How to create a domain alias in cPanel

Category: cPanel

A domain alias lets another domain open the same site as your main domain. It is useful when you have brand variants, domains with another extension, or a secondary domain that should show the same page without maintaining two installations.

Do not use it if you need a separate site with its own files, email, or application. In that case, create an additional domain and assign its own folder.

Before you start

  • Have access to cPanel for the account where the main site is hosted.
  • Confirm that the alias domain is already registered and active.
  • Check whether the alias domain DNS points to this hosting account.
  • Decide whether the alias will only show the same site or later need a redirect.

Confirm when to use an alias

  1. Use an alias if otherdomain.com should load the same content as yourdomain.com.
  2. Avoid the alias if each domain will have separate files, a CMS, or email.
  3. Check that the main domain already loads correctly before adding the alias.
  4. If you want to redirect permanently to another domain, create the alias first and then configure the right redirect.

The alias shares the same document root as the main site. That is why any change to the site files will appear from both domains.

Create the alias in cPanel

  1. Log in to cPanel and open Domains or Aliases, depending on your panel version.
  2. Find the option to create a new domain or add an alias.
  3. Enter the full domain that will work as the alias, for example otherdomain.com.
  4. If cPanel shows an option to share the document root with the main domain, leave it enabled so it works as an alias.
  5. Save the change and wait for the cPanel confirmation.
  6. Check that the domain appears in the list with the same folder as the main site.

If cPanel rejects the domain because it already exists in another account, ask support to check where it is added before you try again.

Verify DNS and SSL

  • If the alias domain uses the hosting nameservers, cPanel can manage its DNS records from the same account.
  • If it uses external DNS, create or correct the A or CNAME records so they point to the hosting account.
  • Wait for DNS propagation before assuming the alias failed.
  • Check SSL/TLS Status after the domain resolves to the correct server.

AutoSSL can issue a certificate only when the domain points to the server and is not blocked by external DNS, proxy, or incorrect records.

Test that it shows the same site

  1. Open a private browser window.
  2. Visit https://otherdomain.com/ using the alias domain.
  3. Confirm that it loads the same site as the main domain.
  4. Open an internal page to check that images, styles, and links load correctly.
  5. If your site forces HTTPS or redirects, check that it does not enter a redirect loop.

If the alias shows a default page or server error, compare the active DNS with the hosting IP and check that the domain is added in cPanel.

Common errors

  • The alias shows a default page: DNS points to another server or the domain is not added in the correct account yet.
  • The browser shows an SSL warning: AutoSSL has not issued a certificate for the alias yet, or DNS does not point to the hosting account.
  • The site enters an infinite redirect: a CMS, .htaccess, or SSL rule forces domains in conflicting ways.
  • You need different content per domain: remove the alias and create an additional domain with its own folder.

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