Configuring DNS for Signals Gateway

Overview

As part of setting up Meta Conversions API through Signals Gateway, you'll route your tracking data through a custom first-party domain that you own. This requires adding two DNS records with your domain provider.

This article explains what these records do and how to add them. It's the most technical step in the Meta CAPI setup, so we've broken it out separately.

This step is part of the broader Meta Conversions API setup. Start there if you haven't already named your account and chosen your domain.

Why This Step Matters

Routing data through your own domain (e.g. routing.yourbusiness.com) instead of a third-party domain improves how reliably your conversion data is measured and reduces data loss from browser privacy restrictions. The DNS records you add are what make this routing possible — and they prove to the system that you actually own the domain.

What You'll Need

• Access to your DNS provider account (e.g. GoDaddy, Cloudflare, Namecheap, Google Domains)

• The two CNAME records provided by LayerFive during setup

• About 10 minutes, plus up to an hour of waiting for changes to take effect

If someone else on your team manages your DNS, you can share the setup instructions with them directly from the setup screen.

The Two Records You'll Add

During setup, LayerFive provides two CNAME records for you to add to your DNS provider:

Each record has a Record Name and a Destination (sometimes called "Points To" or "Target" depending on your provider). You'll copy these exactly as shown in the setup screen.

How to Add a CNAME Record

The exact steps vary by provider, but the general process is the same:

1. Log in to your DNS provider account

2. Navigate to the DNS management section for your domain (often labeled "DNS," "DNS Settings," "Manage DNS," or "DNS Records")

3. Choose to add a new record and select CNAME as the record type

4. Enter the Record Name exactly as provided by LayerFive

5. Enter the Destination / Points To value exactly as provided

6. Save the record

7. Repeat for the second record

Copy values exactly. DNS records are precise — an extra space, a missing character, or a trailing dot can cause the record to fail validation. Copy and paste directly from the setup screen rather than typing the values manually.

Checking Status

Back in the LayerFive setup screen, each record shows a status indicator:

• Waiting — the record hasn't been detected yet

• Verified / Connected — the record is correctly in place

The status updates automatically as the records are detected.

Important Timing

Don't worry if the status still shows "Waiting" immediately after adding your records — DNS changes are rarely instant. Check back after an hour.

Troubleshooting

My records still show "Waiting" after more than an hour

• Double-check that the Record Name and Destination values match exactly what LayerFive provided

• Confirm you selected CNAME as the record type, not A, TXT, or another type

• Some providers automatically append your domain to the record name — check whether your provider has done this, which can create a duplicated domain in the record

My DNS provider won't accept the record

• Some providers don't allow CNAME records at the root domain level. Since your Signals Gateway domain uses a subdomain prefix (e.g. routing.), this usually isn't an issue — but confirm you're adding the record to the subdomain, not the root

• Check whether an existing record with the same name already exists and is conflicting

I missed the 48-hour window Use the reset your domain link to restart the process. You can reuse the same domain or choose a new one.

I'm not comfortable editing DNS settings That's common — DNS changes can feel risky. Share the setup instructions with whoever manages your website or domain, or reach out to your CSM and we'll walk through it with you on a call.

Related Articles

• Setting Up Meta Conversions API (Signals Gateway)

• Setting Up Google Conversions API

• Tag Management