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How to Buy a Domain on IONOS

IONOS (formerly 1&1) is a well-known registrar and hosting provider. You can buy a domain there in a few minutes, then use it for branded short links (like Snipzr) by adding a couple DNS records.

This guide focuses on the steps that matter most:

  • buying the domain cleanly,
  • keeping it from expiring,
  • and choosing an easy DNS setup for short links.

Before you start (2 minutes)​

You’ll typically use one of these:

  • Subdomain (simplest DNS everywhere): go.yourbrand.com
  • Apex / root (shortest links): yourbrand.com

Important DNS reality: Many providers (including IONOS’ standard DNS UI) primarily document CNAME records for subdomains. See IONOS’ own help: “Configuring a CNAME Record for a Subdomain.”
https://www.ionos.com/help/domains/configuring-cname-records-for-subdomains/configuring-a-cname-record-for-a-subdomain/

If your goal is the absolute shortest links using the apex (root), you’ll often want a DNS provider that supports CNAME flattening / ALIAS / ANAME. Standard DNS has constraints around CNAME at the zone apex (see RFC 1034).
Third-party reference: https://datatracker.ietf.org/doc/html/rfc1034

Step-by-step: Buy the domain on IONOS​

IONOS documents the ordering flow here:
https://www.ionos.com/help/domains/ordering-a-domain-find-the-right-domain/ordering-a-domain-as-a-11-ionos-customer/

1) Open Domains in your IONOS account​

  1. Log in to IONOS
  2. Go to Domains & SSL
  3. Click Add Domain

(Those exact steps are described in the IONOS help article above.)

2) Search for your domain​

Enter the domain name you want and check availability. If your first choice is taken, try:

  • a short, pronounceable alternative
  • a different TLD (e.g., .com → .co, .io, .link), if it matches your brand

3) Complete checkout​

Finish the order and confirm payment.

4) Choose your initial term (12 vs 24 months)​

IONOS states you can register a domain for 12 or 24 months, and that domains are automatically renewed by default at the end of the term.
https://www.ionos.com/help/domains/ordering-a-domain-find-the-right-domain/ordering-a-domain-for-multiple-years/

1) Confirm auto-renew is ON (it usually is)​

IONOS explains that automatic domain renewal is activated by default when you register a domain.
https://www.ionos.com/help/domains/terms-and-cancellations/information-about-icann-domain-expiration-emails/
Automatic renewal details: https://www.ionos.com/help/domains/terms-and-cancellations/automatic-domain-renewal/

tip

Even with auto-renew, keep your payment method current and make sure you can access the account email long-term.

2) Consider turning on Domain Guard (optional security)​

IONOS Domain Guard adds an extra email-confirmation step before changes to sensitive domain data/settings.
https://www.ionos.com/help/domains/domain-guard/enablingdisabling-domain-guard/

IONOS DNS help center (overview):
https://www.ionos.com/help/domains/dns-settings/

This is the most straightforward path with IONOS’ standard DNS tools.

IONOS’ CNAME instructions are specifically for subdomains, with steps in the Domains & SSL section.
https://www.ionos.com/help/domains/configuring-cname-records-for-subdomains/configuring-a-cname-record-for-a-subdomain/

Typical Snipzr setup (example):

  • Create a subdomain (like go)
  • Add a CNAME record for that subdomain pointing to the Snipzr target hostname you’re given
tip

If you’re new to DNS, this subdomain approach avoids “root domain” edge cases and is the easiest to troubleshoot.

Option B (apex/root): Use the apex only if your provider supports ALIAS/ANAME/CNAME flattening​

In IONOS’ standard DNS docs, CNAME configuration is positioned around subdomains (and their DNS Settings index groups CNAME under “Configuring CNAME Records for Subdomains”).
https://www.ionos.com/help/domains/dns-settings/

If your Snipzr setup requires “CNAME-like” behavior at the apex (yourbrand.com), that’s where CNAME flattening / ALIAS / ANAME is helpful.

Include this option when:

  • You want the shortest branded links at the apex (yourbrand.com/abc), and
  • Your short-link provider expects a hostname target (CNAME-style), and
  • Your current DNS UI doesn’t offer an apex ALIAS/ANAME/flattening feature you can use.

Why Cloudflare DNS? (practical advantages)​

  1. CNAME flattening for the apex Cloudflare documents CNAME flattening and how it enables CNAME-at-apex behavior by returning A/AAAA responses.
    https://developers.cloudflare.com/dns/cname-flattening/
    Setup guide: https://developers.cloudflare.com/dns/cname-flattening/set-up-cname-flattening/

  2. Anycast-based DNS characteristics Cloudflare explains Anycast routing benefits for resiliency/performance characteristics.
    https://www.cloudflare.com/learning/cdn/glossary/anycast-network/

Step-by-step: Change IONOS nameservers to Cloudflare (Full setup)​

  1. Add your domain to Cloudflare Follow Cloudflare’s “Full setup” and copy the two nameservers Cloudflare assigns:
    https://developers.cloudflare.com/dns/zone-setups/full-setup/setup/

  2. In IONOS, set custom name servers IONOS’ steps (Domains & SSL → gear icon → Name Server → “Use Custom Name Servers”):
    https://www.ionos.com/help/domains/using-your-own-name-servers/using-your-own-name-servers-for-a-domain/

IONOS notes nameserver changes can take up to 48 hours to take effect everywhere.
https://www.ionos.com/help/domains/using-your-own-name-servers/using-your-own-name-servers-for-a-domain/

  1. Manage DNS records in Cloudflare Once Cloudflare is authoritative, you’ll add your Snipzr records in Cloudflare (not IONOS). IONOS explains that after propagation, DNS records must be managed with the relevant external provider/name server.
    https://www.ionos.com/help/domains/using-your-own-name-servers/using-your-own-name-servers-for-a-domain/
caution

If you use email on this domain, make sure your MX/TXT records are present in Cloudflare before/after the switch to avoid email interruptions.

DNS timing: what to expect​

IONOS states it uses a TTL of one hour for DNS settings, and changes are usually available everywhere within an hour (separate from nameserver changes, which can take longer).
https://www.ionos.com/help/domains/general-information-about-dns-settings/time-required-for-dns-changes/

Next​