Remo_van_de_Sande is encountering a “forum does not exist” error while trying to use the custom domain aidojo.world, which redirects to aidojo.discourse.group. JammyDodger suggests that using an apex domain (like aidojo.world) requires a DNS provider supporting it, and points to Discourse’s guide on configuring root domains. Alexander notes that since the forum is hosted under the Discourse for Open Source program (indicated by the *.discourse.group domain), custom domains are not available. Remo_van_de_Sande asks about alternatives to the Open Source program. simon clarifies that while Discourse is open source, it can be hosted by Discourse (Basic, Pro, Business plans) or self-hosted. Custom domains are available only on Pro and Business plans — Basic plan sites must remain on a discourse.group subdomain. Remo_van_de_Sande confirms understanding: purchasing a Pro or Business plan would allow hosting on a custom domain like www.1234love.com. JammyDodger confirms this is correct and notes that www subdomains are universally supported by DNS providers. Remo_van_de_Sande thanks everyone and plans to invest in a Pro/Business plan before launching to avoid future domain changes.
Hi Folks,
I have a custom domain name called aidojo.world which is hosted on GoDaddy and has a custom CNAME assigned so that users get redirected to aidojo.discourse.group .
The issue Im facing is that Im getting the following error. Does anyone know what the issue is ?
I think if you want to use an apex/root domain rather than a subdomain for this (eg. community.aidojo.world) then you’d need a DNS provider that supports it.
There’s some special instructions here that may be useful:
I could be wrong, but your forum is hosted by the Discourse for Open Source program, right?
(I ask because of the domain *.discourse.group)
If that’s the case, Custom Domains is not available as far as I remember
@Alexander Hi there, What other service than the “Open Source” program is there ?
This is relatively new, but sites on Discourse’s Basic, Pro, and Business plans can all be hosted on a subdomain of discourse.group. Custom domains can be configured for sites on the Pro and Business plans. Sites on the Basic plan have to stick with a subdomain of discourse.group: Discourse pricing | Discourse - Civilized Discussion.
Discourse is open source software. It can either be hosted by a hosting company (for example, Discourse’s hosting business) or self hosted. In either case, you are still using the open source version of Discourse. I’m a little biased, but I’d choose to have Discourse host my sites for me whenever possible.
Hi Simon,
Does this mean that if I now own the domain name e.g. “www.1234love.com”
I can 100% host my discourse forum on that domain if I subscribe to the “Pro or Business/Enterprise” solutions ?
That’s right. 
And as the www version is a subdomain, all DNS providers would allow you to do that.
thank you folks so much 
I will take the plunge and invest in a Pro/Business solution soon.
I could launch the forum now but I feel it would be strange to change the name later on so I will wait until it is ready.
