Add an additional domain in cPanel

How to Add an Additional Domain (Addon Domain) in cPanel

At PlatiniumHost, we understand the need to manage multiple web projects efficiently. If your hosting plan allows you to host more than one website, the Addon Domain feature in cPanel is the perfect tool to achieve this. This article will guide you step-by-step on how to set up an addon domain, allowing you to host a completely independent website under your same hosting account.

What is an Addon Domain?

An Addon Domain is a cPanel functionality that allows you to host a completely new and independent domain on your existing hosting account. Unlike a subdomain, which is associated with your main domain (e.g., blog.yourdomain.com), an addon domain (e.g., otherdomain.com) acts as its own primary domain. From a visitor's perspective, there is no difference between a site hosted on an addon domain and a site hosted on a primary domain. Each addon domain will have its own set of files, databases, and email accounts, all managed from your PlatiniumHost cPanel control panel.

Prerequisites

• cPanel Access: You must have the login credentials for your cPanel control panel provided by PlatiniumHost.
• Registered Domain: The domain you wish to add must be registered and owned by you.
• DNS Configuration: Your domain's nameservers must point to PlatiniumHost's nameservers. If the domain is registered with PlatiniumHost, this is usually configured automatically. If you registered it with another provider, you will need to update the Nameservers at your domain registrar to point to PlatiniumHost's.
• Plan Capacity: Your hosting plan with PlatiniumHost must allow the addition of addon domains. You can verify this information in your plan details or by contacting our technical support team.

Steps to Add an Addon Domain in cPanel

Follow these simple steps to configure your new addon domain:

1. Access your cPanel: Log in to your cPanel control panel. Typically, you can access it via yourdomain.com/cpanel or through the link provided in your PlatiniumHost client area.

2. Navigate to the Domains section: Once inside cPanel, look for the "Domains" section and click on the "Domains" option.

   [IMAGE: 'Domains' section in cPanel screenshot]

3. Create a New Domain: On the Domains page, you will see a list of your existing domains. Click on the "Create a New Domain" button.

   [IMAGE: 'Create a New Domain' button in the cPanel interface]

4. Enter the Domain Name: In the "Domain" field, type the full name of the domain you wish to add (e.g., youraddondomain.com). cPanel will attempt to autocomplete the "Subdomain" and "Document Root".

   [IMAGE: Domain addition form with 'Domain' field highlighted]

5. Configure the Document Root: It is crucial to ensure that the option "Share document root with 'yourdomain.com'." is unchecked. This ensures that your new addon domain has its own file directory, independent of your main domain. By default, cPanel will create a folder with your domain's name inside public_html (e.g., public_html/youraddondomain.com).

   Tip: You can customize the name of this directory if you wish, but it is recommended to use the domain name for clarity and organization.
   [IMAGE: Domain addition form, showing 'Share document root' option unchecked]

6. Submit the Configuration: Once you have verified that the domain name is correct and the document root is configured appropriately, click the "Submit" or "Create" button.

   [IMAGE: 'Submit' button on the domain addition form]

7. Verify Creation: cPanel will process the request and show you a success message. Your new addon domain will now appear in the list of domains in the "Domains" section.

   Tip: DNS propagation can take between 24 and 48 hours to complete worldwide. During this time, your new site may not be immediately accessible. You can check the propagation status using online tools like DNS Checker.

Congratulations! You have successfully configured an addon domain in your PlatiniumHost account via cPanel. You can now upload your website files to the document root you specified (e.g., public_html/youraddondomain.com) and begin building or migrating your new site. If you encounter any difficulties or require additional assistance, do not hesitate to contact the PlatiniumHost support team, who will be happy to help you every step of the way.