How to Host Your GitHub Pages for Free with a Custom .io Domain

As a GitHub student, you might be eager to showcase your projects and domain your personal page. While obtaining a .io domain directly can be costly, there are still ways to leverage free services to host your GitHub Pages with a custom domain. This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step.

Introduction to GitHub Pages and Custom Domains

GitHub Pages is a powerful tool provided by GitHub that allows you to easily host static websites directly from your repository. By default, your GitHub Pages site will be hosted at However, this content might not align with your personal or professional brand. Custom domains come to the rescue by allowing you to use your own .io domain, .com, or any other custom domain you own.

Obtaining a Free

While you can’t get a free .io domain directly from Namecheap, other registrars offer free domains for students. For instance, Namecheap's offer may not include the .io extension, but you might find other domain registrars that do. Alternatively, you can start with a free domain and upgrade later when you have more funds.

Using Namecheap for Your Free Domain

Many students have successfully obtained a free domain through Namecheap, which features a bundle that includes a free domain for life and some basic hosting services. Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting a free domain via Namecheap:

Sign Up for Namecheap: If you don't already have an account, visit the Namecheap website and sign up for a free account. Look for the Free Domain Offer: Navigate to the domain registration section and look for offers designed for university students. The Namecheap offer is a popular choice among students. Select Your Domain: Choose your desired .io domain from the available options. Make sure to check that it is not already taken. Complete the Checkout: Follow the prompts to complete your purchase and configure your domain settings. Point DNS to GitHub Pages: After you've secured your domain, you need to point its DNS settings to GitHub Pages. Head to your domain's control panel, and look for the option to set up custom domain names.

Linking Your GitHub Pages to Your Custom Domain

Once you have set up your custom domain with Namecheap or any other registrar, it’s time to link it to your GitHub Pages:

Enable GitHub Pages: Go to your GitHub repository settings, and enable GitHub Pages. Choose the master branch as the source. Configure DNS Settings: In your domain's control panel, add a CNAME record pointing to Ensure that you set the TTL to a lower value for faster propagation. Verify DNS Settings: After setting up the CNAME record, wait for a few minutes and use a DNS checker tool to verify that the CNAME is correct. Wait for Propagation: DNS changes take time to propagate. It may take several hours for the changes to be reflected.

Conclusion and Further Considerations

While it requires some effort to set up a custom domain, the benefits of personal branding and showcasing your projects with a professional website are significant. If you’re on a tight budget, starting with a free domain and upgrading as your studentship progresses can be a viable strategy.

Remember that maintaining your website is important. Regular updates and updates to your DNS settings can help keep your site running smoothly. And if you encounter any issues, the namecheap support team and the GitHub community are always there to help.