Skip to main content

Domains and SSL

Every app on Hostim.dev can be accessed using either a built-in subdomain or your own custom domain. SSL certificates are provided automatically for secure HTTPS access.

Built-in domains​

When you create an app, Hostim assigns it a default subdomain like: random-string.hostim.dev

This domain is ready to use immediately. You can access your app as soon as it finishes deploying.

Custom domains​

You can add your own domain name to any app. Hostim will handle the SSL setup automatically.

How to add a custom domain​

  1. Open your app in the dashboard
  2. Go to the Domains tab
  3. Enter your custom domain (e.g. app.example.com) under Add new domain
  4. Click Save Domain
  5. Update your DNS provider to add an A record which would point to the specified IP address.

Once the DNS is verified, your domain will go live with a free SSL certificate.

SSL and HTTPS​

Hostim automatically provides HTTPS for:

  • All built-in domains
  • Any verified custom domain

Certificates are issued and renewed using Let's Encrypt. No manual setup is required.

Certificate limits​

Let's Encrypt limits how many certificates can be issued for the same hostname in a week — around five. The count resets weekly. Once you reach it, that hostname gets no new certificate until the week rolls over, and the limit cannot be lifted early. See the Let's Encrypt rate limits for the current numbers.

Each time you attach a domain to a newly created app, a new certificate is requested. Deleting a project and recreating it with the same domain therefore uses up the weekly allowance. Doing this a few times by hand is fine. Doing it in a loop is not.

If you automate project creation, use the built-in *.hostim.dev domains for those runs. They are covered by a shared certificate and do not count against any limit. Attach your own domain only to the app you intend to keep.

When a certificate does not appear​

If a custom domain stays without a certificate, the usual cause is that the same domain was attached to another app shortly before. The request is retried automatically and normally succeeds within an hour.

Wait for that retry. Deleting and recreating the app does not speed it up, and it spends another certificate from the weekly allowance.

Notes​

  • Domains must be unique across all projects
  • SSL is always enabled – HTTP requests are redirected to HTTPS
  • You can remove or replace domains at any time