How to Add an Addon Domain in cPanel — Wpressly Guide

Updated: 2025

If you want to host multiple websites under a single hosting account, the Addon Domain feature in cPanel allows you to run completely separate websites from the same dashboard. This guide explains what an addon domain is, how it differs from a standalone cPanel account, and how to create, edit, and remove addon domains step-by-step.

What Is an Addon Domain?

An addon domain is an additional domain you attach to your existing cPanel account. Each addon domain functions as its own independent website with separate files and directories. The number of addon domains allowed depends on your hosting plan with Wpressly.

Addon Domain vs. Separate cPanel Account

• Addon Domain: A separate website under the same cPanel account — simple and resource-efficient.
• Separate cPanel Account: Each site gets its own control panel, ideal for client projects or websites that need full isolation.

Before Adding an Addon Domain

Ensure the domain is registered and can be pointed to your server via DNS or nameservers. If it isn’t active yet, you can preview the website locally using your hosts file.

Fields Required When Creating an Addon Domain

• Domain Name: The domain you want to add.
• Subdomain: Automatically generated and required internally by cPanel.
• Document Root: The folder where the new website’s files will be stored.
• Password: Used for the optional FTP account cPanel may create.

How to Add an Addon Domain in cPanel

1. Log in to your cPanel account.
2. 
3. Go to the Domains section and open Domains.
4. Click Create A New Domain.
5. 
6. Enter the domain name in the Domain field.
7. 
8. Uncheck the Share document root option to create a dedicated folder.
9. Click Submit to complete the setup.

Note: cPanel will create an internal subdomain automatically. Do not delete it — it is required for the addon domain to function.

Changing the Document Root

You can modify the website’s file directory by selecting Manage next to the domain and updating the document root path.

Removing an Addon Domain

From the Domains interface, choose Remove. If you want to delete the website’s files, make sure to remove the associated document root directory as well.

Wpressly Tips & Best Practices

• Create a dedicated directory for every website to keep your files organized.
• Use separate cPanel accounts when managing client websites or larger projects.
• Monitor your hosting plan’s addon domain limit.