How to Create a Subdomain on Namecheap: Step-by-Step Guide

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Creating a subdomain on Namecheap is a straightforward way to segment your website without buying a new domain. For example, you can set up “blog.yourdomain.com” or “shop.yourdomain.com” to host separate sections or services. Subdomains act like extensions of your main domain, pointing to IP addresses, other hostnames, or URLs. This guide covers the process using Namecheap’s DNS tools, based on their official instructions.

Prerequisites Before Starting

• You must own a domain registered with Namecheap.
• Your domain should use Namecheap’s BasicDNS, PremiumDNS, or FreeDNS. You can check and switch in your account under Domain > Nameservers.
• If your domain uses Namecheap Web Hosting DNS, create subdomains via cPanel instead (see the related guide below).
• Limits: Up to 150 subdomains (including www) per domain, each up to 60 characters.
• Propagation time: Changes typically take 30 minutes to go live, but can take up to 48 hours in rare cases.
• Tools needed: Just your Namecheap account login no extra software.

Pro Tip: Watch Namecheap’s official video tutorial for a visual walkthrough (embedded on their support page).

Step-by-Step Instructions to Create a Subdomain

Follow these steps in your Namecheap dashboard:

1. Log in to your Namecheap account and navigate to the Domain List from the left sidebar. Find your domain and click Manage next to it.
2. Select the Advanced DNS tab at the top of the domain management page. This is where you’ll edit host records.
3. Scroll to the Host Records section and click Add New Record. (If you can’t edit records, ensure your nameservers are set to Namecheap’s defaults see troubleshooting below.)
4. Choose the record type based on your needs and fill in the details. Here’s how for common setups:
   • Point to an IP Address (A Record):
     • Type: A Record
     • Host: Enter the subdomain name (e.g., “blog” for blog.yourdomain.com do not include the full domain).
     • Value: Enter the target IP address (e.g., 192.0.2.1).
     • TTL: Leave as Automatic (default is 1800 seconds).
   • Point to Another Hostname (CNAME or ALIAS Record):
     • Type: CNAME Record (for subdomains) or ALIAS Record (for root domains or coexisting records).
     • Host: Subdomain name (e.g., “shop”).
     • Value: Target hostname (e.g., ghs.googlehosted.com for Google Workspace do not append your domain).
     • Note: ALIAS is better for apex domains (yourdomain.com) as CNAME can’t coexist with other records there.
   • Forward to a URL (Redirect):
     • Type: URL Redirect Record
     • Host: Subdomain name (e.g., “forum”).
     • Value: Full target URL (e.g., https://yourblog.com).
     • Redirect Type: Choose Unmasked (shows target URL), Masked (frames the content), or Permanent (301) for SEO benefits.
   • Point to a Server Name (NS Record):
     • Type: NS Record
     • Host: Subdomain name (e.g., “mail”).
     • Value: Target nameserver (e.g., ns1.example.com).
     • Use this for delegating subdomains to third-party DNS.
   • Catch-All Wildcard Subdomain:
     • For handling all unspecified subdomains (e.g., .yourdomain.com), use an A, CNAME, or URL Redirect with “” as the host. Follow Namecheap’s wildcard guide for details.
5. Click the green checkmark or Save All Changes button at the bottom. Your new record will appear in the Host Records list.
6. Verify the setup: Use tools like WhatsMyDNS.net or dig/yourdomain.com to check propagation. Test by visiting the subdomain in a browser.

Important Notes and Troubleshooting

• Avoid Duplication: Namecheap’s system may auto-append your domain to values—double-check that “blog” doesn’t become “blog.yourdomain.com” in the Value field.
• Common Errors:
  • Can’t edit records? Your domain might be locked or using third-party nameservers—switch to BasicDNS.
  • Subdomain not resolving? Clear your browser cache/DNS and wait 30+ minutes.
• Security Tip: For email subdomains (e.g., mail.yourdomain.com), add MX records too—see Namecheap’s email setup guide.
• Limits and Costs: Free with your domain; no extra fees unless upgrading to PremiumDNS ($5/year for faster propagation).

If You’re Using Namecheap Hosting (cPanel)

For hosted domains:

1. Log in to cPanel via your hosting account.
2. Go to Domains > Subdomains.
3. Enter the subdomain prefix (e.g., “dev”), select the root domain, and choose a document root folder.
4. Click Create. It auto-sets DNS records.

Related: How to Create an Email Account in Namecheap cPanel: Step-by-Step Guide for 2025

For more help, contact Namecheap support or check their knowledgebase. If you run into issues, share your domain setup details for tailored advice!