> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://shortpen.com/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# How to verify your custom domain in ShortPen

> Verify your custom domain in ShortPen by checking DNS records and activating your domain for branded links.

**Short answer:** A domain is verified when ShortPen can read the DNS records it expects for your domain/subdomain. In the Domains page, you’ll see one of three states: **Pending**, **Active**, or **Invalid**, and you can click **Check status** to re-run the verification once your DNS changes have propagated. Verification can take time (up to \~24h, depending on your DNS provider).

<Info>
  **New to domains in ShortPen?** See: [How custom domains work in ShortPen](/key-concepts/domains-overview)
</Info>

## What the verification states mean

* **Pending.** ShortPen is still waiting to detect the required DNS records for your domain. This is normal immediately after you add a domain or update DNS. Propagation may take up to 24 hours with some providers.
* **Active**. The records have been found and validated. You can use this domain for your URLs.
* **Invalid.** ShortPen attempted verification but found missing or conflicting records (e.g., an A/AAAA record where a CNAME is required). Fix DNS and rerun the status check.

## How verification works

ShortPen checks that your DNS points your **subdomain** to ShortPen via the records it shows in the configuration.

If those records resolve publicly, the status becomes **Active**.

If not, it stays **Pending** or becomes **Invalid** until the public DNS matches.

<Info>
  DNS is like the internet’s address book. After you change it, every provider worldwide needs time to update their copy. This delay is “propagation.”
</Info>

## Run a manual verification (“Check status”)

1. Go to **Settings → Domains** in ShortPen.
2. Find your domain and click the **gear** icon to open the DNS configuration panel.
3. Press **Check status**. ShortPen re-reads your DNS and updates the state (Active/Pending/Invalid).

<Note>
  If you just changed DNS, give it time before clicking **Check status** repeatedly. Propagation can take up to \~24h in some cases.
</Note>

## Expected propagation times

* Most providers: usually instant or within some minutes, sometimes longer.
* In some cases: **up to 24 hours** before verification can succeed.

## Common reasons a domain won’t verify (and fixes)

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Wrong or extra records present">
    Make sure there are **no A/AAAA** records on the same host that should be a CNAME. Keep only the records ShortPen lists for your domain. Then try **Check status** again.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Cloudflare in “Proxied” mode">
    If you manage DNS with Cloudflare, **disable Proxy** (set it to DNS-only) and set **SSL/TLS** to “**Full**.” Proxied DNS can hide the real record from verification.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Not enough time has passed">
    DNS changes haven’t propagated yet. Wait (up to \~24h) and re-check.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Related links

* [How custom domains work in ShortPen](/key-concepts/domains-overview)
* [How to connect a custom domain to ShortPen](/domains/domain-connection)
* [Why use a custom domain with ShortPen](/domains/why-use-custom-domain)
* [How to set a root domain redirect](/domains/root-domain-redirect)