Are you looking for innovative app startup ideas that will take your business to the next level? Look no further! In this article, we'll explore the world of custom app development and provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to set up a whitelabel domain for your GoHighLevel desktop app. This game-changing feature allows you to give your clients a fully branded login experience, making it easy to establish trust and professionalism.

What is the Whitelabel Domain for the Desktop Web App?

A whitelabel domain is a subdomain that you control, providing a branded URL for your desktop login and app. By setting up this custom domain, users can sign in at your address while HighLevel hosts and secures the application. This means that instead of using a generic link like "app.gohighlevel.com," your clients will be able to log in with ease using their own customized domain (e.g., "app.myawesomedomain.com").

Key Benefits of the Whitelabel Domain for the Desktop Web App

So, why is it essential to set up a whitelabel domain? Here are just a few key benefits:

  • Brand consistency: Present your name, logo, and URL throughout the login and app experience.
  • Trust & professionalism: Use your domain to reassure clients they're in the right place.
  • Simplified access: Give users a memorable URL for sign-in.
  • Seamless SSL: HighLevel issues HTTPS automatically once DNS is correctly pointed.
  • Separation of concerns: Keep your login/app domain distinct from marketing sites and email sending domains.

How To Setup the Whitelabel Domain for the Desktop Web App

Setting up a whitelabel domain is relatively straightforward. Here's what you need to do:

  1. Create the CNAME at your DNS provider: Host/name should be the subdomain you want to use (e.g., "app" for "app.myawesomedomain.com"), and value/target should be "whitelabel.ludicrous.cloud." Leave the TTL default unless your provider requires a specific value.
  2. Add the domain in HighLevel (Agency settings): Go to Agency View → Settings → Company → Whitelabel → Whitelabel Domain, enter your full subdomain, and click Update.
  3. Upload logo & add Terms & Conditions URL: In Agency View → Settings → Company, upload your logo (recommended up to ~350×180 px, under 2.5 MB) and paste your Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions URLs.
  4. Verify propagation and SSL: Wait for DNS to propagate, then open http://app.myawesomedomain.com to confirm the branded login page loads with your logo and legal links.

API Domain vs. Whitelabel Domain

Before we dive into troubleshooting, let's clarify the difference between a whitelabel domain and an API domain:

  • Whitelabel Domain: Brands the desktop login and app URL (e.g., "app.myawesomedomain.com").
  • API Domain (Branded Links): Powers system-generated links in emails/SMS (forms, surveys, calendars, trigger links, etc.). Configure at Agency and/or Sub-Account level to brand links your contacts click.

Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting whitelabel domain issues often comes down to verifying DNS settings and ensuring SSL has been properly issued. Common issues include:

  • Error: "The client and server don't support a common SSL protocol version or cipher suite"

+ This means the browser or device is using outdated security protocols. HighLevel supports TLS 1.2 and 1.3 only. Update your browser and ensure there are no conflicting DNS records (e.g., both A and CNAME for the same subdomain), which can block SSL from provisioning.

  • Domain Not Loading: Double-check that your subdomain is pointed to the correct CNAME: "whitelabel.ludicrous.cloud." It may take up to 30 minutes for DNS changes to propagate globally.
  • "Your Connection Is Not Private" or HTTPS Not Working: This usually means your SSL certificate hasn't been issued yet. Make sure your DNS is fully propagated and pointed only to a single CNAME. Once DNS is correct, SSL is issued automatically via Let's Encrypt.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use my root domain (apex) for the whitelabel login?

A: Use a subdomain (for example, "app.yourdomain.com") via CNAME to point to the HighLevel target.

Q: How long does SSL take to issue?

A: Once DNS is correct, SSL is issued automatically. Allow time for DNS to propagate globally, then retest.

Q: What's the difference between the Whitelabel Domain and the API Domain?

A: The whitelabel domain brands the login/app URL. The API domain brands system-generated links used in emails/SMS (forms, surveys, calendars, trigger links, etc.).

Q: Do I need to upload my logo and legal links again for whitelabeling?

A: Yes. Upload your agency logo and add Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy URLs in Agency Company Settings.

Q: We use Cloudflare. Do I keep the orange proxy on?

A: No. Set the whitelabel CNAME to DNS only so SSL can be issued properly.

Q: I updated my whitelabel subdomain—why does the old login still appear?

A: Clear the old value in the Whitelabel Domain field, click Update Company, then enter your new subdomain and save again.