .org), and access to your domain provider’s DNS settings. That’s it.

You do not need coding skills. You do not need hosting. Blogger already hosts your blog for free.

Step 1: Buy a Domain Name

First, you need to buy a domain from a domain provider. Many people use popular registrars like GoDaddy, Namecheap, or Google Domains.

Choose a domain name that is short, easy to spell, and related to your blog topic. Avoid numbers and special characters.

Once you buy the domain, do not worry if nothing happens yet. We still need to connect it to Blogger.

Step 2: Open Blogger Settings

Now log in to your Blogger account. Select your blog and go to the Settings section.

Scroll until you see the Publishing area. This is where Blogger allows you to add a custom domain.

Click on the option that says Custom domain.

Step 3: Enter Your Custom Domain in Blogger

In the custom domain box, type your domain like this:

www.yourdomain.com

Always use www, not without it. This is very important.

After entering the domain, click Save. Blogger will show an error message do not panic. This error is normal and actually helps us.

Step 4: Copy the CNAME Records From Blogger

After the error message, Blogger will show you two CNAME records. These records are very important.

One CNAME is common for everyone. The second one is unique for your blog.

You must copy both exactly as shown. Do not change anything.

This step is the core part of how to set up a custom domain in Blogger.

Step 5: Open Your Domain DNS Settings

Now go to your domain provider’s website. Log in and open your domain settings.

Find something called DNS, Manage DNS, or DNS Records. Every provider looks a little different, but the idea is the same.

This is where we connect your domain to Blogger.

Step 6: Add the CNAME Records

Add the two CNAME records exactly as Blogger showed you.

In the first CNAME, enter www as the name and paste the destination Blogger gave you.
In the second CNAME, paste the unique code Blogger provided.

Save the records.

If you make a mistake here, the domain will not work. So double-check spelling.

Step 7: Add A Records (Very Important)

This step is often missed, but it is critical.

You must add four A records that point to Blogger’s IP addresses. These are:

216.239.32.21
216.239.34.21
216.239.36.21
216.239.38.21

These records make sure your domain works even without “www”.

This step completes the technical part of how to set up a custom domain in Blogger.

Step 8: Save and Wait

After saving all DNS records, you must wait. DNS changes are not instant.

Usually, it takes 10 minutes to a few hours. Sometimes it can take up to 24 hours.

Do not keep changing settings during this time. Just wait.

Step 9: Enable Redirect in Blogger

Go back to Blogger settings. Click Save again on your custom domain.

Once it works, enable the option Redirect domain. This ensures all visitors go to the correct version of your site.

This improves user experience and SEO.

Step 10: Test Your Custom Domain

Open your browser and type your new domain.

If it opens your Blogger blog, congratulations 🎉
You have successfully learned how to set up a custom domain in Blogger.

Common Problems and how to setup a custom domain in blogger

Sometimes the domain does not work immediately. This is usually due to DNS delay or incorrect records.

Double-check CNAME spelling. Make sure you added all four A records. Also ensure you used www when adding the domain.

Most problems are small and easy to fix.

SEO Benefits of Using a Custom Domain in Blogger

A custom domain helps your blog look trustworthy to search engines. It also improves click-through rate because people trust real domains more.

Over time, your domain builds authority. This is very helpful if you plan to grow traffic from Google and Pinterest.

That is why learning how to set up a custom domain in Blogger is a smart move.

Final Thoughts

Setting up a custom domain in Blogger may look scary at first, but it is actually simple if you follow the steps calmly.

You do not need to be technical. You just need patience and attention.

Once done, your blog will look professional, branded, and ready to grow.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is a custom domain free on Blogger

Blogger itself is free, but you must pay for the domain name yearly.

Can I use Blogger without hosting

Yes. Blogger hosts your website for free even with a custom domain.

How long does domain setup take

Usually a few minutes to a few hours. Sometimes up to 24 hours.

Do I need coding to set up a custom domain

No. Everything is done through settings and copy-paste.

Will my old Blogger links break

No. Blogger automatically redirects old links to the new domain.

Is a custom domain good for SEO

Yes. It improves trust, branding, and long-term SEO value.