How to Create a Domain Alias in DirectAdmin
A domain alias (also called a parked domain) points a second domain name to the same website as your main domain. Visitors who type either domain into their browser will see the same website content.
Example: If your main domain is mybusiness.com, you could add mybusiness.co.za as an alias so both addresses show your website.
Domain Alias vs Domain Pointer — What's the Difference?
These terms are often used interchangeably in DirectAdmin but they work slightly differently:
Domain Alias — the second domain shows your site but the URL in the browser stays as the alias domain (e.g. mybusiness.co.za stays in the address bar).
Domain Pointer — similar to an alias but typically used to point a domain to a subdirectory or with a redirect, changing the URL in the browser.
For simply showing the same site under two domain names, a Domain Alias is the right choice.
Before You Start
The domain you want to add as an alias must already be pointed to Hostking's nameservers. See: How to Point Your Domain to Hostking (Nameserver Information)
Step-by-Step
Step 1 — Log into DirectAdmin via my.hostking.host → your service → Login to DirectAdmin.
Step 2 — Under Domain Settings, click Domain Aliases or Domain Pointer (the label varies depending on your DirectAdmin version — both lead to the same place).
Step 3 — In the Domain to Alias or Add Alias field, enter the second domain name you want to add. Example: mybusiness.co.za
Step 4 — Make sure Point to is set to your main domain.
Step 5 — Click Add or Save.
DirectAdmin will create the alias and add the necessary DNS records. The second domain will now show the same website as your main domain.
Installing SSL on an Aliased Domain
After setting up the alias, install a free Let's Encrypt SSL certificate for the aliased domain so it loads securely via HTTPS. Go to SSL Certificates in DirectAdmin and add the new domain. See: How to Install a Free SSL Certificate in DirectAdmin
How Long Until It Works?
If the alias domain's nameservers are already pointing to Hostking, the alias should work within a few minutes. If you just updated the nameservers, it can take up to 24 hours for DNS to propagate.
Removing a Domain Alias
Go back to Domain Aliases in DirectAdmin, find the alias in the list and click Delete. This removes the DNS records for the alias domain but does not affect your main domain or website in any way.
Need Help?
Our support team is available every day from 7am to 10pm via live chat at hostking.host or by opening a ticket at my.hostking.host.
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