How to Add Addon Domains and Alias Domains in cPanel

cPanel allows you to host multiple domains within a single hosting account. You can use Addon Domains to host completely separate websites and Alias Domains (also known as Parked Domains) to point additional domains to your primary domain. This guide explains how to add and manage both in cPanel.

1. What Is an Addon Domain?

An Addon Domain is a fully functional domain you can host within your cPanel account. Each addon domain can have its own website, email accounts, and subdomains, but it shares the same hosting resources as your primary domain.

Why Use Addon Domains?

• Host multiple websites on one account.
• Manage all domains under a single cPanel login.
• Reduce hosting costs.

2. What Is an Alias Domain?

An Alias Domain redirects users from one domain to another. It is useful when you own multiple domain names and want them to point to the same website.

Why Use Alias Domains?

• Redirect traffic from similar domain names to your primary website.
• Prevent competitors from using your brand-related domains.
• Simplify access to your website for users using different domain extensions.

3. How to Add an Addon Domain in cPanel

Step 1: Log in to cPanel

1. Visit yourdomain.com/cpanel or yourdomain.com:2083.
2. Enter your cPanel username and password.

Step 2: Open the Addon Domains Tool

1. In the Domains section, click on Addon Domains.

Step 3: Add the Addon Domain

1. Enter the new domain name in the New Domain Name field (e.g., example2.com).
2. The Subdomain and Document Root fields will automatically populate:
   • Subdomain: This is for internal use by cPanel.
   • Document Root: This is the directory where website files for this domain will be stored.
3. (Optional) Check the box Create an FTP account associated with this Addon Domain if you want to manage the files using FTP.
4. Click Add Domain.

Step 4: Update DNS Settings

To make the addon domain functional, update its nameservers to match your hosting account. This is done through your domain registrar.

4. How to Add an Alias Domain in cPanel

Step 1: Log in to cPanel

1. Visit yourdomain.com/cpanel or yourdomain.com:2083.
2. Enter your cPanel username and password.

Step 2: Open the Aliases Tool

1. In the Domains section, click on Aliases.

Step 3: Add the Alias Domain

1. Enter the domain name in the Domain field (e.g., example-alias.com).
2. Click Add Domain.

Step 4: Update DNS Settings

Point the alias domain’s nameservers to the same ones as your primary domain. Once DNS propagation is complete, the alias domain will redirect to the primary domain.

5. Managing Addon and Alias Domains in cPanel

View Existing Domains

• Go to the Addon Domains or Aliases section in cPanel to see a list of configured domains.

Remove an Addon or Alias Domain

1. Locate the domain you want to remove.
2. Click the Remove button next to it.
3. Confirm the removal.

6. Common Issues and Troubleshooting

DNS Propagation Delays

It may take up to 24–48 hours for DNS changes to propagate worldwide. During this time, the addon or alias domain may not work correctly.

Incorrect Nameservers

Ensure that the domain’s nameservers are correctly pointed to your hosting account.

Domain Already Exists Error

If you encounter this error, check if the domain is already added as an addon, alias, or parked domain. You may need to remove it before re-adding.

7. Tips for Using Addon and Alias Domains

• Secure Your Domains: Use SSL/TLS certificates for all domains to ensure secure connections. cPanel allows you to add SSL certificates for addon and alias domains via the SSL/TLS Status section.
• Organize Files: Keep your website files in separate directories to avoid confusion when managing multiple domains.
• Monitor Resource Usage: Hosting multiple websites on one account can increase server resource usage (CPU, RAM, and disk space).

Conclusion

Adding and managing addon and alias domains in cPanel is a straightforward process that allows you to maximize your hosting account’s potential. Whether you’re hosting additional websites or redirecting traffic from multiple domain names, cPanel provides the tools you need to do it efficiently.

For further assistance, feel free to contact our support team.