To add a new domain to your existing hosting account, log into cPanel, navigate to the Addon Domains section, and complete the form with your domain details. The process takes just a few minutes, and your new domain will be live once DNS propagation completes (typically within 24 hours).
Step-by-Step Guide to Adding an Addon Domain
Follow these simple steps to add another domain to your OBHost hosting account:
- Log into your cPanel control panel using your account credentials
- Locate and click the Addon Domains icon in the Domains section
- Fill out the new domain form with the following information:
- New Domain Name: Enter your domain (example: newdomain.com)
- Subdomain: This will auto-populate based on your domain name
- Document Root: Set this to your domain name only (not public_html/domain)
- FTP Username and Password: Create credentials if you need separate FTP access
- Click Add Domain to complete the process
Important Configuration Tip: Document Root Settings
When adding your addon domain, we strongly recommend setting the Document Root to just the domain name itself rather than including the public_html directory path. For example, use "newdomain.com" instead of "public_html/newdomain.com".
This configuration ensures your new site operates independently and won't be affected by any settings or configurations in your primary public_html folder. It provides better isolation between your websites and can prevent potential conflicts or security issues.
DNS Propagation and Going Live
After adding your addon domain in cPanel, you need to point your domain's nameservers to your hosting account (if you haven't already done so). DNS propagation typically takes anywhere from a few minutes to 24 hours, though most changes complete within a few hours.
During this time, your domain may intermittently show old content or not load at all. This is normal and will resolve automatically once propagation completes worldwide.
Setting Up Domain Redirects
If you want your new addon domain to simply redirect visitors to another website or domain, you can easily configure this in cPanel:
- In cPanel, locate and click the Redirects option
- Select your addon domain from the dropdown menu
- Enter the destination URL where you want visitors redirected
- Choose your redirect type (permanent or temporary)
- Save your settings
This is particularly useful if you've registered multiple domain variations and want them all to point to your main website.
Managing Multiple Domains on One Account
Adding multiple domains to a single hosting account is a cost-effective way to manage several websites. Each addon domain functions as a completely separate website with its own files, databases, and email accounts. You can add as many addon domains as your hosting plan allows.
Remember that all addon domains share the same hosting resources (disk space, bandwidth, and processing power) as your primary domain, so plan accordingly based on your expected traffic and resource needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many addon domains can I add to my hosting account?
The number of addon domains you can add depends on your specific hosting plan. Most plans include multiple addon domains, with some offering unlimited addon domains. Check your plan details or contact our sales team at sales@obhost.org to confirm your plan's limits.
What's the difference between an addon domain and a subdomain?
An addon domain is a completely separate domain name (like newsite.com) that functions as an independent website on your hosting account. A subdomain is an extension of your existing domain (like blog.yoursite.com). Addon domains require separate domain registration, while subdomains are created from your existing domain.
Do I need to register my domain before adding it as an addon domain?
Yes, you must own and have the domain registered before you can add it as an addon domain to your hosting account. The domain should be active and you should have access to modify its nameservers or DNS settings to point to your hosting account.
Why isn't my addon domain working after 24 hours?
If your addon domain isn't working after 24 hours, check that your domain's nameservers are correctly pointed to your hosting account. Also verify that you've added the domain correctly in cPanel without any typos. If issues persist, clear your browser cache and try accessing the domain from a different device or network to rule out local caching issues.
Our support team is available 24/7 to help you with addon domains and any hosting questions. Visit our contact page or email us at support@obhost.org for assistance.
