# 📘 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

This page provides our most frequently asked questions regarding our service.

## Which DNS record types are supported?

We support the following DNS record types:

* `A`
* `AAAA`
* `CAA`
* `CNAME`
* `DS`
  * *Note: Can only be used alongside `NS` records.*
* `MX`
* `NS`
  * *Note: Only approved in specific cases. See [Who can use NS records?](#who-can-use-ns-records) for details.*
* `SRV`
* `TLSA`
* `TXT`
* `URL`
  * *Note: This is not a true DNS record. It is a custom made redirector specifically for is-a.dev.*

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## Why does my domain still redirect to the is-a.dev homepage?

This usually happens due to browser caching. [Clear your browser cache](https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/32050) and try again.

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## Can I use a CNAME record with other record types?

No, unless the domain is proxied. A `CNAME` cannot be combined with other record types (`A`, `MX`, `TXT`, etc.) in the same record set. For exceptions and setup instructions, see [Proxying Your Domain](https://docs.is-a.dev/domain-structure/#-proxied-optional).

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## How long does it take for my pull request to be merged?

We're a team of volunteers, and is-a.dev is a side project for us, so review times can vary. We'll get to your PR as soon as we can. To potentially speed things up, share your PR link in [#pull-requests](https://discord.com/channels/830872854677422150/1130858271620726784) on our [Discord server](https://discord.gg/is-a-dev-830872854677422150).

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## Which platforms or services are supported?

While you can use almost any service, these are the most commonly used with is-a.dev:

* Cloudflare Pages
* GitHub Pages
* Netlify
* Railway
* Vercel

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## Can I create nested subdomains (e.g., `sub.example.is-a.dev`)?

Yes! You can nest subdomains as deeply as you'd like. To create one, name your file like `blog.example.json`. You **must own** `example.is-a.dev` to register `blog.example.is-a.dev`.

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## I get an SSL error using GitHub Pages. How do I fix it?

Go to your GitHub Pages settings for your repository and **enable "Enforce HTTPS"**. This resolves most SSL issues.

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## Can I become a maintainer or join the is-a.dev team?

We don't accept direct applications. Team members are **handpicked**, often based on community involvement and support activity. Even then, it does **not guarantee** a position.

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## I accidentally leaked sensitive data in my PR, what can I do?

* If **your PR containing sensistive information has not been merged**, contact us immediately:

  * Email: [admin@is-a.dev](mailto:admin@is-a.dev)
  * Discord: [@williamharrison](https://discord.com/users/853158265466257448)

* If your PR **has already been merged**, we cannot retroactively remove it.

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## Can I use my domain for a Minecraft server?

Yes, use an `A` record and an `SRV` record.
Refer to this [Namecheap article](https://www.namecheap.com/support/knowledgebase/article.aspx/9765/2208/how-can-i-link-my-domain-name-to-a-minecraft-server) for guidance.

> ⚠️ Root subdomains (e.g., `yourname.is-a.dev`) **must relate to software development** as required in our [Terms of Service](https://is-a.dev/terms).
> Use a *nested* subdomain (e.g., `mc.yourname.is-a.dev`) for Minecraft.

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## Who can use NS records?

We **allow** NS records only when:

* The standard DNS record types we support aren't sufficient.
* A provider (e.g. Aternos) **requires** NS delegation and **does not** have any other method of setting up a subdomain.
  * This is mostly regarding SaaS providers, **not** DNS providers like Cloudflare or deSEC.

We **do not allow** NS records for:

* Self hosting
  * **Note**: This can vary from case to case
* Convenience or ease of use
* Unverifiable or unsupported claims
* Non-functional or placeholder purposes
* Self hosting websites that can be easily hosted on a free platform like GitHub Pages
* If we have security or abuse concerns
* New users of is-a.dev
  * If you have not had an is-a.dev subdomain for at least 30 days, you will be denied due to security reasons.
* Users that have abused is-a.dev subdomains in the past

> ⚠️ **We reserve the right to deny any NS request at our discretion for any reason.**

All NS record requests are reviewed on a case by case basis by the service owner.

Any PRs that clearly lack approved reasoning or evidence can be immediately denied by any maintainer, without a review from the service owner.
If denied by another maintainer, you do reserve the right to request a more thorough review from the service owner, which is possible by requesting the maintainer to escalate the PR.

> How long will it take for my NS record request to be reviewed?

Times can vary, usually with-in 24-72 hours, however in some rare cases it can take up to 2 weeks.

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## Why are NS records restricted?

NS records give full control over DNS for a subdomain. That opens the door to misuse, abuse, and security concerns. To protect the community and domain integrity, we must be strict about who receives NS delegation.

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## How can I update or delete my is-a.dev subdomain?

Follow these steps:

1. **Review the [documentation](https://docs.is-a.dev) and [ToS](https://is-a.dev/terms)**.
2. **Open your JSON file** (in `/domains/your-subdomain.json`).
3. **Make your changes** (or delete the file if you're removing your domain).
4. **Commit the changes** to your fork.
5. **Push** them to your GitHub fork.
6. **Open a pull request** from your forked repo.
7. **Wait for approval and merging** by a maintainer.

> 💡 Keep an eye on your pull request, we may request changes before merging.

## Why does my PR have the "low priority" label?

This is because you have mentioned or messaged maintainers to get your PR approved.
