A CNAME record points one name, such as shop.example.com, at another hostname, such as shops.myshopify.com. Services like online stores, email marketing tools and Microsoft 365 often ask you to add a CNAME record. This guide shows you how to add a CNAME record in cPanel using the Zone Editor.
Before you start
- Your domain must use our nameservers (ns5.instantaccess.net, ns6.instantaccess.net, ns1.fanaticalhosting.com and ns2.fanaticalhosting.com). If your DNS is hosted somewhere else, such as at your registrar or Cloudflare, add the record there instead. Changes in cPanel won't have any effect.
- Have the two values from the service you're connecting: the name (sometimes called host or alias, for example
shoporem1234) and the target (sometimes called value, points to or destination, for exampleshops.myshopify.com). - A CNAME must point to a hostname, not an IP address. If the service gives you an IP address, you need an A record instead. See How to Use the cPanel Zone Editor (A, CNAME, MX and TXT Records).
How to add a CNAME record in cPanel
- In cPanel, go to Domains > Zone Editor.
- Find your domain in the list. You can click + CNAME Record next to it for a quick form, or click Manage to see the full list of records first. Using Manage is a good idea, because it lets you check that the name isn't already in use.
- On the Manage page, click the arrow beside Add Record and choose the CNAME option (or click Add Record and change the type to CNAME).
- In Name, type the name the service gave you, for example
shop. When you click out of the box, cPanel adds your domain, so it becomesshop.example.com. - In Record, enter the target hostname exactly as the service gave it to you, for example
shops.myshopify.com. - Leave TTL at its default unless the service asks for a specific value.
- Click Save Record.
The new record usually works within minutes to an hour, but it can take longer for some networks to see it. See DNS Propagation: Why Domain Changes Take Time and How to Check.
Examples of common CNAME records
| Purpose | Name | Record (target) |
|---|---|---|
| Microsoft 365 autodiscover | autodiscover | autodiscover.outlook.com |
| Hosted store or landing page | shop | Hostname from the provider |
| Email marketing sender authentication (DKIM) | e.g. s1._domainkey | Hostname from the provider |
Always copy the exact values from the provider's setup page. They are often unique to your account.
Editing or deleting a CNAME record
- In cPanel, go to Domains > Zone Editor and click Manage next to your domain.
- Click the CNAME filter at the top of the list to show only CNAME records, or type the name in the search box.
- Click Edit next to the record, change the values and click Save Record. To remove it, click Delete and then confirm with Continue.
Troubleshooting
cPanel says the name already exists or the record conflicts
A name can have a CNAME record or other records, not both. Our server automatically creates some names as A records, for example autodiscover, mail, webmail and cpanel. If the service needs a CNAME at one of those names (Microsoft 365's autodiscover is the common one), edit the existing record instead of adding a new one, or delete the A record and then add the CNAME. Don't delete mail, webmail or cpanel records unless you are sure you don't need them.
Can I add a CNAME for my main domain (example.com)?
No. DNS rules don't allow a CNAME on the root of a domain, because the root already holds other records such as NS, SOA and MX. If a service wants your main domain pointed at it, it will usually give you an IP address to use in an A record instead.
I created a subdomain and now my CNAME won't save
When you create a subdomain in Domains, cPanel adds an A record for it. If you want that name to point to an outside service instead, you don't need a subdomain on the Instant Access Internet Services server at all. Delete the subdomain (or its A record) and add only the CNAME.
The service still says my CNAME isn't found
- Check for a doubled domain. If you typed
shop.example.comin Name and cPanel added your domain again, you may have createdshop.example.com.example.com. Edit the record so the name is justshop.example.com. - Check the target for typos or extra spaces.
- Wait an hour and try the provider's verify button again.
Related guides
- How to Use the cPanel Zone Editor (A, CNAME, MX and TXT Records)
- How to Add a TXT Record to Verify Your Domain (Google, Microsoft and More)
- How to Use Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace Email with Your Domain
- DNS Propagation: Why Domain Changes Take Time and How to Check
Still stuck? Open a support ticket and the Instant Access Internet Services team will help.
