How to Manage Domains and Subdomains in cPanel

Introduction

Managing your domains and subdomains is a crucial part of web hosting. With cPanel, you can easily add, configure, and organize multiple websites under one hosting account. Whether you’re launching a new site, redirecting traffic, or creating a test environment — cPanel’s Domain Management tools make the process simple and efficient.

What’s the Difference?

• Primary Domain: The main domain linked to your hosting account (e.g., kirods.com)

• Addon Domain: A completely separate website hosted under your account

• Subdomain: A subsection of your main domain (e.g., blog.kirods.com)

• Parked/Alias Domain: A domain that shows the same site as your main domain

• Redirect: Automatically forwards traffic from one domain or URL to another

➕ How to Add an Addon Domain

1. Log in to your cPanel

2. Go to the Domains section → Click on Domains

3. Click Create a New Domain

4. Enter the domain name (e.g., example2.com)

5. Uncheck the option “Share document root” (if you want it to be a separate site)

6. Click Submit

Note: Make sure the domain is pointed to your hosting's nameservers.

How to Create a Subdomain

1. In the Domains section, click on Subdomains

2. Enter a name (e.g., blog) and select the main domain

3. The Document Root will auto-fill (e.g., public_html/blog)

4. Click Create

You can now upload files to that folder, and they’ll be live at blog.yourdomain.com.

Setting Up Domain Redirects

1. Go to the Redirects option in the Domains section

2. Choose:

   • Permanent (301) – SEO-friendly, long-term redirect

   • Temporary (302) – Short-term redirect

3. Enter the domain or URL path to redirect

4. Enter the destination URL

5. Click Add

Useful for rebranding, traffic redirection, or expired domains.

️ How to Add a Parked Domain (Alias)

1. In the Domains section, click on Aliases

2. Enter the domain name (e.g., kirods.net)

3. Click Add Domain

The alias will now display the same content as your main site.

⚠️ Important Notes

• For any new domain or subdomain to work, it must be registered and pointed to your hosting nameservers.

• Use separate document roots for different sites to avoid file mix-ups.

• Changes to DNS or domains may take up to 24 hours to fully propagate.

Tips & Best Practices

• Use subdomains for sections like blog, help, or shop.

• Organize addon domains in separate folders for security and clarity.

• Always double-check DNS settings when adding a new domain.

• Use redirects wisely to avoid confusing users or search engines.

✅ Conclusion

Whether you’re hosting multiple websites, organizing your online content, or simply redirecting traffic — cPanel gives you the flexibility to manage domains and subdomains without the need for technical skills. Everything is centralized, secure, and just a few clicks away.