Skip to content
HostPora
cPanelbeginner3 min read

Add a Domain and Enable SSL in cPanel

Add the domain to the correct document root, point DNS, issue the certificate and test HTTPS before forcing redirects.

Written by HostPora Academy Team · Technical review by HostPora Technical Review · Updated Nov 4, 2026

Step 1

Create the domain entry

Open the Domains area, add the exact hostname and confirm its document root. Avoid sharing a root unless both names should show the same site.

  1. 1Confirm the spelling
  2. 2Review document root
  3. 3Upload a test file
Step 2

Point the domain

Set nameservers or the required A and AAAA records. Wait until public DNS resolves to the intended hosting service.

  1. 1Check authoritative DNS
  2. 2Remove stale addresses
  3. 3Verify from another network
Step 3

Issue and test SSL

Run the available certificate process after DNS resolves. Test the hostname and common subdomain before enabling a permanent HTTPS redirect.

  1. 1Issue certificate
  2. 2Test hostname coverage
  3. 3Enable redirect after success

Did this guide solve the task?

Your response helps prioritize corrections and missing steps.

Thanks. Your feedback will guide the next article review.

Related guidance

Continue from this task.

DNS

DNS Records Explained for Website Owners

Read next →SSL

Troubleshoot an SSL Certificate

Read next →

Common questions

Resolve the details before changing production.

Why did certificate issuance fail?+

The domain might not resolve to the account, validation might be blocked or a stale IPv6 record might point elsewhere.

Can two domains use one folder?+

Yes, but both names then serve the same files. Use separate roots for independent websites.

Should I force HTTPS before the certificate works?+

No. Confirm successful HTTPS first to avoid redirecting visitors into a certificate error.

Ready when you are

Find the hosting that fits your next move.

Compare resources, full-term totals and renewals before you choose. WHMCS handles checkout and billing.

Find my plan

Built for the tools websites and applications use

cPanel DirectAdmin LiteSpeed Softaculous WordPress Node.js Laravel Python PHP MySQL MariaDB NGINX Linux Drupal Joomla NVMe Cloudflare Let's Encrypt

Availability varies by plan and operating environment. Product names belong to their respective owners.