What is a parked domain?

In older cPanel terminology, a parked domain usually means a second domain name that loads the same website as the account's primary domain. Current cPanel versions manage domains through the Domains interface, and the exact labels or available features can vary by server.

Alias and redirect are different

An alias points another hostname at the same site or document root. A URL redirect sends visitors from one address to another and changes the address shown in the browser. If you want one preferred address for visitors and search engines, configure a redirect to that address and make sure the preferred domain has a valid SSL certificate.

When an alias may be useful

An alias can be useful when you own an alternate spelling or extension and want visitors to reach the same site. It does not create a separate website or separate customer hosting account. The domains may share the primary account's files and resource limits.

Before adding an alias

1. Confirm that you control the domain and know where its DNS is managed.
2. Decide whether the alias should show the same site or redirect to the preferred domain.
3. Check that the hosting plan and cPanel account allow the domain configuration you need.
4. Review SSL and email settings for both domain names.

For a separate website with its own document root, see how additional domains work. For a comparison with subdomains, read the domain types guide.