Remove a subdomain in cPanel when a staging site, shop, or other separate address is no longer needed. This removes its hosting configuration. It does not cancel the parent domain's registration, and its document directory normally remains available until you deliberately delete it.
Older videos remove entries from Subdomains. Current cPanel versions use Domains and Manage; associated addon-domain entries may have additional dependencies.
Before you start
- Back up any files, databases, and mail you need. Confirm applications, scheduled jobs, or external integrations no longer depend on the address.
- Record the document root and check whether another domain shares that folder. Do not delete a folder solely because its name resembles the subdomain.
Instructions
Find the exact address
Open Domains in cPanel and locate the full subdomain. If necessary, use the Domains display settings to reveal associated domains before reviewing the entry.
Review the domain entry
Choose Manage and confirm the name and document root. Distinguish an independently created subdomain from an associated subdomain that cPanel created for an addon domain.
Remove the subdomain
Choose Remove Domain, then confirm the named entry. If cPanel reports a dependency, stop and review it instead of trying to remove the associated folder.
Update external references
Check DNS managed outside cPanel, website links, redirects, and application settings. Remove obsolete references or replace them with the address visitors should use.
Review retained content
Keep the old files until backups and dependencies are verified. Delete them separately only when you have confirmed the folder is not used by another site.
Check the result
- The intended subdomain no longer appears as an active entry in Domains.
- The parent domain and any remaining addon domains still display their expected websites.
Troubleshooting
- The entry cannot be removed because an addon domain depends on it.
- Do not remove the addon website merely to clear the message. Contact support with the exact dependency error and your intended outcome.
- The address continues to load after removal.
- Check browser caches and external DNS, including wildcard records that may still route the address to a server.
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 Create a Subdomain in cPanel
- How to Remove an Addon Domain in cPanel
- How to Download Website Files with FileZilla
