How to Use Custom Domain with Google App Engine
To use a
custom domain with Google App Engine, first verify your domain ownership in Google Search Console, then map the domain to your App Engine service in the Google Cloud Console under App Engine > Settings > Custom Domains. Finally, update your domain's DNS records to point to App Engine's servers.Syntax
Using a custom domain with App Engine involves these main steps:
- Verify Domain: Confirm you own the domain in Google Search Console.
- Map Domain: Link your domain to your App Engine app in the Cloud Console.
- Update DNS: Change your domain's DNS records to point to App Engine.
Each step ensures your app is reachable via your chosen domain name.
bash
gcloud app domain-mappings create DOMAIN_NAME --certificate-management=automatic
Example
This example shows how to add a custom domain example.com to your App Engine app using the gcloud command-line tool.
bash
gcloud app domain-mappings create example.com --certificate-management=automatic
Output
Created domain mapping for example.com with managed SSL certificate.
Common Pitfalls
- Not verifying domain ownership: You must verify your domain in Google Search Console before mapping.
- Incorrect DNS records: Missing or wrong DNS entries prevent your domain from pointing to App Engine.
- Ignoring SSL setup: Use automatic certificate management or upload your own SSL certificate to avoid security warnings.
bash
## Wrong: Missing domain verification # Trying to map domain without verification gcloud app domain-mappings create example.com ## Right: Verify domain first # Verify domain in Google Search Console, then map gcloud app domain-mappings create example.com --certificate-management=automatic
Quick Reference
| Step | Description | Command or Action |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Verify domain ownership | Use Google Search Console to verify your domain |
| 2 | Map domain to App Engine | gcloud app domain-mappings create DOMAIN_NAME --certificate-management=automatic |
| 3 | Update DNS records | Add A and CNAME records as instructed in Cloud Console |
| 4 | Check SSL certificate | Use automatic management or upload your own certificate |
Key Takeaways
Verify your domain ownership in Google Search Console before mapping.
Use the gcloud command or Cloud Console to map your domain to App Engine.
Update your DNS records correctly to point your domain to App Engine.
Enable automatic SSL certificate management for secure connections.
Check your domain mapping status in the Cloud Console after setup.