How to setup Addon domain on cPanel?

cPanel allows you to host additional websites under the same hosting account using Addon Domains. Each addon domain gets its own content, email addresses, FTP access, and functions as an independent website — all managed from a single cPanel login.

 

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Open the Domains Interface

Log in to your cPanel account and go to Domains.

 

2. Add the New Domain

1. 1. Click on Create A New Domain.
   2. In the Domain field, enter the domain name (e.g. domain2.com).
   3. Uncheck the box that says "Share document root with indichosts.net" to ensure the new domain gets its own directory (e.g. /public_html/domain2.com).
   4. Click Submit to create the addon domain.

 

3. Update DNS for the New Domain

Log in to your domain registrar and update the nameservers of your new domain (e.g. domain2.com) to match the ones provided in your hosting account’s welcome email (typically same as your primary domain).

⚠️ DNS propagation can take 4–48 hours depending on your registrar and ISP.

 

4. Upload Website Files

You can upload your website files using:

• The FTP account (if created while adding the domain), or
• Your main FTP account and upload to: /public_html/domain2.com/

 

5. Create Email Accounts (Optional)

To set up email addresses like info@domain2.com, go to Email Accounts in cPanel and create them there.

Use these settings in your email client:

• Incoming server (POP/IMAP): mail.domain2.com
• Outgoing server (SMTP): mail.domain2.com

 

6. (Optional) Redirect the Subdirectory

If you'd like to redirect requests to yourprimarydomain.com/domain2 to the main domain, add the following to .htaccess inside /public_html/domain2.com/:

RewriteEngine On
RewriteCond %{HTTP_HOST} ^domain2.primary-domain.com$ [OR]
RewriteCond %{HTTP_HOST} ^www.domain2.primary-domain.com$
RewriteRule ^(.*)$ http://www.domain2.com [R=301,L]
RedirectPermanent /domain2 http://www.domain2.com

 

Important Notes

• Addon domains are fully functional but do not get separate cPanel logins.
• To provide a separate control panel for the domain, purchase a separate hosting plan.
• Later migration from an addon domain to a primary domain requires a full re-setup.

 

If you have any questions or need help, please create a support ticket.