Setup Test Site On Subdomain Using WordPress Manager

Here are steps to use WordPress Manager by InMotion Hosting to set up a test site on a subdomain.  Access to cPanel will be needed to complete this task.

Having a test subdomain is a great way to test a theme, plugin, or WordPress version update before applying it to your live website.

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Add Subdomain in cPanel

Setup Test Subdomain

1. Log into the cPanel account you wish to create the WordPress test site under
2. Navigate to the Domains area and click on Domains
   
3. Click Create A New Domain on the right side of the page
   
4. Enter the name of the new subdomain in the Domain field
   
   NOTE: The Document Root field will be filled in automatically. Checking the "Share document root..." button will create the subdomain as an alias instead. Most of the time, this should not be checked.
5. Click on Submit to create the Subdomain
6. Return to the cPanel home page
7. Navigate to the Software area in cPanel and select the WordPress Manager by InMotion Hosting icon
   
8. Select Install
   
   
   1. Choose the protocol, HTTP or HTTPS
      
      TIP: When choosing which protocol to use, not that HTTP is if you would like to allow your site to load without SSL (not recommended as the site would be vulnerable to attack). HTTPS would make sure your site only loads with HTTPS protocol and an applied SSL. 
   2. Choose the test Domain in which WordPress is to be installed from the dropdown menu
      
   3. Choose your Site Name and Site Description 
      1. Remember to leave Enable Multisite (WPMU) and Disable WordPress Cron boxes unchecked
         
   4. Choose an Admin Username, Admin Password, and Admin Email
      IMPORTANT: These credentials are very important and should be written down or stored in a password manager. Please ensure you use a valid email address. 
   5. Advanced Option (Optional)
      
      1. Database Name & Table Prefix
         1. Here you can choose the Database Name and Table Prefix
            TIP: WordPress uses default prefixes like wp_ . Since your login details are stored here, it is recommended to change these to something easily identifiable to you. This will also help secure your database tables from possible hacks.
      2. Auto Upgrade
         1. We recommend turning on Auto Upgrade features to make sure your site is up-to-date and secured
      3. Backup Location
         1. Here you can choose where your backup is stored in cPanel
            TIP: It is against our Terms of Service to store backups on your hosting disk space. But this is a great way to take a backup of your website for you to download to your personal machine and remove from your cPanel.
   6. Click the Install button at the bottom of the page
      1. Additionally, you can enter an email address to receive an email regarding your WordPress Installation