A CNAME Record (Canonical Name Record) is used to alias one domain or subdomain to another. This is useful for redirecting traffic or integrating with third-party services like email, CDN, or website platforms. Follow these steps to add a CNAME Record in cPanel using the DNS Zone Editor.
Step 1: Log in to cPanel
- Open your web browser and navigate to your cPanel login page (e.g.,
https://yourdomain.com:2083). - Enter your username and password, then click Log in.
Step 2: Open the DNS Zone Editor
- Scroll down to the Domains section in the cPanel dashboard.
- Click on Zone Editor.
Step 3: Select the Domain
- In the Zone Editor interface, locate the domain for which you want to add a CNAME Record.
- Click Manage next to the domain.
Step 4: Add a CNAME Record
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On the DNS Records page, click + Add Record or Add CNAME Record, depending on your cPanel version.
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Fill in the required fields:
- Name: Enter the name of the record (e.g.,
wwwforwww.yourdomain.comormailformail.yourdomain.com). - TTL (Time to Live): Leave the default value (e.g.,
14400) or specify a custom TTL if required. - Type: Ensure the record type is set to CNAME.
- Record: Enter the target domain (e.g.,
your-target-domain.comorthirdparty.service.com).
- Name: Enter the name of the record (e.g.,
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Click Save Record or Add Record to apply the changes.
Step 5: Verify the CNAME Record
- Use a DNS checker like DNS Checker to confirm that the CNAME record is propagating correctly.
- Allow up to 24-48 hours for DNS changes to propagate globally, though they often update sooner.
Tips for Adding CNAME Records
- Do Not Use CNAME for the Root Domain: You cannot create a CNAME Record for the root domain (e.g.,
yourdomain.com). Use an A Record instead if needed. - Check the Target Domain: Ensure the target domain or service URL is correct and active before saving.
- Avoid Conflicts: Remove any existing conflicting records (e.g., A Record or MX Record) for the same name.
By adding a CNAME Record through cPanel's DNS Zone Editor, you can effectively redirect or alias subdomains to other domains or services, enhancing the flexibility of your domain's DNS configuration.
