---
title: 'Tutorial: Setting up your Access Server Hostname'
canonical: https://openvpn.net/as-docs/tutorials/tutorial--custom-hostname/
product: Access Server Docs
description: Use a custom hostname for your Access Server to easily connect to the Client and Admin Web UIs in a browser. A hostname replaces your server's public IP address.
---

# Tutorial: Setting up your Access Server Hostname

## Overview

This tutorial shows you how to set up your Access Server hostname to easily connect to the Client and Admin Web UIs in a browser. A hostname replaces your server's public IP address that you initially use to sign in to the [Admin Web UI](https://openvpn.net/as-docs/v3/first-time-admin-web-ui.md). Your client apps also use the hostname for connections.

> **Tip**
>
> If your server changes, updating a DNS record is much easier than redirecting all your clients to a new IP address.

This tutorial will cover the following steps:

1. Register a domain name.
2. Add a DNS A record for the hostname.
3. Add the hostname in the Admin Web UI.
4. Sign in to your UIs or connect to the VPN server with the Access Server hostname.

## Prerequisites

Ensure you have the following:

- Access to your website domain administrative portal.
- A running Access Server.

## Step 1: Register a domain name

To start, you’ll need a domain name. For our example, we’re using vpn.example.com. That means that we theoretically own the example.com domain and can add the “vpn” hostname using a DNS A record. If you do not already have a domain, such as your business website, you’ll need to set one up with the registrar of your choice. Once you are ready, access your domain account to add the DNS A record.

## Step 2: Add a DNS A record

Add a DNS A record to your domain. If you need help with the specifics of this, refer to your hosting service provider for documentation or support. Create a new record and define it as such:

- **Hostname:** The value for your URL (for our example, "vpn").
- **Type:** A
- **Value:** Your server's IP address (for our example, 203.0.113.10).
- **TTL:** How long to keep the record in a cache (the default is fine).

With the A record pointing to the IP address of your Access Server, this value will be cached in your local cache and passed to the browser. The web browser then connects to the Access Server associated with the IP address and displays the Client or Admin Web UI.

## Step 3: Add the hostname in the Admin Web UI

1. Sign in to the Admin Web UI.

   > **Note**
   >
   > You'll still need to use the IP address to do this.
2. Click **Configuration \> Network Settings**.
3. Enter the hostname in the **Hostname or IP Address** field.
4. Select **Save Settings** and **Update Running Server**.

## Step 4: Admins and clients can now sign in with your Access Server hostname

You can now access your Admin and Client Web UIs using your hostname. The Admin Web UI will be at your hostname, with **/admin**. In our example, it is **https://vpn.example.com/admin**.

Because of the self-signed certificate, you'll likely need to click through a security warning. We recommend you install a valid SSL. See [Tutorial: How to Install a Valid Web SSL Certificate in Access Server](https://openvpn.net/as-docs/tutorials/tutorial--install-ssl-certificate.md).

> **Tip**
>
> If you can’t connect to the hostname, you may need to wait some time and try again. Nameservers may take as long as 24 hours to propagate your updates, depending on refresh intervals and TTL.

## Related Content

- [Admin Web UI User Manual: Network Settings](https://openvpn.net/as-docs/configuration/#network-settings)
- [Tutorial: How to Install a Valid Web SSL Certificate in Access Server](https://openvpn.net/as-docs/tutorials/tutorial--install-ssl-certificate.md)
- [Troubleshooting Access to the Web Interface](https://openvpn.net/as-docs/web-interface.md)
- [First-time setup: Hostname](https://openvpn.net/as-docs/hostname.md)

---

Prev: [Tutorial: Configure Network Settings with the Admin Web UI](https://openvpn.net/as-docs/tutorials/tutorial--network-settings.md)
Next: [Tutorial: How to Change the Branding on the Admin and Client Web UIs](https://openvpn.net/as-docs/tutorials/tutorial--web-server-logo-branding.md)
Index: https://openvpn.net/as-docs/llms.txt