Azure App Service is a powerful platform for building, deploying, and scaling web applications. Among its numerous features, it provides support for custom domains and SSL certificates, enabling developers to establish a professional and secure web presence for their applications. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through setting up custom domains and SSL certificates for your Azure App Service web app.

Custom Domains: Why They Matter

When you create a web app using Azure App Service, it’s assigned a default domain such as “yourapp.azurewebsites.net.” While this is sufficient for development and testing, a custom domain (e.g., “yourapp.com”) is crucial for production environments. A custom domain gives your app a professional appearance and makes it easier for users to find and remember your web address.

SSL Certificates: The Key to Security

Securing your web app with an SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate is essential for protecting sensitive data. SSL certificates encrypt the connection between your app and its users, ensuring that information remains secure and safe from hackers. An SSL certificate also adds credibility to your app, as it indicates that you prioritize user privacy and security.

Setting Up Custom Domains

To set up a custom domain with Azure App Service, follow these steps:

1. Purchase a domain from a domain registrar or use an existing one.
2. Configure your domain’s DNS records to point to your Azure App Service. Add a CNAME record with a hostname (e.g., “www”) and set the value to your default Azure domain. For the root domain, create an A record pointing to your app’s IP address, which can be found in the Azure portal.
3. In the Azure portal, navigate to your web app and select “Custom domains.” Click on “Add custom domain,” enter your domain name, and click “Validate.” If the configuration is correct, click “Add custom domain” to complete the process.

Setting Up SSL Certificates

Once you have a custom domain, it’s time to secure your app with an SSL certificate. Azure App Service offers two options for SSL certificates:

1. Purchase an SSL certificate from a third-party provider.
2. Use the App Service Managed Certificates feature to obtain a free SSL certificate.

To obtain a free SSL certificate using App Service Managed Certificates, follow these steps:

1. In the Azure portal, navigate to your web app and click on “TLS/SSL settings.”
2. Click on “Private Key Certificates” and then “Create App Service Managed Certificate.”
   Choose your custom domain, and Azure will generate a free SSL certificate for you.

This is article number 4 from: 10 Reasons to use Azure App Service