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How to install WordPress on a subdomain in cPanel

This guide shows you how to run a second WordPress site at an address like blog.yourdomain.com.

cPanel2 min read23 steps10 screenshots

What is a subdomain?

A subdomain is a front part added to your domain name. For yourdomain.com, a subdomain is blog.yourdomain.com. It acts like a separate site. Think of your domain as a house and the subdomain as a room with its own door.

WordPress is free software for building websites and blogs.

Part 1: Make the subdomain

  1. Log in to cPanel.
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  2. In the Domains section, click Subdomains. On newer versions, click Domains and then Create A New Domain.
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  3. Type the subdomain name, such as blog.
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  4. Choose your main domain from the list.
  5. Check the Document Root. This is the folder for the subdomain's files. The default is fine, such as public_html/blog.
  6. Click Create.

It can take a few minutes before the new address works.

Part 2: Install WordPress with an installer

Many plans have an app installer, such as Softaculous. Ask Hostvento support if it is on your plan.

  1. In cPanel, open the installer and choose WordPress.
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  2. Click Install.
  3. In Choose Domain, pick your subdomain.
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  4. Leave In Directory empty. If it shows wp, delete it. Otherwise, WordPress goes into a sub-folder of the subdomain.
  5. Type a site name and description.
  6. Set an admin username and a strong password. Write them down.
  7. Type your email.
  8. Click Install.
  9. Open the links shown after the install to see your site and its login page.

Part 3 (alternative): Install by hand

  1. Download WordPress from wordpress.org to your computer. Unzip it.
  2. Make a database in cPanel under MySQL Databases. Add a user and give it all privileges. A database is where WordPress stores posts and settings.
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  3. Upload the WordPress files to the subdomain's document root with File Manager.
  4. Open your subdomain in a browser.
  5. Follow the on-screen steps. Enter the database name, user and password.
  6. Choose a site title and admin login.

Check it

  1. Open blog.yourdomain.com.
  2. Log in at blog.yourdomain.com/wp-admin.
Tip: Install an SSL certificate for the subdomain so it opens with https. Look for SSL/TLS Status in cPanel.

Quick recap

  • Create the subdomain in cPanel first.
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  • Install WordPress into it with an installer or by hand.
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  • Keep the install folder box empty.
  • Add SSL after the install.