Wildcard DNS: How to Set Up Wildcard Subdomains in cPanel

Wildcard DNS allows all subdomains of a domain to resolve to the same directory and use the same set of files. This DNS configuration is especially useful for multisite web applications, SaaS platforms, or scenarios where all subdomains should display identical content as the main domain.

For example, if a visitor accesses a subdomain such as example.domain.com, it will function exactly the same as visiting the primary domain, https://domain.com, without needing to create each subdomain individually. This behavior is controlled through a wildcard DNS record, typically represented by an asterisk (*).

• How Wildcard DNS Works
• Wildcard DNS for the Primary Domain
• Wildcard DNS for Addon Domains
• Best Use Cases for Wildcard DNS
• Summary
   

How Wildcard DNS Works

A wildcard DNS record acts as a catch-all for any undefined subdomain. Instead of returning an error, the request is routed to the same IP address and document root as the main domain. Bluehost supports wildcard DNS and wildcard subdomains directly through cPanel, making setup straightforward for most users.

Wildcard DNS for the Primary Domain

To configure Wildcard DNS for your primary domain using Bluehost and cPanel, follow these steps:

1. Log in to your Bluehost Portal.
2. Click Hosting in the left-hand menu.
3. In the hosting details page, click the cPanel button.

   
    

4. Your cPanel will open in a new tab.

   
    

5. Navigate to the Domains icon under the Domains section.

   
    

6. Click Create A New Domain.

   
    

7. In the Domain field, enter an asterisk (*) followed by your domain (e.g., *.yourdomain.com).
8. Set the Document Root to your public_html directory.

   
    

9. Click Submit to create the wildcard subdomain.

Once completed, all subdomains will automatically resolve to your primary domain’s files. Bluehost confirms that wildcard DNS records are added automatically after creation.

Wildcard DNS for Addon Domains

Setting up Wildcard DNS for addon domains works similarly, but the document root must match the specific addon domain directory.

1. Log in to your Bluehost Portal.
2. Click Hosting in the left-hand menu.
3. In the hosting details page, click the cPanel button.

   
    

4. Your cPanel will open in a new tab.

   
    

5. Navigate to the Domains icon under the Domains section.

   
    

6. Click Create A New Domain.

   
    

7. Enter * as the subdomain in the Domain field.
8. Set the Document Root to the addon domain’s document root folder.

   
    

   • You can find this path under Domains within cPanel.

     
      

9. Click Submit.

Best Use Cases for Wildcard DNS

• WordPress Multisite installations
• SaaS platforms with user-specific subdomains
• Development and staging environments
• Landing page campaigns with dynamic subdomains

Summary

Wildcard DNS is a powerful solution for managing unlimited subdomains without creating individual DNS records. Using Bluehost and cPanel, you can quickly set up wildcard subdomains for both primary and addon domains by assigning the correct document root. When configured properly, wildcard DNS improves scalability, simplifies domain management, and enhances user experience—especially for multisite and application-based websites.