If you set up a subdomain or addon domain and no longer need it, you can remove it from your hosting control panel. Removing it takes down the domain's DNS entries and, in most cases, its associated files - so it's worth checking a few things before you proceed.
Removing a subdomain or addon domain does not cancel the domain's registration. If it's a separate domain name you registered, it will keep renewing (and incurring renewal fees) until you cancel or let it expire separately. Removing it from your hosting account only disconnects it from your website.
Before you remove it
- Back up any files stored in the subdomain or addon domain's folder, in case you need them later.
- Export any email accounts or their messages if the domain has its own mailboxes - these are usually deleted along with the domain.
- Note any DNS records (MX, TXT, CNAME) you may have added specifically for that domain, in case you need to recreate them elsewhere.
In cPanel
Removing an addon domain
- Log in to cPanel and open Domains.
- Find the addon domain in the list.
- Click the menu icon (or Manage) next to it, then select Remove Domain.
- Confirm the removal. You'll usually be asked whether to also delete the domain's document root folder - choose this carefully based on whether you've already backed up its files.
Removing a subdomain
- Log in to cPanel and open Domains (or Subdomains in older cPanel themes).
- Find the subdomain in the list.
- Click Remove next to it and confirm.
In DirectAdmin
- Log in to DirectAdmin and open Domain Setup.
- Select the domain or subdomain you want to remove.
- Click Delete Domain (for an addon/pointer domain) or, for a subdomain, open Subdomain Management under the parent domain and select the subdomain to delete.
- Confirm the deletion. DirectAdmin will ask if you also want to delete the associated files - decide based on your backup.
After removal
The domain will stop resolving to your website once the change takes effect, though it may take a short while to reflect everywhere due to caching. If you registered the domain separately and want to stop it renewing altogether, you'll need to cancel or let it lapse through wherever it's registered - that's a separate step from removing it here.
If you're looking to add a domain back later instead, see How to Add an Addon Domain.