How to Add Addon Domains

Introduction

Addon Domains in cPanel allow you to host multiple websites under a single hosting account. Each addon domain works as an independent website with its own files, emails, and content.

Example:

Addon domains are useful for:

• Hosting multiple websites

• Managing client websites

• Running separate projects

• Creating independent WordPress installations

Before Adding an Addon Domain

Ensure you have:

• An active hosting account

• cPanel access

• Registered domain name

• Domain pointed to hosting nameservers

Example nameservers:

ns1.govaio.com
ns2.govaio.com

Step 1: Point Domain to Hosting

Before adding the domain in cPanel, update the domain nameservers at your domain registrar.

Example:

ns1.govaio.com
ns2.govaio.com

DNS propagation may take:

• A few minutes

• Up to 24 hours globally

Step 2: Log in to cPanel

Open your cPanel login URL:

https://yourdomain.com:2083

or access through:

https://my.govaio.com/login

Enter your cPanel username and password.

Step 3: Open Domains Section

Depending on cPanel version, open:

Domains

or:

Addon Domains

Understanding Addon Domain Structure

When an addon domain is created, cPanel usually creates:

• Separate document root folder

• DNS entries

• FTP configuration

Example structure:

public_html/secondwebsite.com

Step 4: Add New Domain

Click:

Create A New Domain

or:

Add Domain

Step 5: Enter Domain Details

Enter your addon domain name.

Example:

secondwebsite.com

Step 6: Configure Document Root

The document root stores website files for the addon domain.

Example:

public_html/secondwebsite.com

It is recommended to use separate folders for each addon domain.

Step 7: Create Domain

Click:

Submit

or:

Add Domain

Your addon domain is now added successfully.

Step 8: Upload Website Files

Open:

File Manager

Navigate to the addon domain folder:

public_html/secondwebsite.com

Upload:

• HTML files

• PHP files

• WordPress installation

• Website backups

Installing WordPress on Addon Domain

You can install WordPress on the addon domain using Softaculous.

Steps:

1. Open:

Softaculous Apps Installer

2. Select:

WordPress

3. Choose addon domain from dropdown

4. Complete installation

Creating Email Accounts for Addon Domain

You can create emails like:

info@secondwebsite.com

Steps:

1. Open:

Email Accounts

2. Select addon domain

3. Create email account

How Addon Domains Work

Each addon domain:

• Has separate website files

• Can have independent applications

• Can use separate SSL certificates

• Shares hosting resources with main account

Enabling SSL for Addon Domain

After adding the domain:

1. Open:

SSL/TLS Status

2. Run:

AutoSSL

HTTPS should activate after DNS propagation.

Common Addon Domain Errors & Solutions

1. Domain Showing Main Website

Cause:

DNS propagation incomplete.

Solution:

• Wait for propagation

• Verify nameservers

2. Addon Domain Not Accessible

Cause:

Incorrect document root or DNS issue.

Solution:

• Verify domain folder

• Check DNS records

3. SSL Not Working

Cause:

Domain not pointing correctly.

Solution:

• Verify DNS propagation

• Re-run AutoSSL

4. Error: Domain Already Exists

Cause:

Domain may already exist as:

• Parked domain

• Alias

• Existing addon domain

Solution:

Remove old configuration before re-adding.

Recommended Folder Structure

Example:

public_html/
├── mainwebsite/
├── secondwebsite.com/
├── blogsite.com/

Resource Usage Considerations

All addon domains share:

• CPU

• RAM

• Disk space

• Bandwidth

High traffic on one addon domain can affect others.

Security Recommendations

• Keep websites updated

• Use separate CMS installations

• Enable SSL on all domains

• Use strong passwords

• Regularly backup websites

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. What is an addon domain?

An addon domain is an additional website hosted under the same hosting account.

Q2. Can addon domains have separate websites?

Yes. Each addon domain works independently.

Q3. Do addon domains require separate hosting plans?

No. Multiple addon domains can share one hosting account if supported by your plan.

Q4. Can I install WordPress on addon domains?

Yes. WordPress can be installed separately on each addon domain.

Q5. Can addon domains have SSL certificates?

Yes. Free SSL certificates can usually be enabled via AutoSSL.

Need Help?

If you need assistance adding addon domains, contact support:

📧 support@govaio.com