How to Change Your Server’s Hostname Using WHM Updated on July 20, 2021 by InMotion Hosting Contributor 2 Minutes, 16 Seconds to Read A hostname is a Fully Qualified Domain Name (FQDN), used to identify your server. By default, your VPS/Dedicated server has a generic hostname assigned to it. For example, vps####.inmotionhosting.com or ded###.inmotionhosting.com. However, you can customize your hostname to improve your ability to send email from your domain/server. In this guide, you can learn how to change the server hostname, using the Web Host Manager (WHM). Before You Begin Review the warnings and details below, to ensure a smooth transition from one hostname to another. NOTE: Your hostname will be viewable in every email header, so choose wisely. NOTE: Your hostname must be in the format of a subdomain (server.example.com). NOTE: Avoid choosing a subdomain that you are currently (or plan on) hosting in a cPanel account. NOTE: Changing your hostname will require an update of the SSL Certificate for services (such as cPanel/Webmail, FTP, Dovecot (SMTP/IMAP), etc.). NOTE: Changing your hostname will require an update to all references of the previous hostname in your connection(s) to the server (such as IMAP/SMTP/POP, FTP, and remote MySQL clients) with the new hostname. IMPORTANT: The new hostname will remain as assigned until your server is restarted. In order for this change to persist through restarts, our Systems Administrator will need to update your hostname. Once you have changed the hostname in WHM, you can contact our Live Support to request an update to your hostname. IMPORTANT: Our Systems Administrator will need to update the IP address Pointer (PTR) record on your behalf. Once you have changed the hostname in WHM, you can submit a ticket to request an update to your PTR. Change Hostname Log into your WHM as the root user. Type ‘host‘ into the WHM search field. Click on the option Change Hostname under the section Networking Setup. Under the section Change Hostname, enter the hostname desired in the New Hostname: field. Click the Change button. The hostname change process may take a few seconds to complete. You will see the status and details once the hostname has been changed. NOTE: Scroll down to the very bottom of the details on this page and you will see an Add an A Entry for your hostname button. If you have not already added an A record for your new hostname, you should add one now. If you are not pointed to InMotion Hosting’s name servers, then you will need to create the A record for the hostname in the nameservers where your domain is pointed to. Congratulations! Now you know how to change the hostname for your server, using WHM. Learn more about cPanel management from our Managed VPS Hosting Product Guide. Scalable VPS Infrastructure, Fully Managed When shared hosting can't handle your traffic, VPS delivers dedicated resources that scale with demand. Our team manages the technical complexity while you manage your business. NVMe Storage High-Availability Ironclad Security Premium Support VPS Hosting Share this Article IC InMotion Hosting Contributor Content Writer InMotion Hosting contributors are highly knowledgeable individuals who create relevant content on new trends and troubleshooting techniques to help you achieve your online goals! More Articles by InMotion Hosting Related Articles An introduction to reseller access within WHM What is WebHost Manager (cPanel vs. WHM)? How to Configure Update Preferences How to Monitor Disk Space and Bandwidth Usage How to Enable Shell Fork Bomb Protection How to Create cPanel Account in WHM How to View cPHulk History Reports in WHM How to Reset a cPanel Password in WHM Viewing your Load Averages in WHM How to Configure Greylisting Settings in WHM
