What is a CNAME?

The CNAME (canonical name) record is a DNS record which points a domain name to a host name, rather than to an IP address.

Please note that you cannot use CNAME to point to a sub-directory, specific file, or URL, but only to a hostname or a subdomain.

So for example, you can use CNAME to point www.your-domain.com to:

• new-domain.com
• www.new-domain.com
• your.new-domain.com

But you can’t use CNAME to point www.your-domain.com to:

• new-domain.com/yourdomain.html
• new-domain.com/yourdomain/

To change the CNAME:

1. Log into your Domain Control Panel for your domain
2. Click ‘DNS Management’
3. Under ‘Create New A/AAAA/CNAME records’:

1. 1. In ‘Subdomain’, enter:

www

1. 2. In ‘Address’, enter:

www.new-domain.com.

Note: The trailing full stop (.) is required in the Address field to indicate a fully qualified domain name.

4. Click ‘Update DNS’
5. Your CNAME will be changed

Please allow 48 hours for the DNS change to be propagated across the Internet.

Article ID: 174
Created On: Thu, Mar 5, 2015 at 4:48 PM
Last Updated On: Mon, Jun 22, 2026 at 4:27 PM

Online URL: https://www.heartinternet.uk/support/article/what-is-a-cname.html