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Troubleshoot CNAME Records

Learn how to troubleshoot CNAME records when you receive a Domain Validation Failed error in Swivel. This guide explains how to check the CNAME Host/Name and Value/Target fields, correct common DNS formatting issues, and successfully validate your domain.

Written by Boni Newberry

Troubleshoot CNAME Records

If you receive a Domain Validation Failed error when setting up your CNAME records, check how the CNAME was entered with your domain provider.

Some domain providers automatically add your website address to the Host/Name field. If you enter the full address, such as s1.websiteaddress.com, your domain may be added a second time and prevent the record from validating.

Try this instead:

  1. Log in to your domain provider and open your DNS settings.

  2. Locate the CNAME records you created for Swivel.

  3. Check the Host/Name field.

  4. If you entered the full address, such as s1.websiteaddress.com, change it to just s1.

  5. Leave the Value/Target exactly as provided by Swivel.

  6. Save your changes.

  7. Allow time for the DNS changes to update, then try validating the domain again.

Example:

Instead of: Host/Name: s1.websiteaddress.com

Try: Host/Name: s1

Do not change the Value/Target provided by Swivel.

🔍 Tip: DNS changes may take some time to update.

If the domain still does not validate, send Swivel Support a screenshot of the CNAME records showing the Host/Name and Value/Target fields so we can help troubleshoot further.


Troubleshooting CNAME Records by Domain Host

🚧 IMPORTANT: The links below are not maintained or updated by Swivel and are provided as a courtesy resource. Please contact your domain host directly to additional questions or troubleshooting.

To verify the website owner and host, visit https://www.icann.org/search

Bluehost

GoDaddy

HostGator

Wix

WordPress

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