What is a fully qualified domain name (FQDN)?

What is a fully qualified domain name (FQDN)?

A fully qualified domain name (FQDN) is the complete address of a specific host, including every level of the name.

For example, in mail.yourdomain.co.uk:

  • mail is the hostname
  • yourdomain is the domain name
  • .co.uk is the top-level domain

Technically an FQDN ends with a dot (mail.yourdomain.co.uk.), representing the root of the DNS, but this is normally left off.

Where you'll see FQDNs

  • Server hostnames, such as the one in your welcome email used to connect to cPanel, FTP or SSH
  • Mail server settings in email clients
  • DNS records, where a record name must match the full host it applies to

If a setting asks for an FQDN, always enter the full name rather than just the first part.

    • Related Articles

    • What is a domain name?

      Every server on the internet is reached by a numeric IP address, such as 185.12.34.56. Numbers like that are hard to remember, so domain names give each site a readable label instead, for example yourbusiness.co.uk. How it works When someone types ...

    • How to register a domain name

      Log in to your Managed Web client portal. Go to Domains and choose Register a New Domain. Search for the name you want. If it's available, click Add to Cart. If not, try a different extension or a variation of the name. Choose a registration period. ...

    • How to perform a WHOIS domain lookup

      A WHOIS lookup shows public registration details for a domain, including: The registrar the domain is registered with Registration and expiry dates The nameservers it uses Its status (for example whether it is locked against transfer) Personal ...

    • How to add a domain to your hosting account

      You can host more than one website on the same cPanel account (subject to your package allowance). Make sure the domain's nameservers are set to ns0.thundercloud.uk and ns1.thundercloud.uk. In cPanel, open Domains in the Domains section. Click Create ...

    • How to check DNS propagation for your domain

      DNS propagation checks confirm that your domain’s DNS records have updated correctly and are resolving across global DNS servers. You need to verify propagation after pointing your domain to a new server, changing mail routing or configuring ...