Domain FAQ

What is the Helm's primary domain?

The Helm's primary domain is the domain that you specify when using the domain setup page.  A link to your domain setup page is included in your order confirmation email.  You should specify your Helm's primary domain using the domain setup page as soon as possible.  This will ensure that all domain records are configured properly by the time you receive your Helm.  

By default, email addresses that you create on your Helm will be at your primary domain.  However, you can also add secondary email domains after you setup your Helm.  Access to additional services like Calendar and Contacts, Files, and future services like VPN will be through URLs that contain your primary domain.

What is a Helm secondary domain?

After you've gone through the setup process with your Helm there will automatically be an email domain for your primary domain.  However, you can easily create email accounts with additional domains that we call secondary domains.  Secondary domains must be domains that you already own or purchase through a domain registrar.  Additional domains provide only Email services.

These additional email domains only require the following records be changed: 2 TXT records, 1 MX record, and 1 CNAME record.  You'll be responsible for configuring DNS records for this domain with values that are displayed to you in the mobile app.

How do I setup the Helm's primary domain with a domain I already own?

When setting up your primary domain with a domain that you already own you will need to change the nameservers at your domain registrar.  Changing nameservers will make Helm the DNS provider for your primary domain.  During the domain setup process you'll be presented with a form that will allow you to specify DNS records that you'd like for Helm to maintain once the nameservers have changed. This is important if you're currently using your domain for services that you access by that domain name.  For example, if you have a webpage that's at www.yourdomain.com you should make sure to create a www record when going through the domain setup process.

The Helm DNS service will automatically import A and MX records at the apex of your domain [ie. yourdomain.com].  This will allow email to continue to work for you at your existing email service while your Helm is being prepared for shipment.

Once you have completed the web based domain setup you will not be able to make DNS record changes yourself until you setup your Helm.  Changes to your DNS values at that point can be made through the Helm mobile app.  If you need to make changes to DNS records before you receive your Helm please contact Helm customer support.

If going through the process of changing DNS providers for your existing domain is problematic we suggest that you select a new domain during the domain setup process and then later add your existing domain to the Helm as a secondary domain.

How can I make sure my existing email services continue to work until I set up my Helm?

The Helm DNS service will automatically import A and MX records at the apex of your domain [ie. yourdomain.com].  This will allow email to continue to work for you at your existing email service while your Helm is being prepared for shipment. Once you have gone through the setup process with your Helm server, nameservers will be changed. 

Does Helm become the registrar for my domain? Can I transfer my domain to Helm?

For users bringing their own domain, the user retains ownership of the domain. Helm is not a registrar and any domain costs remain with the domain owner. For users who choose a new domain, Helm will purchase the domain on their behalf and take care of annual renewals as part of the Helm subscription. 

How can I manage my domain moving forward?

Once you have completed setup of your Helm using the mobile app and your new Helm server, management of your domain can be done through the Helm app. For an overview of this please see Managing My Domain in the Helm App.

If any changes need to be made before you receive your Helm server, contact support@thehelm.com for assistance.