How Do I Switch My Primary Domain Name with the Addon Domain?

Switching your primary domain name with an addon domain might seem daunting at first, but it’s a relatively straightforward process. However, to ensure that everything works seamlessly and you don’t face any interruptions in service, it is important to take the right precautions. When you host multiple domains on the same account, you can assign one domain as the primary domain and others as addon domains.

The primary domain is the main domain that you use to access your website and email services. On the other hand, addon domains are additional domains that you point to as separate directories on your hosting account. Each addon domain functions like an independent website but resides under the same hosting account.

Sometimes, you might want to change your primary domain to an addon domain, especially if your business is rebranding or you’ve decided to consolidate your online presence. The good news is that switching your primary domain with an addon domain is a feasible task. However, it requires careful handling to ensure that your website continues to function properly and that all links, DNS settings, and email services are correctly configured.

Steps to Switch Primary Domain with Addon Domain

1. Prepare the Addon Domain

Before making any changes, you need to ensure your addon domain is ready to take on the role of the primary domain. This means that you should confirm the following:

Correct Directory Setup: Ensure that your add-on domain points to the correct directory in your hosting account. Each addon domain is associated with its directory, which contains all of its files and data. The new primary domain should already be set up to work correctly within its assigned directory.

File Structure and Databases: If your addon domain is already live, check that all website files (HTML, PHP, images, etc.) are correctly placed in the directory associated with that domain. Also, ensure that any databases used by your website are properly linked to the addon domain. If you're transferring a website, ensure that the database for the addon domain is functioning and accessible.

SSL Configuration: If your current domain is secured with SSL (i.e., HTTPS://), you must ensure that the addon domain also has an SSL certificate. If not, you must acquire and install an SSL certificate for the new primary domain to maintain secure connections.

2. Backup Your Data

One of the most critical steps in switching domains is to back up your data. This step is essential because it ensures that in case anything goes wrong during the domain switch, you have a safe copy of your website files, databases, and email settings.

You should back up:

Website Files: Download all the necessary files for your current primary domain, including web pages, images, and scripts. You can do this through your hosting control panel (e.g., cPanel or Plesk) by using the File Manager or via FTP.

Databases: Back up your databases using a tool like phpMyAdmin or any other database management tool available in your hosting panel. This will allow you to restore your data if necessary.

Email Accounts and Settings: If you’re using email accounts associated with the primary domain, back up any essential emails or settings to avoid losing them after the domain change.

3. Update Domain Settings

Once you’ve prepared your addon domain and backed up your data, you can proceed to update the domain settings in your hosting account:

Log into Your Hosting Control Panel: First, log into your hosting control panel (such as cPanel or Plesk), where you manage your domain settings.

Access Domain Management Section: Navigate to the domain management area where you can see all your domains listed (Primary Domain, Addon Domains, etc.).

Change Primary Domain: In most control panels, you will have the option to change your primary domain. You’ll need to select the add-on domain you want to use to make the primary domain. You may be prompted to confirm this action, as it could affect various settings, including your DNS and email configuration.

4. Update DNS Records

Updating your DNS records is a crucial step in the domain-switching process. The Domain Name System (DNS) helps point your domain to the correct server, and when you switch domains, you’ll need to make sure the DNS for the new primary domain is correctly configured:

Change IP Address: In your DNS management section, ensure that the IP address for the new primary domain is set to point to the correct web hosting server. This ensures that visitors to your domain are routed to your website.

Update Nameservers: If your domain registrar or hosting provider manages your DNS records, ensure the nameservers for the new primary domain are correctly set. This may require you to log into your domain registrar’s control panel and update the nameservers.

Subdomain Adjustments: If the previous primary domain had any subdomains (such as blog.yourdomain.com or store.yourdomain.com), you may need to reconfigure these to work with the new primary domain. Make sure the DNS records for subdomains point to the correct directories.

5. Reconfigure Your Website and Emails

After switching the primary domain, you’ll need to update several configurations related to your website and email:

Website URL Changes: If your website URLs contain references to your old primary domain, you must update them to reflect the new domain. This includes updating internal links, images, and scripts that might contain hard-coded URLs.

Database Adjustments: If your website uses a database (for example, in a WordPress site), you may need to update the database settings to reflect the new domain name. This might involve changing the website URL within the settings of your content management system (CMS).

Email Configuration: If your old primary domain was associated with email addresses (e.g., [email protected]), you will need to update the email configuration for the new primary domain. This includes updating MX records, email forwarding, and ensuring email clients are reconfigured with the new email addresses.

6. Test Everything

Before considering the process complete, make sure to thoroughly test your website, emails, and DNS settings to ensure that everything is functioning correctly. Test your website for broken links, missing images, or redirects. Ensure that emails are being sent and received properly from the new primary domain.

Conclusion

Switching your primary domain with an addon domain can be a seamless process as long as you follow the necessary steps with careful attention. From preparing the addon domain and backing up your data to updating DNS records and reconfiguring your website, each step plays a crucial role in ensuring that your website and emails continue to function smoothly. With the proper planning and execution, you can switch your primary domain without any major disruptions to your online presence. Always make sure to test everything thoroughly before making the switch permanent, and you’ll be on your way to a successful domain transition.