How to Use Dynamic DNS in cPanel

Introduction

Dynamic DNS (DDNS) in cPanel is a feature that allows a domain or subdomain to automatically stay updated with your current IP address — even if your IP changes frequently. This is especially helpful if you're hosting a service (like a website, game server, or remote access tool) from a location that uses a dynamic IP address, such as a home internet connection.

This guide explains how to use the Dynamic DNS feature in cPanel to ensure your domain always resolves to the correct IP, even when it changes.

Why Use Dynamic DNS?

Dynamic DNS is useful for:

• Hosting websites or services from home

• Running game servers or VPNs on a residential IP

• Avoiding the need for a static IP address from your ISP

• Ensuring that your domain or subdomain always points to your current IP

Instead of manually updating your DNS record every time your IP changes, Dynamic DNS automates it using update URLs.

How Dynamic DNS Works

• You create a special subdomain using the Dynamic DNS tool in cPanel

• cPanel gives you a unique update URL

• You configure a DDNS client (software or script) to call this URL whenever your IP address changes

• The A record for that subdomain is automatically updated with your latest IP

How to Access Dynamic DNS in cPanel

1. Log in to your cPanel account

2. Scroll down to the Domains section

3. Click on Dynamic DNS

You’ll be taken to a page where you can create and manage dynamic DNS entries.

How to Set Up Dynamic DNS

Step 1: Create a Subdomain

1. Click Create

2. Enter a subdomain name (e.g., home.yourdomain.com)

3. Choose the main domain from the dropdown

4. Click Create

This sets up the DNS infrastructure needed for dynamic updates.

Step 2: Get Your Update URL

• Once the subdomain is created, cPanel will generate a unique update URL

• This URL is used by your client (or script) to trigger DNS updates

• It contains a unique token that authorizes the update without a password

Example:

Step 3: Configure Your DDNS Client

Use a compatible Dynamic DNS client (e.g., DDClient, INADYN, or a router with DDNS support) and configure it to:

• Run periodically (e.g., every 5–10 minutes)

• Call the update URL whenever your IP changes

Some routers allow you to enter the update URL directly. Others may require scripts or integration settings.

Step 4: Test Your Setup

To verify it's working:

• Change your internet connection to get a new IP

• Wait for the DDNS client to send an update

• Ping your subdomain (home.yourdomain.com) and confirm it resolves to the new IP

You can also view the DNS zone file in Zone Editor to check the updated A record.

Security Tips

• Keep your token secret; treat it like a password

• Use only secure, trusted clients to automate updates

• Do not share the update URL publicly

• Consider regenerating the token if you believe it's been compromised

Limitations

• Dynamic DNS only works for subdomains, not root domains (e.g., you can use home.yourdomain.com, but not yourdomain.com)

• The update system only works if your device can access the internet

• Not all routers or ISPs allow dynamic IP detection or port forwarding — check compatibility

Conclusion

Dynamic DNS in cPanel is a powerful feature for anyone hosting services on a changing IP address. It ensures that your domain or subdomain always points to the right location without manual DNS updates. With a simple setup and reliable automation, it’s an excellent solution for developers, gamers.