Dynamic DNS (DDNS) lets you reach a device on a home or office connection, such as a camera, NAS or remote desktop, using a name like home.example.com even though your internet provider changes your IP address now and then. This guide shows how to set up Dynamic DNS in cPanel and keep it updated automatically.
How it works
You create a DDNS subdomain in cPanel. cPanel gives you a private webcall URL. Whenever a device on your network visits that URL, cPanel updates the subdomain to point at the IP address the visit came from. Run the webcall on a schedule and the name keeps following your IP.
Your domain must use our nameservers for this to work, since the record lives in our DNS. See Our Nameservers: How to Point Your Domain to Your Hosting.
Create a Dynamic DNS domain
- In cPanel, go to Domains > Dynamic DNS.
- Click Create.
- In the Dynamic DNS Domain box, type the subdomain name you want (for example
home) and choose your domain from the menu. - Click Manually Enter an IP Address and enter the current public IP of the network you want to reach (from that network, look it up at whatismyipaddress.com). The webcall will keep it updated after this.
- Optionally add a description, such as "Office NAS".
- Click Create.
The new entry appears in the list with its Domain, IP Address and webcall URL. The URL looks like this:
https://example.com/cpanelwebcall/abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyzabcdef
Treat this URL like a password. Anyone who has it can change where your subdomain points.
Keep the IP address updated
The webcall must be made from a device inside the network whose IP you want to track, so the request comes from that network's public IP.
Linux, Mac, NAS or Raspberry Pi (cron)
Add a scheduled task that runs every 15 minutes:
*/15 * * * * curl -s https://example.com/cpanelwebcall/abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyzabcdef >/dev/null
Windows (Task Scheduler)
- Open Task Scheduler and choose Create Basic Task.
- Set a trigger (for example, daily, then edit the task to repeat every 15 minutes).
- For the action, choose Start a program, program
curl.exe, with your webcall URL as the argument. (curl is built into Windows 10 and 11.)
Routers
Some routers let you enter a custom DDNS update URL. If yours does, paste the webcall URL there. Many routers only support specific DDNS services, in which case use a computer or NAS instead.
There's no need to run it every minute. Every 5-15 minutes is plenty for a home connection.
Manage or remove a DDNS domain
- If the webcall URL was shared by mistake, select the domain's checkbox and choose Recreate URL from the actions menu. The old URL stops working, so update your scheduled task.
- To remove it, select the checkbox and choose Delete. This cannot be undone.
Troubleshooting
The name still points to the old IP
Check the IP Address column in cPanel. If it's correct, the old answer is just cached; see DNS Propagation: Why Domain Changes Take Time and How to Check. If it's wrong, run the webcall URL in a browser on your home network and refresh the page in cPanel.
The name resolves but I can't connect
DDNS only handles the name. You still need port forwarding on your router to the device, and the device must allow outside connections. Some providers block common ports like 80 and 25 on home connections.
Can I get an SSL certificate for the DDNS name?
The certificate would have to be installed on your own device, not on the Instant Access Internet Services server. Most NAS and camera systems can request a Let's Encrypt certificate themselves once the name resolves to them.
Related guides
- How to Create a Subdomain in cPanel
- How to Use the cPanel Zone Editor (A, CNAME, MX and TXT Records)
- DNS Propagation: Why Domain Changes Take Time and How to Check
- How to Set Up a Cron Job in cPanel
Still stuck? Open a support ticket and the Instant Access Internet Services team will help.
