> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://developer.paddle.com/llms.txt).

# Work with custom subdomains

Personalize hosted checkout links using custom subdomains to build customer confidence and improve conversion.

---

Custom subdomains help bridge the gap between your app and the checkout flow by putting your company or app name in the hosted checkout link, reducing cart abandonment and building the confidence customers need to complete their purchase.

{% callout type="default" %}
Access to Custom subdomains is limited to users who are part of our early access program. If you're interested in joining the program, review this guide then [fill out the form](https://paddlecom.typeform.com/to/gwzUamWO) to apply. We'll reach out when space is available if you meet the program requirements.
{% /callout %}

## How it works

You can use [hosted checkouts](https://developer.paddle.com/concepts/sell/hosted-checkout-mobile-apps.md) to let users securely make purchases outside your app — no hosting required. Customers tap a button in your app to open a checkout that's fully hosted by Paddle, then they're redirected to your app when they complete their purchase.

By default, hosted checkouts are hosted at `pay.paddle.io`. For a more branded experience, you can add a custom subdomain to your account and use it for hosted checkout. For example, your hosted checkout can be hosted at `aeroedit.paddle.io/pay`. This helps to build customer confidence, improving conversion.

Custom subdomains for sandbox accounts are separate, and follow the format `aeroedit.sandbox.paddle.io`, where `aeroedit` is your custom subdomain. Custom subdomains on sandbox don't require approval.

Once you add a custom subdomain, you can set it as the default. Your default custom subdomain is used for new hosted checkouts. You can use any custom subdomain for hosted checkouts, not just your default.

You can add up to 10 custom subdomains. To keep the Paddle platform safe for everyone, custom subdomains have to be approved by Paddle before you can use them. You'll get an email from the Paddle team to let you know when your subdomain has been approved.

## Add a custom subdomain

{% instruction-steps %}

1. Go to **Paddle > Checkout > Custom subdomains**.
2. Click {% mock-button icon="carbon:add" %}New custom subdomain
3. Enter a descriptive name and an optional description to help you identify this custom subdomain. These aren't shown to customers.
4. Enter the subdomain you want to use in the **Subdomain** field. This is the part that goes before `paddle.io`. For example, enter `aeroedit` to use `aeroedit.paddle.io`.
5. Click Save when you're done.
6. Wait for an email from Paddle to say that your custom subdomain has been approved.

{% /instruction-steps %}

{% /dashboard-instructions %}

## Set a custom subdomain as default

Your default custom subdomain is used for new hosted checkouts that you create.

{% instruction-steps %}

1. Go to **Paddle > Checkout > Custom subdomains**.
2. Find the subdomain you want to be the default in the list, then click the  action menu and choose {% mock-button %}Set as default

{% /instruction-steps %}

{% /dashboard-instructions %}

## Use a custom subdomain for a hosted checkout

To use your custom subdomain for a hosted checkout, copy a link using your default custom subdomain or copy the Paddle URL and swap `pay.paddle.io` with your custom subdomain.

### Use your default custom subdomain

{% instruction-steps %}

1. Go to **Paddle > Checkout > Hosted checkouts**.
2. Find the hosted checkout you want to use with a custom domain, then click the  button.
3. Choose {% mock-button icon="carbon:copy" %}Copy custom URL to get a hosted checkout link that uses your default custom subdomain.

{% /instruction-steps %}

{% /dashboard-instructions %}

### Use another custom subdomain

{% instruction-steps %}

1. Go to **Paddle > Checkout > Hosted checkouts**.
2. Find the hosted checkout you want to use with a custom domain, then click the  button.
3. Choose {% mock-button icon="carbon:copy" %}Copy Paddle URL to get a hosted checkout link that uses `pay.paddle.io` or `sandbox.pay.paddle.io`.
4. Paste the URL somewhere and replace `pay` with the custom subdomain you want to use and add `/pay` to the path. For example, replace `pay` with `aeroedit` in `pay.paddle.io` if your subdomain is `aeroedit`.

{% /instruction-steps %}

{% /dashboard-instructions %}

Your complete URL should look something like this:

```text {% title="Example custom subdomain" wrap=true noAI=true %}
https://aeroedit.paddle.io/pay/hsc_01jt8s46kx4nv91002z7vy4ecj_1as3scas9cascascasasx23dsa3asd2a
```