# Use a subdomain or www

Pick between example.com, www.example.com and a name like shop.example.com, and what each one needs.

Source: https://yaya.page/support/articles/domains/use-a-subdomain-or-www
Last updated: 2026-10-02

## Pick the name
- **A subdomain or www**, like `www.example.com` or `shop.example.com`. It takes a CNAME record. Every DNS provider supports it.
- **The bare domain**, also called the apex or root, like `example.com`. It cannot take a plain CNAME.

If you are unsure, connect `www.example.com`. It works everywhere.

Pick your provider: [Find where your DNS is managed](/support/articles/domains/find-your-dns-provider).

## Connect a subdomain
1. Open **Website** > **Domain**.
2. Type `www.example.com` in **Hostname**.
3. Click **Connect domain**.
4. Add the CNAME shown in **DNS steps** at your provider.
5. Click **Check again**.

## Connect the bare domain
1. Type `example.com` in **Hostname**.
2. Click **Connect domain**.
3. Add the record shown in **DNS steps**. It is an ALIAS or ANAME (CNAME flattening) record.
4. Click **Check again**.

Providers name this record differently. Some call it a flattened CNAME.

## Fix common problems
**My provider has no ALIAS or ANAME.** Connect `www.example.com` instead. Then set a redirect from `example.com` to `www.example.com` at your provider.

**Which name should be primary?** Pick the one you print on cards and share. See [Check domain status and make it primary](/support/articles/domains/check-domain-status-and-ssl).

**yaya treats example.co.uk as a bare domain.** It does. Names like `shop.example.co.uk` are subdomains.