Getting Started with cPanel - Control Panel Basics

cPanel Control Panel Basics

cPanel is the industry-standard web hosting control panel that gives you complete control over your hosting account. This guide covers the essentials to get you started.

Accessing cPanel

There are three ways to access your cPanel:

Method 1: Via Client Area (Recommended)

1. Log into your Client Area
2. Click on your hosting service
3. Click the "Login to cPanel" button

Method 2: Direct URL

• https://yourdomain.com/cpanel
• https://yourdomain.com:2083

Method 3: Server URL

• Use the server hostname from your welcome email

cPanel Dashboard Layout

cPanel is organized into sections:

Email Section

• Email Accounts - Create and manage email addresses
• Forwarders - Set up email forwarding
• Autoresponders - Create automatic replies
• Spam Filters - Control spam settings

Files Section

• File Manager - Browse and edit files online
• FTP Accounts - Create FTP access for uploading
• Backup - Download and restore backups
• Disk Usage - Monitor storage space

Databases Section

• MySQL Databases - Create and manage databases
• phpMyAdmin - Database administration tool

Domains Section

• Addon Domains - Host additional domains
• Subdomains - Create blog.yourdomain.com etc.
• Redirects - Set up URL redirects
• Zone Editor - Manage DNS records

Software Section

• Softaculous - One-click app installer (WordPress, etc.)
• WordPress Manager - Manage WordPress sites
• PHP Version - Select PHP version

Security Section

• SSL/TLS - Manage SSL certificates
• IP Blocker - Block unwanted IPs
• Two-Factor Auth - Secure your cPanel login

Common First Tasks

Create an Email Account

1. Go to Email → Email Accounts
2. Click "Create"
3. Enter username and password
4. Set mailbox quota
5. Click "Create"

Install WordPress

1. Go to Software → Softaculous
2. Click WordPress
3. Click "Install"
4. Fill in site details
5. Click "Install"

Upload Files

1. Go to Files → File Manager
2. Navigate to public_html
3. Click "Upload"
4. Select your files

Important Folders

• public_html - Your website files go here
• mail - Email storage (don't modify)
• logs - Server logs for troubleshooting

Getting Help

• Use the search bar in cPanel to find features
• Check our Knowledge Base for tutorials
• Contact Support for assistance