When you create a new tenant in Microsoft Azure, it automatically includes a default domain such as:

yourtenant.onmicrosoft.com

This initial domain is created when the tenant is deployed through Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure Active Directory). The default domain cannot be deleted or changed, but organizations can add their own custom domain names to create more professional and recognizable user identities.

For example, instead of:

user@yourtenant.onmicrosoft.com

You can create accounts like:

user@vmorecloud.com

Adding a custom domain improves branding, user recognition, and integration with enterprise applications.

Why Add a Custom Domain in Azure AD

Adding a custom domain provides several advantages:

• Creates professional usernames for employees
• Aligns identity with your organization’s brand
• Enables easier integration with enterprise services
• Allows identity synchronization from on-premises directories
• Supports federation with external identity providers

Organizations commonly use custom domains when integrating services such as Microsoft 365, SaaS applications, and enterprise identity platforms.

Prerequisites

Before adding a custom domain, make sure the following requirements are met:

• You must own the domain name
• The domain must be registered with a domain registrar
• You must have DNS management access to create TXT or MX records

Step-by-Step: Add a Custom Domain to Azure A

Step 1: Sign in to Azure Portal

Log in to the Microsoft Azure Portal and navigate to your tenant directory.

Step 2: Open Custom Domain Names

Inside your tenant dashboard:

Azure Active Directory
→ Manage
→ Custom domain names

Here you will see the default domain of your directory.

Step 3: Add Your Custom Domain

Click:

+ Add custom domain

Enter the domain name that you own, for example:

vmorecloud.com

Then click Create.

At this stage, the domain will appear as Unverified.

Domain Verification Process

After adding the domain, Azure must verify that you actually own it. When you click the domain name, Azure will display DNS verification information.

Azure will generate either:

• TXT record, or
• MX record

Copy this DNS information because it will be needed in the next step.

Update DNS at Your Domain Registrar

Log in to your domain registrar (where your domain is registered) and create a new DNS record using the information provided by Azure.

Example TXT record configuration:

Record Type: TXT
Host Name: @
Value: MS=msXXXXXXXX
TTL: 3600 seconds

This record proves ownership of the domain. Save the record and wait for DNS propagation.

Verify the Domain in Azure AD

After updating the DNS record:

Return to Azure AD → Custom domain names. Select the Unverified domain and Click Verify. If the DNS record is correctly configured, the domain status will change to Verified.

What You Can Do After Verification

Once the domain is verified, it becomes fully usable within your tenant. You can now:

• Create users with the new domain
• Synchronize users from on-premises Active Directory
• Configure federation with identity providers
• Use the domain across Microsoft cloud services

The custom domain effectively becomes part of your organization’s digital identity.

Adding Company Branding to Azure AD

When a tenant is first created, the sign-in experience uses default branding from Microsoft.

However, organizations often want to customize the sign-in experience to reflect their own identity.

Company branding allows you to customize:

• Company logo
• Background image
• Sign-in page text
• Theme colors

This branding appears when users sign in to services such as Microsoft 365 or other applications that rely on Microsoft Entra ID for authentication.

Licensing Requirement for Branding

To configure company branding, your tenant must have one of the following licenses:

• Azure AD Premium P1
• Azure AD Premium P2
• Azure AD Basic
• Microsoft 365 subscription

Without these licenses, the branding options will not be available.

Final Thoughts

Adding a custom domain to Azure AD is an essential step in building a professional cloud identity infrastructure. It allows organizations to create recognizable usernames, simplify identity management, and integrate seamlessly with enterprise services.

Combined with company branding, it ensures users experience a consistent and trusted sign-in interface across all cloud applications.

For organizations adopting cloud identity services, properly configuring custom domains and branding is a critical step toward establishing a strong and secure digital presence.