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Support Portal Home » Hosting Guide » Let's Get Started » DNS & Name servers » Wildcard DNS, what is it and how do I use it?

Wildcard DNS, what is it and how do I use it?

Wildcard DNS allows all subdomains to share the same set of files, which you may need for your multisite web application or if you want the subdomains to show the same content as the main site..

So, if anyone types randomjunk.domain.com or fakename.domain.com, it will go to http://domain.com/ .

You can add this record via cPanel by following these steps:

  • Go into your cPanel, go to Subdomains.
  • Add a subdomain called *
  • Make sure to set the document root to your public_html folder.

The process is mostly the same for an addon domain; however, there is one major difference:

  • Go into your cPanel, go to Subdomains.
  • Add a subdomain called *
  • Make sure to set the document root to match the document root of the addon domain. This can be found inside of your cPanel Addon Domain's area.

If attempting to add a wild card subdomain for one of your addon domains, using the first set of steps will cause some issues with proper resolution. As always, if you have any questions, please contact our support agents and we'll be glad to assist you with getting this properly setup.

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Article Comments

Frank
why can youre technical guys noy set up a wildcard dns( domain catchall) so my blog reads http://blogname.domain.com
Posted: May 24, 2010
HostGator
I cannot be sure why because I have no details to identify your account.

However, I can tell you that you must be using HostGator's name servers (or name servers which resolve to HostGator's DNS zone) before we can setup any subdomain.
Posted: May 24, 2010
Dan
How do I set up a wildcard pointing to another IP address, hosted offsite? CPanel instructions say to use the "Edit DNS Zone" option, but I only have the "simple DNS zone editor" which doesn't offer this ability
Posted: July 20, 2010
HostGator
The "Edit DNS Zone" link is in WHM.

You may be able to use the "simple DNS zone editor". Otherwise, you will need to contact HostGator via email, phone or live chat for assistance with the setup.
Posted: July 23, 2010
Karen
How do I find the simple DNS zone editor? I just spent some time on chat with a technician and he didn't solve my problem. I'm trying to change my WP multi-site network so that http://www.domain.com/blogname can show up as http://blogname.com. Currently, when I type in blogname.com it goes to my top level domain (a different domain than the multi-isite domain).
Posted: September 25, 2010
HostGator
The simple DNS zone editor is only available on reseller and higher plans, but not on the shared webhosting plans. You may have an icon for the advanced DNS zone editor, instead.

However, to fix your problem you do NOT want to change an DNS zone. Rather, you want the article on "WordPress Home Fix".
Posted: September 27, 2010
Sean
I registered a domain with a different organization, but have set the domain as an add-on to my existing Baby account. I would now like to use the domain as an alias (not redirect) for a Tumblr blog I am setting up. The "Simple DNS Zone Editor" will allow me to set a subdomain to point to Tumblr, but not the domain itself.

Is this possible with just a hosting plan, or does the domain itself need to be registered with you for that level of control?
Posted: January 11, 2011
HostGator
You don't need to do any of that DNS stuff.

Just add the new domain in cPanel as a Parked Domain.
Posted: May 11, 2011
HostGator
Thank you for your comments. Just a quick reminder that the comments on this page are not monitored by technical support staff, and that for support issues, it is best to contact us by live chat, phone or email so we can assist you right away.

Although comments are not monitored by technical support staff, they are moderated and read by technical writers. Comments will need to be approved by a moderator before appearing.

Our technical writers do read the comments periodically for the purposes of updating the articles, and do appreciate your feedback, suggestions and corrections to the articles themselves, as well as any suggestions or tips for readers of this article. However, support questions posted here are not guaranteed to be replied to in a timely manner or at all. For support issues, it is best to contact our support staff instead by live chat, email or phone.

Posted: December 13, 2011 (Global Reply)
Your comments help us keep the knowledge base updated. This is not a medium for support. If you have questions or need help, please contact us via email, phone or live chat for fast assistance.

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