How to Add a Domain in DirectAdmin
DirectAdmin allows you to add and manage domains under your ApnCloud Shared Hosting account. If your hosting plan supports multiple domains, you can add an additional domain and host a separate website from the same control panel.
Follow the steps below to add a domain in DirectAdmin.
1. Log In to DirectAdmin
First, log in to your DirectAdmin control panel.
You can access DirectAdmin from your ApnCloud Client Area or use the DirectAdmin login information provided with your hosting service.
After logging in, you will see the DirectAdmin dashboard.
2. Open Domain Management
From the DirectAdmin dashboard, look for the domain management section.
Depending on the DirectAdmin interface version, the option may appear as:
- Domain Setup
- Domain Management
- Account Manager
- Domain Administration
Open the relevant option to view the domains currently added to your hosting account.
3. Click Add New Domain
Click the option to add a new domain.
This may appear as:
Add New Domain
or a similar button depending on the DirectAdmin interface.
4. Enter Your Domain Name
Enter the domain you want to add.
For example:
example.com
Normally, you should enter the domain without:
http://
or
https://
Make sure the domain name is entered correctly before continuing.
5. Review the Available Options
DirectAdmin may display additional options when adding the domain.
Depending on your hosting configuration, you may see settings related to:
- Bandwidth
- Disk usage
- Secure SSL
- PHP access
- CGI access
- Domain pointers
- Other hosting features
For most users, the default settings are suitable unless you have a specific requirement.
6. Create the Domain
After entering the domain and reviewing the settings, click Create or the relevant confirmation button.
DirectAdmin will create the required hosting structure for the new domain.
Once completed, the domain should appear in your domain list.
7. Point the Domain to ApnCloud
Adding a domain in DirectAdmin does not automatically change the domain's DNS.
You must make sure the domain points to the correct ApnCloud hosting server.
Depending on your setup, this may involve:
- Changing the domain nameservers
- Updating the domain's DNS records
- Pointing the A record to the correct server IP
Use the DNS or nameserver information provided with your ApnCloud hosting account.
8. Wait for DNS Propagation
After changing nameservers or DNS records, the changes may not appear immediately.
DNS propagation can take some time depending on the domain provider, DNS configuration, and previous cache settings.
During this period, the domain may still point to the previous server for some visitors.
9. Upload Your Website Files
After the domain has been added, DirectAdmin will create a website directory for it.
Use File Manager or FTP to upload your website files to the appropriate document root for the domain.
Make sure your main website file, such as:
index.php
or
index.html
is located in the correct website directory.
10. Enable SSL
Once the domain is correctly pointing to your hosting server, enable SSL for the domain if available.
After the certificate is installed, test your website using:
https://yourdomain.com
Make sure the website loads correctly without SSL or mixed-content errors.
Unable to Add a Domain?
If DirectAdmin does not allow you to add another domain, your Shared Hosting plan may have reached its domain limit.
Check your hosting package limits from the ApnCloud Client Area.
You should also verify that:
- The domain name is valid
- The domain is not already added
- Your hosting service is active
- Your plan supports additional domains
- You have not reached the allowed domain limit
Need Help?
If you cannot add your domain or the domain does not load after DNS configuration, please open a Support Ticket from the ApnCloud Client Area.
Include your domain name and a clear description of the issue so the support team can assist you.
