Managing subdomains in cPanel

A subdomain is a domain that is part of a larger domain, based on a prefix you choose. For example, if your main domain is example.com, you might create a subdomain support.example.com for your support portal.

Subdomains are useful for creating separate areas of your website, such as blogs, shops, or departments, each accessible via its own URL.

Adding a Subdomain

1. Log in to cPanel.

2. On the Tools page → Domains section, click Subdomains.

3. Under Create a Subdomain:

   • Enter the subdomain prefix (e.g., support).
   • cPanel automatically fills in the document root path (where files will be stored).
   • Best practice: Place the subdomain’s files in a dedicated directory outside public_html to avoid conflicts or security risks.

4. Click Create.

5. Upload your site files into the subdomain’s document root.

Reserved names: Do not use cpanel, ftp, mail, webdisk, webmail, secure, www, or whm as subdomain prefixes.

Redirecting a Subdomain

You can redirect visitors from one subdomain to another location.

Enable redirection

1. Log in to cPanel → Subdomains.
2. Under Modify a Subdomain, locate the subdomain → click Manage Redirection.
3. Enter the destination URL.
4. Click Save.

Disable redirection

1. Log in to cPanel → Subdomains.
2. Under Modify a Subdomain, locate the subdomain → click Manage Redirection.
3. Click Disable Redirection.

Deleting a Subdomain

1. Log in to cPanel → Subdomains.
2. Under Modify a Subdomain, locate the subdomain → click Remove.
3. Confirm by clicking Delete Subdomain.

Note: Deleting a subdomain does not delete its folder or files. You must remove them manually if no longer needed.

Important Notes

• DNS changes when you create a subdomain may take up to 24 hours to propagate.
• Avoid hosting sites in subdirectories under public_html to reduce risks of conflicts or hacks.
• Use subdomains for clear separation of site areas (e.g., blog.example.com, shop.example.com).