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cPanel DNS Configuration

This guide covers CNAME record configuration in cPanel, the most common hosting control panel used by shared hosting providers like HostGator, Bluehost, SiteGround, and many others.

Configuration Steps​

1. Access cPanel Zone Editor​

  1. Login to your hosting account's cPanel interface
  2. Look for "Zone Editor" in the "Domains" section
  3. Click on "Zone Editor"
  4. Find your domain and click "Manage"

2. Create Primary CNAME Record​

  1. Click "Add Record"
  2. Configure the tracking record:
    • Type: CNAME
    • Name: dre2.yourdomain.com. (replace yourdomain.com with your domain, include trailing dot)
    • Target: app.datareshape.net
    • TTL: 14400
  3. Click "Add Record"

3. Create SSL Validation Record​

  1. Click "Add Record" again
  2. Configure the SSL validation:
    • Type: CNAME
    • Name: _acme-challenge.dre2.yourdomain.com. (replace yourdomain.com with your domain, include trailing dot)
    • Target: dre2.yourdomain.com.5c7e7c9aba529dca.dcv.cloudflare.com (replace yourdomain.com with your domain)
    • TTL: 14400
  3. Click "Add Record"

4. Verify Configuration​

Your DNS records should appear as:

TypeNameTargetTTL
CNAMEdre2.yourdomain.com.app.datareshape.net14400
CNAME_acme-challenge.dre2.yourdomain.com.dre2.yourdomain.com.5c7e7c9aba529dca.dcv.cloudflare.com14400
cPanel Record Format

cPanel typically requires the full subdomain format with a trailing dot (e.g., dre2.yourdomain.com.). Some cPanel versions may auto-complete this format.

Common Issues & Solutions​

Cannot Find Zone Editor​

Symptoms: DNS management options not visible in cPanel Solution:

  1. Search for "DNS" or "Zone" in cPanel search bar
  2. Contact hosting provider - they may manage DNS externally
  3. Look for "Subdomains" section as alternative

Permission Denied Error​

Symptoms: Cannot add or modify DNS records Solution:

  1. Contact hosting provider support
  2. Request DNS modification permissions
  3. Ask provider to add records on your behalf

Records Not Saving​

Symptoms: CNAME records disappear after creation Solution:

  1. Check for conflicting existing records
  2. Verify subdomain format (with/without trailing dot)
  3. Try shorter TTL values (300-3600 seconds)

Invalid Record Format​

Symptoms: Error messages about record format Solution:

  1. Try with and without trailing dots in subdomain name
  2. Use shorter record names (dre2 instead of dre2.yourdomain.com)
  3. Contact hosting support for correct format requirements

Next Steps​

  1. Contact DATA Reshape team to confirm setup completion
  2. Implement tracking code using your custom subdomain
Success Indicator

Your cPanel configuration is complete when both CNAME records are visible in the Zone Editor and resolve correctly. SSL certificates generate automatically within 24-48 hours.

Support Resources​

cPanel Documentation:

Your Hosting Provider:

  • Contact through your hosting account

DATA Reshape Support:

When requesting support, include:

  • Your hosting provider name
  • Domain name and chosen subdomain
  • Screenshots of DNS records in cPanel
  • Any error messages encountered