Create a subdomain in cPanel to give part of your website its own address, such as shop.example.com or staging.example.com. A subdomain uses your existing domain name; it does not need a separate domain registration. Its DNS and website folder still need correct configuration.
The video may show a separate Subdomains screen. Current cPanel versions accept the complete subdomain in Domains when creating a new entry.
Before you start
- Confirm you control the parent domain and its DNS. Check that your account supports the additional subdomain.
- Decide whether the subdomain needs separate files. A staging address is public unless you also configure appropriate access restrictions.
Instructions
Open Domains
In cPanel, choose Domains and Create a New Domain. If a type is requested, select Registered Domain for a subdomain of your existing domain.
Enter the complete subdomain
Enter shop.example.com, replacing the example with your chosen prefix and parent domain. Do not include https://, a slash, or a page path.
Choose the website folder
Clear document-root sharing if the subdomain should run a separate site. Review the allowed directory path and record it before submitting the new entry.
Publish the content
Upload or install the intended website in that document root. Keep it separate from the parent site's files unless shared content was an intentional choice.
Check DNS and SSL
If DNS is managed outside cPanel, create the required record at that provider using your hosting details. Verify certificate coverage for the full subdomain before using HTTPS publicly.
Check the result
- The full subdomain appears in Domains with the expected document root.
- Opening its address displays the correct website without a certificate warning, and the parent website is unchanged.
Troubleshooting
- The subdomain does not resolve.
- Check the record at the authoritative DNS provider. A cPanel entry alone cannot update DNS hosted elsewhere.
- The wrong website opens.
- Compare the document root with the folder containing your files and check the application's configured website URL.
Watch the video
The video may show an older interface. Use the written instructions above when screen names differ.
Continue with a related task
- How to Remove a Subdomain in cPanel
- How to Redirect a Subdomain in cPanel
- How to Upload an Index File with FileZilla
