How to Create a Subdomain
Short answerA subdomain (like blog.example.com) is created in DNS: add an A record (or CNAME) for the subdomain name pointing to your VPS IP (or another hostname). Then configure your web server/app on the VPS to answer for that hostname.
Overview
Creating a subdomain is mostly a DNS task. It is not the same as buying a new domain. If the domain is at VPSGrid, edit DNS in the client area (when DNS management is enabled) or at your DNS host. Pointing the root domain: How to Point a Domain to Your VPS IP.
Before you start
- You control DNS for the parent domain (example:
example.com) - You know the target — usually your VPS primary IP
- Optional: web server ready on the VPS for the new hostname
1) Choose the subdomain name
Examples:
www.example.comapp.example.comstaging.example.com
2) Add a DNS record
Most common (point to VPS IP):
| Type | Name / Host | Value | TTL |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | app (or app.example.com depending on the panel) | YOUR_VPS_PRIMARY_IP | 300–3600 |
CNAME option (alias to another hostname you already control):
| Type | Name | Value |
|---|---|---|
| CNAME | blog | example.com (or another FQDN) |
Do not create a CNAME on the zone apex (@) unless your DNS host explicitly supports alias/ANAME features.
3) Where to edit DNS at VPSGrid
- Log in to billing.vpsgrid.net
- Open Domains → My Domains
- Select the domain → DNS management (when available)
- Add the A/CNAME record and save
If DNS is hosted elsewhere (Cloudflare, etc.), create the same record there instead. Nameserver guide: How to Change Domain Nameservers.
4) Configure the VPS to serve the subdomain
- Linux (Nginx/Apache): add a server block / virtual host for
app.example.comand reload the web server - Windows (IIS): add a site binding for the hostname — Host a Website with IIS
DNS alone is not enough if nothing on the VPS listens for that hostname.
5) Verify
# from your computer
dig +short app.example.com A
# or
nslookup app.example.comAllow for DNS propagation. Explainer: How DNS Propagation Works.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a subdomain a separate purchase?
Usually no — it is a DNS record under a domain you already own.
A vs CNAME — which should I use?
Use A to point directly at your VPS IP. Use CNAME when you want the subdomain to follow another hostname.
DNS looks right but the site fails
Check the web server hostname/binding, firewall ports 80/443, and that you are testing after propagation.
Related Articles
Need More Help?
Open a ticket at billing.vpsgrid.net with the parent domain, subdomain, and target IP or CNAME value.
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