> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.rox.com/development/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.rox.com/development/user-guide/sequences/custom-tracking-domains.md).

# Custom Tracking Domains

Configure an organization-owned subdomain for tracking links in sequence emails.

A custom tracking domain lets Rox serve email tracking through a subdomain your organization owns, such as `track.example.com`.

When open tracking is enabled, a small image in the email records an event when it loads. A custom tracking domain changes the domain used for that tracking request. It does not change the email address that sends the message or guarantee inbox placement.

### Before you start

You need the Admin role in Rox and access to your domain's DNS configuration, or help from someone who manages it. Choose the subdomain you want to use and coordinate with your DNS administrator before changing records.

### 1. Add the domain in Rox

1. Open **Settings → Sequences**.
2. Find **Custom Tracking Domains** and select **Add Custom Tracking Domain**.
3. Enter your chosen subdomain, such as `track.example.com`.
4. Select **Create**.

Rox displays the domain as **Pending** and provides the CNAME target to configure.

### 2. Create the DNS record

At your DNS provider, add a CNAME record using the target displayed in Rox.

| Setting        | Example value                                                                             |
| -------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Type           | `CNAME`                                                                                   |
| Name / Host    | `track` for `track.example.com`, if your provider appends the parent domain automatically |
| Value / Target | `cname.rx-prod-trk.com`                                                                   |
| TTL            | Provider default                                                                          |
| Proxy / CDN    | Disabled. Use a DNS-only record                                                           |

Check whether your provider expects the subdomain label or the full hostname in the name field. For Cloudflare, select **DNS only** rather than a proxied record.

### 3. Verify the domain

Return to **Settings → Sequences** and select **Verify** next to the domain. Rox checks that the CNAME points to the expected target.

After successful verification, the domain becomes **Verified** and Rox provisions a TLS certificate in the background. If verification fails, check the record and allow time for DNS propagation before trying again.

### 4. Activate the domain

Select **Activate** to enable the domain. Use **Set as Default** if you want it to be the organization's default tracking domain. Only one domain can be the organization default at a time.

If you use multiple sending domains, review the tracking-domain selection for each connected mailbox in **Deliverability** settings. See **Multiple Mailboxes**.

### Troubleshoot verification

| Issue                                         | What to check                                                                         |
| --------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| The domain cannot be verified                 | Confirm the hostname and CNAME target match the values in Rox.                        |
| The record was just added                     | Wait for DNS propagation, then retry verification.                                    |
| The record uses a proxy                       | Disable the proxy and use a DNS-only CNAME.                                           |
| Verification succeeds but setup is incomplete | Review the domain's activation state and any certificate-related status shown in Rox. |

Your DNS administrator can inspect the record with:

```
dig CNAME track.example.com +short
```

The result should match the target displayed in Rox, for example:

```
cname.rx-prod-trk.com.
```

### Understand open-tracking results

A custom tracking domain changes the domain used for tracking requests. It does not distinguish recipient opens from automated scans or self-opens. See [**Understanding email open tracking**](https://docs.rox.com/development/~/revisions/fqBLTRWAnvLFy7GqWRLQ/product/sequences/custom-tracking-domains) for how Rox filters early opens and how to interpret the results.