How to set up a subdomain redirect to a GS1-Conformant Resolver solution

Setting up a subdomain redirect allows you to control the redirection of traffic to a specific service or solution while keeping the trust of your brand’s domain. This is particularly useful in scenarios where QR codes are used, ensuring your customers are redirected to a trusted solution. 

Step 1: Select a redirection service provider

First, choose a redirection service provider that can handle your subdomain redirect needs. Many providers specialise in redirecting traffic to external URLs, such as a GS1-conformant resolver solution. After registering with the provider, you will receive a CNAME value. This is the key piece of information you’ll need to add in your domain's DNS settings. 

Step 2: Log into your domain management system

Your domain management system is where you manage the settings for your domain, such as DNS records and redirects. Whether you use Reg123, GoDaddy, or another provider, the process is generally the same but may differ slightly in the user interface. 

Here’s a generalised approach:

• Log in to your domain account 
  • Access the control panel for your domain by logging into your domain provider’s account (e.g., GoDaddy, Reg123).
• Navigate to the DNS management section 
  • Look for a section like DNS Management, DNS Settings, Domain Settings, or Name Servers. This is where you can manage your domain’s DNS records, including adding a CNAME record.
• Add a New CNAME Record
  • Type: Select CNAME as the record type.
  • Name: Enter the subdomain prefix that you want to redirect (e.g., if you want "id.yourdomain.com", enter "id").
  • Value: Enter the CNAME value provided by your redirection service provider (e.g., orca.link or whatever value was given to you).
  • TTL: Leave the TTL (Time to Live) at its default value. This setting controls how frequently the DNS cache is updated and usually doesn’t need to be adjusted.
• Save the changes 
  After entering the correct details, click Save or Add Record to save the new CNAME record. 

Step 3: Verify the DNS record

Once the CNAME record has been added, it’s important to verify that it’s been implemented correctly. You can use a tool like MXToolbox to check your DNS settings. 

Here’s how to use MXToolbox:

• Go to MXToolbox
  • Navigate to MXToolbox and select the DNS Lookup tool.
• Enter your subdomain
  • In the search bar, type in your subdomain followed by your domain name. For example: 
    id.yourdomain.com
• Check the CNAME record
  • MXToolbox will display the DNS records associated with the subdomain. Verify that the CNAME record points to the correct value (e.g., orca.link or whatever your redirection provider gave you).
  • If the record is correct, you’ll see the appropriate CNAME value listed. If it’s not showing up as expected, you may need to wait a few hours or recheck the DNS settings for any errors.

Step 4: Wait for DNS propagation

DNS changes do not take effect immediately. It can take anywhere from 24 to 48 hours for the changes to fully propagate across the internet. This delay happens because DNS servers worldwide need to update their records. If your changes don’t take effect immediately, don’t worry — they should eventually propagate.

You can use MXToolbox or other DNS lookup tools to check back periodically to ensure the record has been updated correctly.