How to Change Your Server's Hostname Using WHM

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

1. Log into your WHM as the root user.
2. Type ‘host‘ into the WHM search field.
3. Click on the option Change Hostname under the section Networking Setup.
4. Under the section Change Hostname, enter the hostname desired in the New Hostname: field.
5. 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.

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