What do I need to know if I want to change my cPanel primary domain name after the web hosting is active?

Changing the primary domain in your Z.com client area updates how the domain is displayed in cPanel but does not affect your website’s content. If you want your website content to reflect the new primary domain, you must modify it manually through cPanel.

Note: Changing the primary domain will also update usernames for any email, FTP, or web disk accounts associated with the domain. However, the files stored on the server, such as those uploaded via FTP or web disk*, will remain unchanged.

*Refers to storage spaces where files are uploaded or managed through FTP (file transfer protocol) or web disk. These include website files, documents, or other data stored on your hosting server. However, this is separate from the content visible on your website.

 

 

1. Change the cPanel primary domain name only

Note: Changing the primary domain updates the domain name linked to the directory, but all previously uploaded files remain intact. No files will be deleted or moved.

Please refer to this guide to change your cPanel primary domain name.

2. Modify files after changing the cPanel primary domain name

*The following guide uses the example of changing from oldprimarydomain.com to newprimarydomain.com.

Note: Please back up your website files before deleting anything from the public_html directory in cPanel. This will help prevent any loss of important data.

1. Access cPanel directly through your Z.com account.

2. Once you have reached the cPanel dashboard, locate File Manager under Files.

3. In the File Manager, navigate to the directory where your files are stored (usually under public_html for the main website files).

4. This is where you can manage the files related to your website, including content and scripts. You can:
• Edit files: Right-click on the file and select Edit or Code Edit.
• Upload new files: Click the Upload button at the top and select the files from your computer.
• Delete or move files: Right-click and choose Delete or Move to organise your files.

Note: To upload multiple files, first compress them into a single zip file. Once zipped, upload the file to the manager.

5. The following screenshot shows that test file.png is not deleted or moved even after the new primary domain (newprimarydomain.com) is successfully changed. In that case, right-click on the file and select Delete.

6. A confirmation dialogue will appear asking if you want to delete the file. You can skip the trash and permanently delete it or move it to the trash. Once done, click Confirm.

7. Done! The file will be deleted from public_html, and if moved to trash, it can be restored from the Trash folder in File Manager if needed.