An addon domain is a domain that is added to your existing hosting account, allowing you to host multiple websites under a single hosting plan. This means that you can manage various websites from one cPanel account, which can be a cost-effective and convenient solution for managing multiple domains. In this detailed tutorial, we will explore what addon domains are, why they are useful, and provide a step-by-step guide on how to add and manage addon domains in cPanel. This guide is designed to be user-friendly and comprehensive, providing all the information needed to successfully add and manage addon domains.
Understanding Addon Domains
An addon domain is an additional domain that you can host on your existing hosting account. Each addon domain has its own unique website, email accounts, and settings, but it shares the server resources with the main domain of your hosting account. This setup allows you to host multiple websites without needing separate hosting accounts for each domain.
Features of Addon Domains
- Multiple Websites: Host several websites under one hosting account.
- Independent Settings: Manage settings for each domain separately.
- Cost Efficiency: Save on hosting costs by consolidating multiple websites under one account.
- Shared Resources: Utilize the same server resources like disk space and bandwidth.
- Email Accounts: Set up unique email addresses for each addon domain.
Benefits of Using Addon Domains
- Convenience: Manage multiple domains from a single cPanel interface.
- Cost-Effective: Reduce hosting expenses by using one account for several domains.
- Easy Management: Simplify domain management with unified control.
- Resource Allocation: Efficiently use server resources across different domains.
When to Use an Addon Domain
Addon domains are ideal in various situations:
- Multiple Projects: If you are running multiple projects or websites, addon domains allow you to manage them all from one account.
- Domain Portfolio: For domain investors or businesses with multiple domains, addon domains streamline management.
- Cost Savings: Small businesses or individuals can save money by consolidating hosting needs.
Accessing the Addon Domains Feature in cPanel
To manage addon domains, you need to access the relevant feature in cPanel. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Log In to Your cPanel Account
To start, log in to your cPanel account. You can do this through the following URLs, replacing yourdomain.com with your actual domain:
cpanel.yourdomain.com
yourdomain.com/cpanel
yourdomain.com:2083
Step 2: Locate the Addon Domains Section
Once logged in, navigate to the Domains section and click on Addon Domains. This will open the interface where you can manage existing addon domains and add new ones.
How to Add a New Addon Domain in cPanel
Follow these steps to add a new addon domain:
Step 1: Enter the Domain Name
In the Addon Domains interface, locate the New Domain Name field. Enter the domain name you wish to add. Ensure that this domain is already registered with a domain registrar.
Step 2: Set the Subdomain and Document Root
cPanel will automatically generate the Subdomain and Document Root based on the domain name you entered. The subdomain is used internally by cPanel to manage the addon domain, while the document root specifies where the domain's files will be stored.
Step 3: Create an FTP Account (Optional)
If desired, you can create an FTP account specifically for managing files of the addon domain. Check the box labeled Create an FTP account associated with this Addon Domain. Enter the desired username and password for the FTP account.
Step 4: Add the Domain
Click on Add Domain to complete the process. cPanel will set up the domain and show a confirmation message once it is successfully added.
Step 5: Verify Domain Addition
After adding the domain, you will see it listed under the Modify Addon Domain section. You can now upload your website files to the specified document root directory or use a website builder to create your site.
Managing Addon Domains
Once an addon domain is added, you can manage it through the cPanel interface. Here’s how to handle common tasks:
Modifying the Document Root
To change the document root of an addon domain, click on the Document Root link next to the domain in the Modify Addon Domain section. Enter the new path and click Change to save your changes.
Setting Up Redirection
If you need to redirect the addon domain to another URL, click on the Manage Redirection link. Enter the target URL and click Save to apply the redirection.
Removing an Addon Domain
To remove an addon domain, click on the Remove link next to the domain. cPanel will delete the domain and associated files but will not remove the domain from your registrar.
Setting Up Email Accounts for Addon Domains
Each addon domain can have its own email accounts. Here’s how to set up email for an addon domain:
Access the Email Accounts Section
In cPanel, go to the Email section and click on Email Accounts.
Create a New Email Account
Select the addon domain from the dropdown menu in the Email Accounts interface. Enter the desired email address and password, then click Create Account.
Managing Email Accounts
To manage existing email accounts, use the options in the Email Accounts interface. You can change passwords, set up email forwarding, and configure email clients.
In summary, addon domains are a powerful feature in cPanel that allow you to manage multiple domains from a single hosting account. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily add, modify, and manage addon domains, set up email accounts, and perform various management tasks. Addon domains offer flexibility and cost savings, making them a valuable tool for managing multiple websites.
