How to set up an IDN domain in cPanel and WHM

What is an IDN?

An IDN is an internationalized domain name. It is a website address that uses letters beyond plain A to Z, like "münchen.de" or a name in Hindi or Arabic. Computers cannot store those letters directly in domain names. So they turn them into a code called Punycode. For example, "münchen.de" becomes xn--mnchen-3ya.de. The code always starts with xn--.

cPanel and WHM can use either form. Use the code form if the tool does not accept special letters.

Steps to find the Punycode

1. Open a search engine and look for "IDN to Punycode converter".
2. Type your domain in the box.
3. Copy the result that starts with xn--.

Steps to add the domain in cPanel

1. Log in to cPanel.
2. In the Domains section, click Domains (older versions: Addon Domains).
3. Click Create A New Domain.
4. Paste the Punycode name in the domain field.
5. Check the folder that cPanel suggests for the files.
6. Click Submit.

Steps to create an account in WHM

1. Log in to WHM.
2. Search for Create a New Account.
3. In the Domain field, type the Punycode name.
4. Fill in the username, password and email.
5. Choose a package.
6. Click Create.

Point the domain to your hosting

1. Log in to the place where you registered the domain. For domains with Hostvento, use the Domains menu at https://secure.hostvento.com/clientarea.php.
2. Find the nameserver settings. Nameservers tell the internet where your site lives.
3. Enter the nameservers from your welcome email.
4. Save and wait. Changes can take several hours to spread.

Quick recap

• An IDN is a domain with non-English letters.
• Computers store it as Punycode that starts with xn--.
• Use the Punycode form in cPanel and WHM.
• Point the nameservers to your hosting.
• Wait for the change to spread.