Changing your server's hostname is a routine but important system administration task. Your hostname is used to identify the server on a network, and in hosting environments like cPanel, it must be set correctly for licensing and email services to work properly.
Step 1: Change the Hostname (Temporarily)
Run the following command as root or with sudo:
hostname servername.yourdomain.comTo verify the change:
hostname
hostnamectl status
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Step 2: Set the Hostname Permanently
For Systemd-based Systems (CentOS 7+, RHEL 7+, Ubuntu 16.04+):
hostnamectl set-hostname servername.yourdomain.comFor CentOS 6 or older:
vi /etc/sysconfig/networkSet or modify:
HOSTNAME=servername.yourdomain.comAlso update /etc/hosts:
127.0.0.1 servername.yourdomain.com servername
For Debian/Ubuntu:
sudo nano /etc/hostnameReplace with:
servername.yourdomain.comsudo nano /etc/hosts127.0.1.1 servername.yourdomain.com servernameStep 3: Resync cPanel License
If you’re running cPanel/WHM, run:
/usr/local/cpanel/cpkeycltOptional: Update Hostname in WHM
Go to: WHM → Networking Setup → Change Hostname
Additional Recommendations
- Ensure Reverse DNS (PTR) record matches your new hostname.
- Regenerate SSL certificates if hostname is used in services like mail/WHM.
- Update hostname in your monitoring/logging systems.
Summary
| Task | Command |
|---|---|
| Temporary change | hostname servername.yourdomain.com |
| Permanent change (systemd) | hostnamectl set-hostname servername.yourdomain.com |
| Resync cPanel license | /usr/local/cpanel/cpkeyclt |
| Update hosts file | Edit /etc/hosts, /etc/hostname or /etc/sysconfig/network |