How to Create a Subdomain Without a Hosting Plan

Creating a subdomain usually requires a hosting plan because the subdomain needs a directory to store its files. However, if you don’t have a hosting plan, you can still create a subdomain and use it for specific purposes, such as domain forwarding, DNS-based services, or setting up a staging site on an external server. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to create a subdomain without a hosting plan using DNS management.

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Prerequisites #

To create a subdomain without a hosting plan, you need:

• A domain name registered with a domain registrar (e.g., GoDaddy, Namecheap, or your domain provider like OzSpeed).
• Access to your DNS management panel at the domain registrar or DNS provider.

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Step 1: Log in to Your Domain Registrar #

1. Go to your domain registrar’s website (e.g., GoDaddy, Namecheap, or your OzSpeed domain account).
2. Log in with your credentials to access the Domain Dashboard.

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Step 2: Access DNS Settings #

1. Select the domain name for which you want to create the subdomain.
2. Click on DNS Settings or Manage DNS.
3. You will see the DNS Zone Editor where you can add and modify DNS records.

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Step 3: Add a Subdomain Using a DNS Record #

Method 1: Create a Subdomain with an A Record #

1. Click Add Record in the DNS settings.
2. Choose A Record as the type.
3. In the Name field, enter the subdomain you want to create (e.g., blog for blog.yourdomain.com).
4. In the Points to field, enter the IP address of the server or service you want to point the subdomain to.
5. Click Save to create the subdomain.

Example: #

Type	Name	Points to
A	blog	192.0.2.1

Method 2: Create a Subdomain with a CNAME Record #

1. Click Add Record and select CNAME as the type.
2. Enter the subdomain in the Name field (e.g., shop for shop.yourdomain.com).
3. In the Points to field, enter the target domain (e.g., yourshop.com).
4. Click Save to create the subdomain.

Example: #

Type	Name	Points to
CNAME	shop	yourshop.com

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Step 4: Verify the Subdomain Creation #

1. Open a browser and enter the subdomain URL (e.g., blog.yourdomain.com).
2. If the DNS settings are correct, you should be redirected to the target IP address or domain.

Note: #

• DNS changes may take up to 24-48 hours to propagate globally.

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Additional Use Cases for Subdomains Without Hosting #

1. Redirect a Subdomain to Another URL #

If you don’t have hosting but want the subdomain to forward visitors to another site:

1. Go to DNS Settings and set up a CNAME record pointing the subdomain to the target URL (e.g., example.com).
2. Alternatively, use your domain registrar’s URL forwarding feature to redirect the subdomain.

2. Use the Subdomain for Email Services #

You can create a subdomain like mail.yourdomain.com and use it for custom email services (e.g., Google Workspace, Microsoft 365).

1. Set up an MX record pointing to your email provider’s server.
2. Add TXT and CNAME records as needed for email verification.

3. Set Up a Staging Site on an External Server #

If you have an external server or service (e.g., Heroku, Netlify), you can point the subdomain to it using an A record or CNAME record.

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Troubleshooting Tips #

• Subdomain Not Working: If your subdomain isn’t working, double-check the DNS records and ensure they are correctly configured.
• DNS Propagation Delay: Changes to DNS settings may take 24-48 hours to propagate. Use a tool like WhatsMyDNS.net to check the status.
• Incorrect IP Address: Make sure the IP address or CNAME target is correct. Contact your service provider if you’re unsure about the details.