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Add or delete a CNAME record in cPanel and WHM

A CNAME record gives one name a nickname. This guide shows how to add or remove one in cPanel or WHM.

Domains and DNS2 min read18 steps15 screenshots

What is a CNAME record?

DNS is like a phone book for the internet. It turns names into numbers. A CNAME record is a nickname in that phone book. It says: "this name is just another name for that name".

For example, you can make shop.yourdomain.com a nickname for a store service's address. A CNAME must point to another name, never straight to an IP address.

Know the difference. cPanel is for hosting account owners. WHM is for server owners and resellers with root-level access.

Add a CNAME in cPanel

  1. Log in to cPanel.
  2. Under Domains, click Zone Editor.
    Screenshot: Under Domains , click Zone Editor .
  3. Find your domain and click Manage.
  4. Click Add Record, then choose Add CNAME Record.
  5. In Name, type the nickname, such as shop. cPanel completes it with your domain.
  6. In Record, type the target name you are pointing to.
  7. Click Add CNAME Record.
    Screenshot: Click Add CNAME Record .
    Screenshot: Click Add CNAME Record .

Add a CNAME in WHM

  1. Log in to WHM.
  2. Search for DNS Zone Manager in the left menu and open it.
    Screenshot: Search for DNS Zone Manager in the left menu and open it.
  3. Find the domain and click Manage.
    Screenshot: Find the domain and click Manage .
  4. Click Add Record and pick CNAME.
    Screenshot: Click Add Record and pick CNAME.
  5. Fill in the name and the target.
  6. Save the record.
    Screenshot: Save the record.

Delete a CNAME

Warning: Deleting a record can break a website or service that uses it. Copy the old record into a note first.
  1. Open Zone Editor in cPanel, or DNS Zone Manager in WHM.
  2. Click Manage beside your domain.
    Screenshot: Click Manage beside your domain.
    Screenshot: Click Manage beside your domain.
  3. Find the CNAME in the list. The type column says CNAME.
  4. Click Delete on that row.
    Screenshot: Click Delete on that row.
    Screenshot: Click Delete on that row.
  5. Confirm when asked.

Good to know

  • You cannot add a CNAME on a name that already has another record, like an A record. Remove the old one first.
    Screenshot: You cannot add a CNAME on a name that already has another record, like an A record. Remove
    Screenshot: You cannot add a CNAME on a name that already has another record, like an A record. Remove
    Screenshot: You cannot add a CNAME on a name that already has another record, like an A record. Remove
  • A CNAME on the bare domain (yourdomain.com) is usually not allowed.
  • Changes may take from minutes to a few hours to spread.
  • These edits only work if your domain uses this server's DNS. If your DNS is elsewhere, edit it there.

Need help? Open a support ticket.

Quick recap

  • A CNAME is a nickname that points a name to another name.
  • Use Zone Editor in cPanel or DNS Zone Manager in WHM.
  • Add or delete from the Manage page of the domain.
    Screenshot: Add or delete from the Manage page of the domain.
  • Be careful before deleting, and allow time for changes to spread.