When setting up Search Atlas White Label, you are required to create a CNAME record in your domain’s DNS settings.
This step connects your custom subdomain (for example, seo.yourdomain.com) to Search Atlas so the platform can load correctly under your brand.
If the CNAME is missing, incorrect, or not fully propagated, verification may fail or show errors such as “This field cannot be blank.”
🧠 What is a CNAME record?
🧠 What is a CNAME record?
A CNAME (Canonical Name) record is a DNS setting that makes one domain act as an alias of another domain.
In simple terms a CNAME tells the internet:
“When someone visits this subdomain, send them to that service instead.”
Instead of pointing to an IP address, a CNAME always points to another domain name.
Example
seo.yourdomain.com → whitelabel.dns.searchatlas.com
When someone visits seo.yourdomain.com, DNS forwards the request to Search Atlas behind the scenes.
🎯 Why Search Atlas requires a CNAME
🎯 Why Search Atlas requires a CNAME
Search Atlas uses a CNAME for White Label setups because:
It allows your platform to load under your own branded subdomain
It avoids exposing Search Atlas system domains to your clients
It lets Search Atlas manage infrastructure changes without you updating IPs
This is a standard and widely used approach for SaaS white-label solutions.
📍 Official CNAME target used by Search Atlas
📍 Official CNAME target used by Search Atlas
For White Label configuration, Search Atlas provides the following CNAME destination:
whitelabel.dns.searchatlas.com
Your DNS record must point your chosen subdomain to this exact value.
🛠 Step-by-Step: How to Create the CNAME Record
🛠 Step-by-Step: How to Create the CNAME Record
1️⃣ Open your DNS settings
1️⃣ Open your DNS settings
Log in to the platform where your domain’s DNS is managed.
This could be:
Your domain registrar, or
A DNS provider like Cloudflare
Look for DNS, Manage DNS, or DNS Records.
2️⃣ Add a new DNS record
2️⃣ Add a new DNS record
Look for one of the following sections:
DNS
Manage DNS
DNS Records
Click on:
Add record, or
Add DNS record
Create a new record with these values:
Field | What to enter |
Type | CNAME |
Name / Host | Your subdomain (e.g. |
Target / Value |
|
TTL | Auto / Default |
Example result
seo.yourdomain.com → whitelabel.dns.searchatlas.com
3️⃣ Make sure the subdomain is exclusive
3️⃣ Make sure the subdomain is exclusive
The subdomain you use must not be used by any other service.
It should be dedicated only to Search Atlas White Label.
If another record already exists for that subdomain, remove it before adding the CNAME.
4️⃣ Save changes and wait for DNS propagation
4️⃣ Save changes and wait for DNS propagation
Once saved, DNS updates may take some time to propagate:
⏱️ 1–5 minutes (common with Cloudflare)
⏱️ Up to 24–48 hours with other providers
During this period, verification may not complete immediately — this is expected behavior.
✅ How to Verify Your CNAME
✅ How to Verify Your CNAME
You can confirm your CNAME is working using one of these methods:
🔹 Option 1: DNS lookup tools
Use any DNS checker and confirm that:
seo.yourdomain.com
resolves to:
whitelabel.dns.searchatlas.com
🔹 Option 2: Browser check
Open your subdomain in a browser.
If DNS is active, it should no longer behave like an unconfigured domain.
⚠️ Common Errors and How to Fix Them
⚠️ Common Errors and How to Fix Them
❌ “This field cannot be blank”
This usually means one of the following:
The CNAME record does not exist
The target value is incorrect
DNS propagation is still in progress
The subdomain is being used by another service
✔️ How to fix it
Confirm the target is exactly:
whitelabel.dns.searchatlas.comMake sure there is only one record for that subdomain
Wait up to 48 hours and try verification again
🧠 Important Things to Know
🧠 Important Things to Know
A CNAME always points to a domain, never to an IP
A CNAME is usually used for subdomains, not the root domain
DNS propagation delays are expected and normal
No additional configuration is needed once the CNAME is correct
🧩 Quick Summary
🧩 Quick Summary
Search Atlas White Label requires a CNAME record
Your subdomain must point to
whitelabel.dns.searchatlas.comThe subdomain must be exclusive
DNS changes can take time to propagate
Once active, verification should complete successfully
Setting up a CNAME record is a standard and reliable way to connect your branded subdomain with Search Atlas White Label.
Once the record is correctly configured and DNS propagation has completed, your platform will load seamlessly under your own domain, without exposing Search Atlas system URLs.
If verification doesn’t complete immediately, don’t worry — DNS changes can take time to propagate. Double-check the record details, ensure the subdomain is exclusive, and try again after propagation finishes.
If you’re still running into issues, our support team is here to help.