Introduction
When you set up a Microsoft Entra tenant, it comes with a default domain, something like domainname.onmicrosoft.com. Although this default domain cannot be changed or removed, you can attach a custom domain name that reflects your organization's brand. By doing this, you can create user-friendly email addresses like alain@contoso.com, which is more intuitive for your team.
Prerequisites
Before adding your custom domain, you need to register a domain name through a recognized domain registrar. You can refer to ICANN-Accredited Registrars for a list of trusted providers.
Steps to Add Your Custom Domain
1. Sign in to the Microsoft Entra Admin Center
Ensure that you are signed in with at least Domain Name Administrator privileges.
2. Navigate to Domain Name Settings
Go to Identity > Settings > Domain names, and then choose Add custom domain.
3. Enter Your Domain Name
In the provided field, input the domain name you registered (e.g., contoso.com) and click Add domain.
At this point, the domain will be listed as unverified. The page will display DNS configuration details required to validate your domain ownership. Be sure to save these details for the next step.
Update DNS Records with Your Registrar
Now, you’ll need to log in to your domain registrar account and update the DNS settings with the information you copied earlier. By creating a TXT or MX record using these details, you confirm your ownership of the domain. Set the Time to Live (TTL) to 3600 seconds (equivalent to 60 minutes), and then save the new record.
Verifying the Domain
Once you’ve updated your DNS settings, it’s time to verify the domain in Microsoft Entra. Depending on your registrar, this might take a few minutes or even a few days for the DNS records to propagate.
To verify the domain, do the following:
- Sign back into the Microsoft Entra Admin Center.
- Go to Identity > Settings > Domain names.
- Find your custom domain (e.g.,
contoso.com) and select it. - On the domain page, click Verify to confirm that the domain has been properly registered and validated.
Conclusion
Adding a custom domain to your Microsoft Entra tenant not only makes your organization’s communication more professional but also ensures that user accounts are easier to manage and recognize. By following these steps, you can seamlessly integrate your domain and verify it, improving the overall experience for your users.
