How to create and manage addon domains in cPanel
Add multiple domains to your cPanel account and point each one to its own document root. Modern cPanel manages addon domains through the Domains interface.
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Older cPanel themes used a separate Addon Domains icon. Current cPanel versions usually manage addon domains from Domains. The purpose is the same: host another domain in the same cPanel account with its own document root.
An addon domain lets you host another website inside the same cPanel account. The addon domain can use its own website files, email addresses, redirects, DNS records, and SSL certificate while sharing the account's overall hosting resources.
Create an addon domain
- Log in to cPanel and open Domains. In older themes, open Addon Domains.
- Click Create A New Domain, Add Domain, or the equivalent button shown in your theme.
- Enter the domain name, such as
example.com. - For a separate website, make sure the domain does not share the same document root as your primary domain.
- Review the suggested document root and change it if needed.
- Click Submit or Add Domain.
Document root and files
Each addon domain should use its own document root so the websites stay organized and do not overwrite each other. A common path is:
public_html/example.com/Upload that website's files to the document root using cPanel File Manager or FTP. On shared hosting, these are the standard methods—SSH is only available with Cloud VPS or Dedicated Server plans.
DNS and SSL
Adding the domain in cPanel does not automatically update DNS at the registrar. Point the domain to your UnderHost service using the nameservers or DNS records shown in CustomerPanel/service details. Once DNS resolves to the server, use SSL/TLS Status in cPanel to check AutoSSL.
- Use UnderHost nameservers when UnderHost should manage DNS for the domain.
- Use an A record to the hosting IP if DNS stays with another provider.
- Allow DNS propagation before troubleshooting SSL issuance.
Manage existing domains
From cPanel's Domains page, you can usually:
- View all domains on the account.
- Open the document root for a domain.
- Remove a domain from cPanel without deleting its files.
- Force HTTPS redirects when the option is available.
- Create redirects using the Redirects tool.
Addon domains vs subdomains vs aliases
| Type | What it does | Best use |
|---|---|---|
| Addon domain | Hosts a separate registered domain with its own document root. | Multiple separate websites in one cPanel account. |
| Subdomain | Creates a name under an existing domain, such as shop.example.com. | Sections, apps, staging, or separate areas of one domain. |
| Alias/parked domain | Shows the same website as another domain. | Brand variations, typo domains, and legacy domains. |
Related: Subdomains in cPanel: create, secure, and remove subdomains | How to set up alias or parked domains in cPanel | Managing DNS records with cPanel Zone Editor | How to register a domain name | How to configure DNS for your domain
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