A subdomain lets you create a separate area under an existing domain, such as blog.example.com, shop.example.com or portal.example.com.
This guide explains how to create the subdomain in cPanel, assign its own website directory and check that it is accessible.
Who is this guide for?
This guide applies exclusively to customers whose hosting is managed on the new Webland platform (WHMCS) and whose hosting plan includes cPanel.
Essential Hosting without cPanel: Use the guide for adding virtualhosts in Essential Hosting.
Previous platform using System Configurator or Domain Manager: Sign in at classic.webland.ch. The steps below do not apply to that platform.
Important information
A subdomain belongs to an existing domain. It does not require separate domain registration.
To display its own content, the subdomain needs a separate document root.
The subdomain’s DNS must point to the intended hosting. A working DNS record for the main domain alone is not sufficient.
Creating a subdomain does not install a website.
Requirements
Before you begin, make sure you:
Have access to your cPanel hosting service.
Have the parent domain configured in your cPanel account.
Have a hosting plan that supports subdomains and sufficient remaining quota.
Have access to the domain’s DNS management.
Step 1: Sign in to cPanel
Find your hosting service in the active services overview in the client area.
Click “Log in to cPanel”.
You will be signed in to cPanel automatically.
Step 2: Open domain management
Open the “Domains” section in cPanel.
Click “Domains”.
Select “Create A New Domain”.
Step 3: Enter the subdomain
Select “Registered Domain” if this choice appears.
Enter the complete subdomain in “Domain”, for example
blog.example.com.
Do not enter only blog. Use the complete name without https:// or a directory path.
The “Registered Domain” option also applies to subdomains of an already registered domain.
Step 4: Assign a separate website directory
Clear the “Share document root” checkbox.
Check the suggested “Document Root”, for example
public_html/blog.example.com.Keep the suggested directory or specify another permitted website directory.
Click “Submit”.
cPanel configures the subdomain and creates its directory if it does not already exist. The subdomain then appears in the domain overview.
Important: If “Share document root” remains selected, the subdomain uses the main domain’s directory and displays the same content.
Step 5: Check DNS configuration
Check that the subdomain itself has an appropriate DNS record pointing to your hosting.
If this cPanel server manages the DNS zone, check the record in “Zone Editor”.
If the domain uses external nameservers, check or add the record at the responsible DNS provider.
The main domain and subdomain can point to different servers. What matters is that the subdomain points to the correct destination.
DNS changes become visible at different times. Allow up to 24–48 hours, although changes often take effect sooner.
Step 6: Add content and test
Open the subdomain’s document root in File Manager.
Upload your website files or install your chosen website system there.
Open the subdomain in your browser.
For HTTPS, check that a valid SSL certificate covers the subdomain.
Troubleshooting
The subdomain cannot be created
Check that the parent domain is configured in your cPanel account, your plan supports subdomains and the name is not already in use. Also check the displayed error message.
The subdomain displays a blank page or an error
Check the document root and uploaded files. A website normally needs an index file such as index.html or index.php. PHP applications also require a compatible PHP version.
I receive a DNS error
Check the subdomain’s DNS record at the provider responsible for its DNS. The main domain’s DNS settings alone do not confirm that the subdomain is configured correctly.
The subdomain displays the main website
Check whether both domains use the same document root. The subdomain needs a separate directory to display its own content.
HTTPS displays a certificate warning
Check “SSL/TLS Status” to see whether a valid certificate covers the subdomain. Contact Webland Support if necessary.