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# How to Set Up First-Party Domain for Hardal

Configure Hardal to work in first-party mode using your custom domain for improved data accuracy and better tracking reliability.

Source: https://usehardal.com/hardal-first-party-domain-setup
Published: 2025-12-12
Updated: 2025-12-12
Author: Emircan Uye

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Setting up Hardal with a first-party domain improves tracking accuracy and helps bypass ad blockers. This guide shows you how to configure your DNS settings and verify the setup.

First-party domains offer several advantages:
- **Better Data Accuracy:** Reduced chance of blocked requests
- **Ad Blocker Bypass:** First-party requests are less likely to be blocked
- **Improved Trust:** Users see requests coming from your own domain
- **Enhanced Privacy:** Keep data within your infrastructure

Navigate to your Hardal dashboard and select your signal. Click **Settings** > **Setup** in the left menu.

Scroll down to the **Custom Domain Guide** section. You'll see specific DNS record details that need to be configured.

![Screenshot: Custom Domain Guide section showing DNS record requirements](https://imge.usehardal.com/cdn/website/blog-post/hardal-first-party-domain-setup/zp10iq7qfxef2gpmbu7o.jpg)

You have two options for setting up the DNS records:

### Option 1: For Technical Users

If you're familiar with DNS configuration:
1. Copy the provided DNS record details
2. Access your domain's DNS management panel
3. Create the required records (typically CNAME and TXT records)
4. Save the changes

### Option 2: Request IT Support

If you're not comfortable with DNS configuration:
1. Enter your IT team's email address in the provided field
2. Click **Send Email**
3. Your IT team will receive all necessary details
4. They can configure the DNS records on your behalf

The DNS records typically include:
- **CNAME record:** Points your subdomain to Hardal's infrastructure
- **TXT record:** Verifies domain ownership

After the DNS records are set up, verify the configuration:

1. Wait a few minutes for DNS propagation (can take up to 24 hours in some cases)
2. Enter your new domain in the verification field (e.g., `analytics.yourwebsite.com`)
3. Click **Check Status**

If configured correctly, you'll see a success message indicating your first-party domain is active.

Once verification is complete, your Hardal tracking script will automatically update with your first-party domain. The URL section will now reference your custom domain instead of Hardal's default domain.

![Screenshot: Updated tracking script showing custom domain](https://imge.usehardal.com/cdn/website/blog-post/hardal-first-party-domain-setup/ahvvcyxuvw8cyubdfzbs.jpg)

**Important:** Make sure to update your website with the new script to take advantage of first-party tracking.

If you're using Google Tag Manager, update the Hardal tag with the new script code.

To confirm everything is working:

1. Visit your website
2. Open browser Developer Tools (F12)
3. Go to the Network tab
4. Refresh the page
5. Look for requests to your custom domain (e.g., `analytics.yourwebsite.com`)

If you see successful requests to your custom domain, the setup is complete and working correctly.

Your Hardal analytics now operates through your first-party domain, providing improved data collection and better resistance to tracking prevention measures.

For a more detailed walkthrough, check out our step-by-step guide. [How to Set Up First-Party Domain for Hardal](https://youtu.be/miYBuhmyDYU)