Adding a Domain in Softaculous

Adding a Domain in Softaculous

What is Adding a Domain?

This feature registers a domain in Softaculous Remote so you can install scripts (like WordPress, Joomla, etc.) on it. It connects to your server via FTP (or other protocols) for file access, installations, and backups.

Use this when your domain isn't already listed or you're setting up Softaculous Remote for the first time.

Prerequisites

• A Softaculous Remote account — log in at remote.softaculous.com.
• If you don't have one, register at Softaculous Forum Registration.
• FTP/SFTP login details for your hosting server (username, password, host, path).
• The domain must point to your server (DNS setup complete).

Step-by-Step: Add a Domain

1. Log in to your Softaculous Remote Enduser panel (e.g., remote.softaculous.com).

2. Click Manage Domains in the header menu.

3. Click the Add a Domain button.

4. Fill in the form fields:

• Domain Name: Your domain (e.g. mydomain.com) — do NOT include http:// or https://
• Server Host (optional): e.g. ftp.mydomain.com or server IP — leave blank if same as domain name
• Protocol: Choose FTP (default), SFTP, or FTPS — based on what your host supports
• Port: Usually 21 for FTP, 22 for SFTP — default shown
• FTP Username: Your server username (often same as cPanel username)
• FTP Password: The matching password
• FTP Path: Relative path to your web root after login (e.g. /public_html, /htdocs, /www, or / if direct access)
• Backup Path: Relative path for storing backups (e.g. /backups) — IMPORTANT: Must NOT be web-accessible!
• Data Directory: Full server path for script data storage (e.g. /home/username/datadir/) — must NOT be web-accessible (used by some scripts like Elgg or Moodle)

5. Click Test and Save Domain.

6. Softaculous tests the connection — if successful, the domain is added and ready for script installations.

After Adding: Quick Tips

• Once added, you can install scripts on this domain — see the Install a Script guide.
• Backups (manual or automated) will save to your specified Backup Path.
• For addon domains or subdomains, use the correct FTP Path to the specific folder.
• Double-check paths — wrong ones cause connection failures or security issues.
• Keep Backup Path and Data Directory outside public_html (or equivalent) for security.