Dynamic DNS (DDNS) automatically updates a DNS record when your IP address changes. This is useful if you need a hostname that always points to a device with a dynamic IP address (e.g. a home connection, a remote office, or monitoring equipment).
Please note: Screens and options may vary slightly depending on your cPanel version and hosting plan.
Setting Up Dynamic DNS in cPanel
- Log in to your cPanel account.
- In the Domains section, click Dynamic DNS.
- Select the Domain from the dropdown.
- Enter the subdomain or hostname you want to use for dynamic DNS (e.g.
home). - Click Create.
- cPanel generates a unique update URL. Copy this URL — you'll need it for your DDNS client.
Updating the IP Address
The DDNS update URL can be called by any HTTP client to update the IP address. Most routers and DDNS clients support custom URLs.
Using a browser or cURL:
curl "https://yourdomain.com:2083/execute/DynamicDNS/set?hostname=home.yourdomain.com&ip=YOUR.NEW.IP"
Using a router: Many routers have a "Dynamic DNS" or "DDNS" section in their settings. Enter the update URL from cPanel, along with your cPanel credentials if required.
Using a cron job: Create a script that periodically checks your public IP and calls the update URL if it has changed.
Tips
- Dynamic DNS updates are instant — there's no propagation delay as the record is updated directly.
- Set a low TTL (e.g. 300 seconds / 5 minutes) on the dynamic DNS record so that changes are picked up quickly by other DNS resolvers.
- Ensure the update mechanism is running reliably. If your IP changes and the update fails, the hostname will point to the old IP.
What Next?
- Managing DNS Records (Zone Editor) — Manually edit DNS records.
- Using SSH Access — Remotely access your server.
