How to update your web app domain

A domain is the address that people use to access a particular website on the internet. Your web app domain is the address users use to access your platform and apply for loans you offer online.

Lendsqr creates a default web app for you immediately after you sign up on the admin console. It comprises your company short name and the Lendsqr domain; for example, shortname.lsq.app. A domain name gives your web app an identity and makes it easy for users to find. For instance, instead of sending loan applicants to companyname.lsq.app, a custom domain like apply.yourcompany.com looks more professional and builds trust with borrowers. This is especially important if you’re running a branded product or migrating an existing loan application portal to Lendsqr.

Changing your web app domain name

On the Lendsqr admin console, you can change your web app domain from the default domain created for you by Lendsqr to a custom domain that better represents your business.

You must register the name with a domain registrar and then point it to the IP address of the web server hosting your web app.

Note: The domain adjustments are not feasible for accounts on the Free Plan. They are exclusively available to lenders on the Starter plan and above. 

Should you use a subdomain or apex domain?

Before getting started, it helps to decide which type of domain you want to use:

• Use an apex domain (e.g., yourcompany.com) if your loan application portal is your entire website. This would imply that you don’t have/need a separate marketing site or homepage.
• Use a subdomain (e.g., apply.yourcompany.com or loans.yourcompany.com) if your main website already exists and you only want loan applications running on a separate path. This is the most common setup for lenders.

Steps to change your web app domain

To change your web app domain, kindly follow the steps below:

1. Navigate to Domain settings

On the Lendsqr admin console, click the Settings icon (gear) at the top right corner.

Then select “Domain” under the “Channels” section of the Settings sidebar (this replaces the old “Preferences > Domain customization” path). This page also shows your current default web app domain, which stays Live until your custom domain is verified.

2. Add a new domain

Click the “New domain” button (this replaces the old “Add a new domain” button) at the top right of the Domains page.

3. Enter your domain name

In the “Create Custom Domain” panel, enter your company’s main domain in the “Root domain” field (e.g., yourcompany.com, kayode.app, or example.com, without including www), and if you want a subdomain, type it in the “Sub domain” field (e.g., app).

Click “Continue”, review the summary shown, then click “Create Custom Domain” to confirm. If a subdomain was provided, your web app domain will be, for example, app.yourcompany.com. If no subdomain is specified, your web app will be accessible at the apex domain (e.g., yourcompany.com).

4. View domain details and copy the DNS record

Once created, the domain appears on the Domains page with a “Verifying DNS” status. Copy the Type, Host, and Points to values shown, and add them as a record with your DNS provider. The page also links to setup instructions for common domain hosts (GoDaddy, NameCheap, Google Domains, Shopify, BlueHost, CloudFlare, 1&1 IONOS, Network Solutions, Hostgator, Domains.com).

Understanding your DNS record

When adding this record, you’ll be using a CNAME record; not an A record. A CNAME points your subdomain to another domain name, while an A record points directly to an IP address. Lendsqr’s setup requires a CNAME.

Here’s what your DNS record should look like:

Field	Value
Type	CNAME
Name	app (your subdomain)
Target	yourcompany.com (your apex domain)
TTL	3600 (or “Auto”)

Note: The table aboveis only applicable when you wish to use a subdomain.

5. Check status

After you set this up with your DNS provider, click the “Check status” button on the domain card to have Lendsqr re-verify the record. The status updates automatically once your DNS record is detected.

6. Domain goes live

Once this has been done successfully, your domain will be updated to an active status and ready for use. The previous domain you had (yourcompany.lsq.app) will also be deactivated. Lendsqr automatically provisions an SSL/TLS certificate for your custom domain, so your web app will be served over HTTPS without any additional configuration on your part.

DNS propagation

DNS changes do not take effect instantly. After updating your DNS records, changes can take anywhere from a few minutes to 48 hours to propagate globally, depending on your DNS provider. If your domain doesn’t show as active immediately after clicking “Check status”, wait up to 24 hours before troubleshooting.

Troubleshooting

If you run into issues after completing the steps above, here are a few things to check:

• Domain still shows “Pending” after 48 hours: Double-check that the CNAME record name and target were entered exactly as shown on the admin console, with no trailing spaces or extra characters.
• www subdomain not resolving: Ensure you added a DNS record specifically for www if you’re not using a custom subdomain.
• Domain activated but site isn’t loading: Clear your browser cache or try opening the link in an incognito window. DNS changes sometimes cache locally even after they’ve fully propagated.
• Unsure which DNS record type to use: Always use CNAME when pointing a subdomain to Lendsqr. If your DNS provider doesn’t support CNAME at the apex level, contact Lendsqr support for guidance.

Read further: Why Lendsqr is Africa’s most affordable loan management software