The custom domain sambruton.com is already taken.

[Sambuxc]

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I believe my domain may be linked on another repo however after scouring my repo list and I cannot find it linked to any other. The domain also doesn't resolve to anything because there were no DNS settings configured.

I've now configured the DNS settings and created a CNAME file at the new repo root level I would like it linked to, as I've done with other repo's + domains.

I believe the domain might need unlinking from where it previously was connected. Can someone help me with that please?

Thanks for your help in advance 🙏🏽

[Sreeshan7]

If GitHub says your domain is already in use but you can’t find it linked to any repository, it’s likely still attached to a previous GitHub Pages configuration.

Here’s what to check:

Go to any old repositories (especially ones that previously used GitHub Pages)
→ Settings → Pages
→ See if the domain is still configured there.

Check if the domain is attached at the organization level (if applicable).

Even if DNS wasn’t configured, GitHub can still reserve the domain internally once it was added.

If you cannot locate where it’s attached:

Open a GitHub Support ticket

Provide:

The domain name

Your GitHub username

The repository you want it connected to

GitHub Support can manually remove the domain from the previous association.

After it’s unlinked, your new CNAME file and DNS configuration should work correctly
(please mark asnwered if helped)

[Sambuxc]

Thank you I will follow your instructions to raise a support ticket

[MHassan-Tariq]

This sounds like a classic GitHub Pages "Shadow Link" issue. Because GitHub requires domain uniqueness across the entire platform, if a domain was even partially configured on an old or deleted repository, it can "lock" that domain until the system clears it.

To get a professional and technical response that a GitHub Moderator can act on quickly, I recommend posting the following draft.

Subject: Request to Clear Stale Custom Domain Mapping for GitHub Pages
Hello,

I am encountering an issue where I cannot link my custom domain to a new repository because GitHub indicates it is already in use, despite my efforts to locate the previous connection.

The Situation:

The Problem: When attempting to save my custom domain in the Pages settings of my new repository, I receive an error stating the domain is already taken.

What I’ve Checked: I have scoured my personal repository list and confirmed the domain is not currently active in any CNAME files or Pages settings that I can see.

DNS Status: I have already configured the DNS settings (A records/CNAME) to point to GitHub’s servers and added the CNAME file to the root of my new repository. However, since the domain was likely linked elsewhere in the past, it seems to be "stuck" in GitHub's internal routing table.

What I am trying to accomplish:
I need to have the domain unlinked from any legacy or "ghost" repository mappings so I can successfully verify and secure it on my current project.

Desired Outcome:

Could a moderator or staff member check if the domain is still associated with a deleted or archived repository under my account?

Alternatively, if the domain is linked to a repository I no longer have access to, what is the best path for Domain Verification to "reclaim" it via a DNS TXT record?

I have my DNS provider dashboard open and am ready to add any verification records required to prove ownership and resolve this conflict.

Thanks for your help in advance! 🙏🏽