How to Use Addon Domains in cPanel — A Complete Guide

Managing multiple websites under one hosting account can be easy and cost-effective when you leverage the power of Addon Domains in cPanel. If you are a Govaio.com customer, this feature allows you to add additional domains to your account, each with its own separate website, content, and files — all managed under a single hosting plan.

This article will cover what addon domains are, how to create and manage them, common troubleshooting tips, and practical use cases — exclusively for Govaio.com users.

This article is written exclusively for Govaio.com customers.

📘 What Are Addon Domains?

An Addon Domain is a fully functional domain that you can add to your hosting account, allowing you to run multiple independent websites from one cPanel account.

Each addon domain has:

  • Its own directory (folder) for files and content
  • A separate website URL visible to visitors
  • Independent emails and FTP accounts if configured

✅ Benefits of Using Addon Domains on Govaio

  • Cost-effective: Host multiple websites without buying additional hosting packages.
  • Centralized Management: Manage multiple sites in one cPanel account.
  • Separate Files and Content: Each domain keeps its files separate for organization and security.
  • Ideal for Businesses & Freelancers: Manage client websites or different business brands efficiently.

🛠️ How to Add an Addon Domain in cPanel (Step-by-Step)

Follow these steps to add an addon domain to your Govaio hosting account:

Step 1: Log in to Your cPanel Account

Step 2: Navigate to Addon Domains

Scroll to the Domains section.

Click on Addon Domains.

Step 3: Add a New Domain

  • In the New Domain Name field, enter the domain you want to add (e.g., mynewsite.com).
  • The Subdomain and Document Root fields will auto-populate:
    • Subdomain: Used internally, usually the domain name prefix.
    • Document Root: The folder where the website’s files will reside, e.g., /public_html/mynewsite.com.

Step 4: Configure Settings

  • You may customize the document root if you want to store files elsewhere.
  • Ensure the domain's DNS is pointed to Govaio’s servers (we’ll cover this later).

Step 5: Click Add Domain

Your new addon domain is now set up. You can upload website files into its document root folder using the File Manager or FTP.

🔧 Managing Your Addon Domain

Accessing Files

  • Navigate to File Manager in cPanel.
  • Open the folder named after your addon domain (e.g., /public_html/mynewsite.com).
  • Upload your website files here.

Creating Email Accounts for Your Addon Domain

  • Go to Email Accounts in cPanel.
  • Create emails using the new addon domain (e.g., info@mynewsite.com).

Managing Subdomains

Each addon domain automatically creates a subdomain in the format: mynewsite.yourmaindomain.com which you can use for testing or redirects.

🌐 Pointing Your Domain to Govaio Servers (DNS Setup)

For your addon domain to work properly, its DNS settings must point to Govaio’s nameservers. Usually, you’ll manage DNS where you bought your domain (like GoDaddy, Namecheap, etc.).

Govaio Nameservers:

  • dns1.site-parking.net
  • dns2.site-parking.net

Update your domain registrar settings to use these nameservers.

Note: DNS changes can take up to 24-48 hours to propagate.

❌ Common Problems & How to Fix Them

1. Addon Domain Not Loading or Showing “Not Found”

  • Make sure the domain's DNS is pointed to Govaio’s nameservers.
  • Verify files exist in the correct document root folder.
  • Confirm there is an index.html or index.php file in the folder.

2. “Domain Already Exists” Error

  • The domain might be set as a parked domain or subdomain.
  • Check existing domains or subdomains in cPanel and remove duplicates.
  • Ensure the domain isn’t assigned to another hosting account.

3. Email Issues on Addon Domains

  • Confirm MX records are correctly set for your addon domain.
  • Use cPanel’s Email troubleshooting tools or contact Govaio support.

🧩 Best Practices for Addon Domains

  • Organize your files: Keep addon domain files inside their own folders within public_html.
  • Secure each site: Use SSL certificates for each addon domain (Govaio supports AutoSSL).
  • Monitor bandwidth and usage: Multiple sites share hosting resources, so watch usage via cPanel.
  • Backup regularly: Use cPanel backups or Govaio’s backup service to safeguard your sites.

💡 Use Cases for Addon Domains on Govaio

For Entrepreneurs

Manage multiple brands or products with separate websites but a single hosting account.

For Freelancers and Agencies

Host multiple client websites easily under one control panel.

For Personal Use

Run a blog, portfolio, and business website on different domains with one hosting plan.

🔐 SSL and Security for Addon Domains

Govaio provides free SSL certificates for all addon domains via AutoSSL. After setting up your addon domain, enable AutoSSL in cPanel to keep your site secure and trusted by browsers.

Using Addon Domains in cPanel is a powerful way to manage multiple websites efficiently and affordably on your Govaio.com hosting plan. From setup to management, this guide should help you get your additional domains online quickly, securely, and organized.

This article is exclusively written for Govaio.com customers to help you get the most from your hosting.