Knowledgebase

Changing Your Primary Domain in cPanel (Firstserv Guide)

This guide explains how to change the primary (main) domain on your Firstserv hosting account.

The primary domain is the main identity for your hosting, controlling:

• ✅ Your main website
• ✅ Default email addresses
• ✅ Core system configuration

Important Information Before You Start

• ✅ The new domain must:

  • Be pointing to Firstserv nameservers:

    ns1.firstserv.com  
    ns2.firstserv.com
    

  • Or have the required DNS verification record in place

• ❌ The new domain must NOT already exist:

  • As a primary domain on another account
  • As an addon or alias domain on any Firstserv hosting

What Changes (and What Doesn’t)

✅ What Will Change

• Your primary domain name
• Default email addresses will switch to the new domain

⚠️ What Will NOT Change Automatically

• Website files remain in the same location
• Addon and subdomains are unaffected
• Site content (links, images, configuration) will NOT update

👉 You may need to:

• Update website URLs
• Adjust configuration files
• Update database references (e.g. in WordPress)

How to Change Your Main Domain

Step 1: Log in to Client Area

• Access your Firstserv Client Area

Step 2: Go to Your Services

1. Click My Services
2. Locate your hosting package

Step 3: Manage Your Hosting

• Click Manage Product next to the relevant hosting account

Step 4: Change the Domain

1. Locate Change Main Domain in the sidebar
2. Enter your new domain name
3. Click Change Domain

✅ The update will be applied to your hosting account

After Changing Your Domain

Once the update is complete, you should:

• ✅ Test your website
• ✅ Check email accounts
• ✅ Update CMS settings (e.g. WordPress site URL)
• ✅ Clear caches if needed

Summary

• The primary domain defines your account’s main identity
• You can change it via the Client Area
• DNS must be correctly configured first
• Website files remain unchanged
• You may need to update your site manually afterward

Need Help?

If you’re unsure whether your domain is ready to switch or need help updating your website after the change, the Firstserv support team is always happy to assist.