Server & Hosting

CPANEL How-To Guide

1. what is cPanel: A Beginner’s Guide
2. cPanel Login and Basic Setup Guide
3. creating a Website with cPanel
4. how to Use cPanel’s File Manager
5. setting Up Email Accounts with cPanel
6. managing Databases with cPanel
7. managing Domains and Subdomains
8. Installing an SSL Certificate
9. managing backups and restores
10. hardening Security Settings in cPanel
11. understanding Addon Domains and Park Domains in cPanel
12. setting Up an FTP Account with cPanel
13. setting Up Cron Jobs in cPanel
14. managing WordPress with cPanel
15. utilizing cPanel’s Statistics and Analytics Tools
16. installing Apps with cPanel’s Softaculous
17. managing DNS in cPanel
18. checking Account Usage in cPanel
19. how to Troubleshoot Problems in cPanel
20. exploring cPanel’s Advanced Features
21. How to Migrate Your IP
22. How to Block an IP

1. what is cPanel: A Beginner’s Guide

subtopics	why you should do it	what you need to know for beginners
what is cPanel and what does it do?	to manage your website efficiently, you need to understand the basic concepts of cPanel.	cPanel is your one-stop shop for file management, database management, email settings, and more.
explore the main menus and features	knowing the different features makes it easier to do what you need to do.	check out the File Manager, Email Accounts, and Database (MySQL) menus.
why use cPanel?	because it makes complex server tasks simple and just a few clicks away.	it’s a simple tool that lets you install or manage your website without any server administration knowledge.

2. cPanel login and basic setup guide

detailed topics	why you should do it	what beginners can easily learn
how to log in to cPanel	you need access to your dashboard before you can start setting up and working.	log in with your cPanel’s URL, username, and password.
set your language and time zone	you can set your language and time zone to make your work more convenient.	select your preferred language and time zone from the Change language option in thetop right corner.
understand the dashboard organization	knowing your dashboard will help you quickly find the menus you need.	take a look at each section of the dashboard screen (for example, Files, Databases, Email).

3. creating WordPress with cPanel

subtopic	why you should do it	what beginners can easily see
installing WordPress	with cpanel, you can easily create a WordPress homepage with just one click.	using cPanel’s wp toolkit , you can make WordPress a one-click installation.
upload HTML files using the file manager	this is necessary when you want to create a customized website.	Openthe File Managerand hit the Upload button to upload your HTML file.
connect your domain	you need to connect your domain before your website will be visible on the internet.	add a new domain in the Domains section of your cPanel.

4. how to use the File Manager in cPanel

subtopic	why you should do it	what you need to know for beginners
uploading and downloading files	to add or modify files to your server.	Click the Upload or Download button in theFile Manager menu.
compress and decompress files	allows you to efficiently manage multiple files.	select the files you want and right-click to **Compress** or **Extract** them.
understand directory structure	to properly manage your files and folders, you need to understand the directory structure.	remember that thepublic_html directory is the root folder of your website.

5. setting up an email account with cPanel

subtopic	why you should do it	easy to understand for beginners
create an email account	you can create an email with your domain name.	Add a new email account from theEmail Accounts menu.
set up an email client connection	This is required to use email conveniently on your PC or mobile.	find your client settings in Connect Devicesin your cPanel.
set up email forwarding and filters	you can automate so you don’t miss important emails.	add email filters or forwarding settings from the Email Filters menu.

6. manage your database with cPanel

detailed topic	why you should do it	what beginners can expect to learn
Create and manage MySQL databases	you need one to store and manage data on your website.	Create a new database from theMySQL Databases menu.
manage your database with phpMyAdmin	you can view or modify the details of your database.	click thephpMyAdmin menu to open a database and view its tables.
back up and restore your database	this is necessary to avoid losing important data.	Select a database from theBackup menu to backup or restore it.

7. managing domains and subdomains

detailed topic	why you need to do it	what you need to know for beginners
adding a new domain	you’ll need this when you run multiple websites or change domains.	Add a new domain from theAddon Domains menu.
create and manage subdomains	useful for managing specific projects or sections separately.	Create a new subdomain from theSubdomains menu.
set up domain redirects	required to automatically divert visitors to a different URL.	Add redirect settings in theRedirects menu.

below are additional tables for the rest of the topics, each with a reason why you should do it and what you need to do to make it easier for beginners.

8. Installing an SSL certificate

detailed topic	why you should do it	what you need to know for beginners
using SSL/TLS in cPanel	required to encrypt data on your website to keep it secure.	click the SSL/TLS menu in cPanel to set up or renew your certificate.
free SSL vs. paid SSL	depending on your needs, you can choose the right option to save money or add extra security.	Free SSL, like Let’s Encrypt, provides basic security, while paid SSL provides additional security and reliability.
How to test your SSL after installation	you can gain user trust by verifying that it’s installed correctly.	enter your website address in a browser and check the HTTPS connection.

9. manage backups and restores

detailed topic	why you should do it	what you need to know for beginners
create a full account backup	you need regular backups to recover in case of data loss.	download a full account backup from the Backup menu in cPanel.
restore specific files or databases	this is useful for recovering or fixing partially corrupted data.	Select specific files or databases to restore from theBackup Wizard menu.
set up an automatic backup schedule	save time and automate your backups to ensure your data is always safe.	activate the automatic backup service offered by your web host or set up a schedule in cPanel.

10. strengthen your security settings in cPanel

detailed topic	why you should do it	what you need to know for beginners
create a strong password	weak passwords make you an easy target for hackers.	use the Password & Security menu in cPanel to create complex passwords.
Set up IP blocking	you can increase your security by proactively blocking malicious access.	In theIP Blocker menu, enter specific IP addresses to block them.
enable two-step verification	add an extra layer of account security with an additional authentication process.	Open theTwo-Factor Authentication menu to enable it.

11. understanding addon domains and park domains in cPanel

detailed topic	why you should do it	what you need to know for beginners
setting up add-on domains	you can manage multiple websites from one account.	add it from the Addon Domains menu in cPanel and specify the root directory.
use cases for parked domains	you need it to link multiple domains to one website.	Add new domains from theAliases menu to link to the same content.
optimize domain utilization	understanding the different domain options can help you utilize them efficiently.	here’s a quick comparison of the differences between addon and parked domains and how to use them.

12. setting up an FTP account with cPanel

subtopic	why you should do it	what you need to know for beginners
Create an FTP account	you’ll need one when you upload or download large files to your server.	Add a new account from theFTP Accounts menu.
recommend file transfer software	FTP software can help you transfer files faster and more securely.	Download and try free software like FileZilla.
Manage FTP permissions	you can set different folder access permissions for different users.	set directory paths and permissions on the FTP account creation screen in cPanel.

13. set up a cron job in cPanel

subtopic	why you should do it	what you need to know for beginners
what is a cron job?	you can save time by running recurring tasks automatically.	open the Cron Jobs menu in cPanel to see the job setup screen.
example cron job settings	you can set a script to run only at a specific time.	enter the job frequency (minutes, hours, days, etc.) and add the execution command.
cron job management tips	you can avoid incorrect settings and manage your jobs efficiently.	after you set up a cron job, check the logs to review the results of its execution.

14. managing WordPress with cPanel

subtopic	why you should do it	what you need to know for beginners
use the automatic installation tool	The fastest and easiest way to install WordPress.	use the Softaculous Apps Installerin your cPanel to install with just a few clicks.
manage plugin and theme updates	regular updates are required to maintain security and performance.	Check the Updates menu in your WordPress dashboard and update the necessary items.
optimize your WordPress database	improve your website’s speed and remove unnecessary data.	run a database optimization from phpMyAdminin your cPanel.

15. how to utilize cPanel’s statistics and analytics tools

detailed topic	why you should do it	what beginners can easily see
check visitor statistics (AWStats, etc.)	you can analyze the number of visitors to your website and their behavior to build a better strategy.	Check theAWStats menu to see the number of visitors, page views, and traffic sources.
monitor bandwidth usage	prevent bandwidth overages and ensure stable website operations.	View traffic usage graphs in theBandwidth menu.
how to check error logs	identify website errors and resolve issues quickly.	Check and fix any error messages you encounter in theError Logs menu.

16. installing apps with Softaculous in cPanel

detailed topic	why you should do it	what you need to know for beginners
What is Softaculous?	It’s a tool that makes it easy to install apps like WordPress, Joomla, and Drupal.	Open theSoftaculous Apps Installer menu to see a list of available apps.
install popular applications	spend less time working with easy-to-use CMSs and tools.	Select WordPress or Joomla and follow the installation options.
initial setup after installation	set up the installed apps to get them ready to use quickly.	after the app installation is complete, click the link to the admin page to complete the initial setup.

17. managing DNS in cPanel

detailed topic	why you should do it	easy to see for beginners
Setting up A records and CNAMEs	these are required to properly associate domain names.	Add or edit A records and CNAME values in theZone Editor menu.
Setting up email with MX records	required to set up your domain’s email service.	Check your MX recordsin Zone Editorand add your email host information.
Troubleshoot DNS settings	you can troubleshoot connection issues caused by incorrect settings.	check the DNS status of your domain name and contact your hosting provider if necessary.

18. check account usage in cPanel

detailed topic	why you should do it	what beginners can easily see
understanding the usage dashboard	checking your disk and bandwidth usage can help you manage your resources efficiently.	In theDisk Usage menu, see how much space has been used and how much is left.
tips for optimizing disk space	you can avoid running out of storage space and improve performance.	free up space by deleting unnecessary files or backing them up and downloading them.
prevent resource overages	exceeding your resources can cause your website to crash.	check your bandwidth and memory usage regularly.

19. how to troubleshoot in cPanel

detailed topic	why you should do it	what you need to know for beginners
troubleshoot login issues	if you fail to log in, you need to resolve the issue quickly so you can continue working.	reset your password or contact your hosting provider.
fix database connection errors	database errors can cause your website to crash.	check your connection informationin phpMyAdminand modify your database settings if necessary.
troubleshoot domain connectivity issues	domain connectivity issues can prevent visitors from accessing your website.	Check and correct your DNS settings and nameserver information.

20. explore advanced features in cPanel

detailed topic	why you should do it	what beginners can easily see
Enable SSH access	allow advanced users to perform server operations via the command line.	Set the public and private keys in theSSH Access menu and enable access.
GIT version control integration	efficiently manage source code versions.	Create and manage repositories from theGit Version Control menu.
advanced PHP settings	optimize your PHP environment to meet your website requirements.	Change your PHP versionin MultiPHP Manageror modify settings in the PHP INI Editor.

21. How to migrate your IP

detailed topic	why you should do it	what you need to know for beginners
Steps to prepare for IP migration	required to prevent data loss and minimize issues with your existing IP.	obtain a new IP address and lower your DNS TTL values.
Update your DNS	required to ensure proper forwarding of traffic to your new IP.	update your domain’s DNS records with your new IP address.
transfer data to your new IP	required to properly transfer your website and server settings.	use the Backup & Restore menu in cPanel to back up your data and restore it to your new server.

22. How to block an IP

detailed topic	why you should do it	what you need to know for beginners
block specific IPs	you can block malicious traffic or security threats.	open the IP Blocker menu in cPanel and add the IP addresses you want to block.
Block IP ranges	you can stop attacks from a specific range.	Enter an IP range in theIP Blocker menu and save your blocking settings.
manage blocked IPs	prevent incorrect blocks and correct them if necessary.	Select an item from the block list in the IP Blocker menu to unblock or modify it.

you can manage email addresses and email servers with your own website domain address using AWS LiteSail instances and WH & CPANEL. Let’s see how to create an email account and email management server using AWS LiteSail instances and CPANEL & WHM.The steps below will show you how to create an AWS email account and create emails.

how to create and activate an AWS LiteSail WHM & CPANEL email account

we’ve checked all the steps from creating an AWS LiteSail WHM & CPANEL email account to activating it. If you can’t receive or send emails even if you follow the steps above, please check your port configuration and DNS settings.

if you’re having trouble configuring your email server, submit a service request and we’ll set up your server for you for a small fee.

noteson CPANEL & WHM email setup

sometimes port 2096 is not open after installing an instance of AWS LiteSail. Please open port 2096 on your instance after installing LiteSail to enable WHM webmail login.

add port 2096 and ports 25, 465, and 587.

the 2096 port is a way to open the way to access the webmail server when you log in to example.com:2096. When you create an AWS Litesale instance, the 2096 port is not created, so you need to open the 2096 port to sign up for email.

in DNS ZONE, check if the AWS domain and DNS zone CNAME , A records match with the WHM EMAIL DELIVERY tab, and if the VALID mark is checked, the DNS settings will proceed correctly.

to prevent hacking, you need to set up 2FA login authentication or white-list IPs of commonly used addresses, or set up CPHulk Brute Force Protection to be safe from hacking.

The suitability ofCGI access versus Shell Access (SSH access) depends on how you manage your server and run your site. let’s compare their features, uses, and pros and cons.

1️⃣ What is CGI access?

Common Gateway Interface (CGI) is a protocol that allows external programs (scripts ) to run on your server. when a request comes in from a web browser, the CGI script dynamically generates content or processes data.

features

• how it works: The server executes a specific script (PHP, Perl, Python, etc.) and returns the result.
• security: Dynamic content can be generated without Shell (SSH) access.
• hosting restrictions: CGI access is typically allowed in shared hosting environments.
• inability to run complex commands: CGI access alone makes it difficult to change detailed settings on the server.

pros

1. beginner-friendly: Set up by default, no additional management required.
2. low security risk: Limited scope without SSH privileges.
3. hosting support: cGI is enabled by default on most shared hosting environments.

cons

1. limited functionality: You can’t manage the entire server or perform advanced tasks.
2. efficiency issues: CGI creates a new process for each request, which can reduce performance.

2️⃣ What is Shell Access (Shell)?

Shell access (SSH access) refers to the ability to connectto a server directly through a terminal andexecute commands. Secure Shell (SSH) is a protocol that provides increased security through an encrypted connection.

features

• operational: Allows users to log in directly to the server, run commands, and perform advanced tasks such as file management, service settings, and debugging.
• security: Requires strong security settings (e.g., public key authentication).
• hosting limitations: SSH access is restricted on shared hosting or must be enabled by request.

pros

1. professional tools: allows you to set up and manage all aspects of your server.
2. work efficiently: Check server status, view logs, run scripts, and perform advanced tasks.
3. automatable: Set up Bash scripts, Cron Jobs, and more to perform automated tasks.

cons

1. security risks: Poor password or key management can lead to your server being hacked.
2. learning curve: Command-based interface can be difficult for beginners.
3. error-prone: Potential to compromise your server if you run the wrong command.

3️⃣ Key differences between the two approaches

criteria	CGI approach	Shell (SSH) approach
purpose of use	create dynamic content and perform limited tasks	server administration, file editing, debugging, checking logs, etc
security risk	relatively low	possible security vulnerabilities depending on how it is managed
privileges	limited (limited to running scripts)	full server access
technical requirements	none (beginner-friendly)	requires basic commands and server administration knowledge
speed and efficiency	creates a new process for each request → inefficient	fast and efficient with continuous sessions
hosting Support Availability	built-in on shared hosting	limited on shared hosting or requires activation after request

4️⃣ Which approach is suitable in which situations?

✅ When CGI access is right for you:

• when you are operating in a shared hosting environment.
• you only need to run WordPress, a blog, or a simple website and not manage the server.
• you want to increase security and leave administrative responsibilities to your hosting provider.

✅ When Shell (SSH) access is appropriate:

• When running a virtual private server (VPS), dedicated server, or cloud server.
• when you want to customize your server or perform advanced tasks (e.g., analyze logs, install services).
• when you want to use automation scripts (Bash, Cron Jobs, etc.).
• when you need to work inside the server to optimize site performance.

5️⃣ Recommended settings for WHM environments

• shared Hosting: Enable CGI access only to increase security.
• VPS/Dedicated Server: Enable Shell Access and set up public key authentication (SSH Key) for security.
• How to enable Shell Access (WHM)
  1. Goto WHM → Manage Shell Access.
  2. select Jailed Shell or Full Shell permissions for the user account.
  3. save and test access from an SSH client (e.g. PuTTY).

🔥 Conclusion

• CGI access: sufficient if you only need to do simple tasks (install WordPress, manage plugins).
• Shell (SSH) access: needed for advanced tasks (optimization, debugging, automation, etc.) on a VPS or dedicated server.
• security aspects: Be sure to apply strong authentication settings (e.g. public key, password restrictions) when using Shell Access.

👉 Recommended: CGI access is sufficient for basic operation of WordPress and your website, but use SSH access for server optimization and advanced tasks. 🚀

PHP-FPM (FastCGI Process Manager) plays an important role in improving the speed of the WordPress admin page. PHP-FPM can increase server performance by efficiently processing PHP requests, and can solve the problem of slow admin pages. we’ll walk you through how to change your PHP-FPM settings below.

when should you use PHP-FPM?

You should consider using PHP-FPM in the following situations

1. high-traffic websites
   • on high-traffic sites that need to handle thousands or more concurrent requests per day, PHP-FPM reduces bottlenecks and improves response times.
2. server environments with limited resources
   • Because PHP-FPM manages memory and CPU resources efficiently, it provides performance improvements even in limited server environments.
3. when your WordPress admin page is slow
   • admin pages generate more PHP requests than regular pages, so PHP-FPM optimizations can improve speed.
4. When PHP requests are overloaded
   • when your existing PHP settings can’t handle enough concurrent requests, resulting in a 504 Gateway Timeout error, applying PHP-FPM can fix the problem.

PHP-FPM Key Settings Explained and Recommended Values

To optimize the performance of PHP-FPM, we’ve summarized the important settings and recommended values below, each of which affects the performance of request handling for dynamic websites, such as the WordPress admin page.

name: 1️⃣ pm.max_children

• description
  • defines the maximum number of requests that can be processed at the same time.
  • Sets the maximum number of requests that PHP-FPM can handle at once, after which requests will be put into a queued state.
  • this value is determined by the memory capacity of the server.
• recommended values
  • 10-50: Small websites.
  • 50-150: Medium traffic websites.
  • 150-300: High-traffic websites.
  • (For example, you can have about 20 max_children per 1 GB of RAM)

description: 2️⃣ pm.start_servers

• description
  • The number of processes PHP-FPM prepares at startup.
  • sets the number of processes that are ready and waiting to handle initial requests.
  • a setting that is too low can increase the latency of initial requests.
• recommended value
  • set between the values of pm.min_spare_servers and pm.max_spare_servers
    • example) If pm.min_spare_servers=5 and pm.max_spare_servers=10,set pm.start_servers=7.

description: 3️⃣ pm.min_spare_servers

• description
  • defines the minimum number of processes that should always be kept alive while waiting for requests.
  • if there are fewer processes than this value, PHP-FPM will create a new process.
• recommended value
  • small sites: 2-5
  • high-traffic sites : 5-10

4️⃣ pm.max_spare_servers

• description
  • defines the maximum number of processes that can be created to wait for requests.
  • processes that exceed the set value will be eliminated.
  • if this value is too high, it can cause memory waste.
• recommended value
  • small sites: 5 to 10
  • high-traffic sites : 10-20

5️⃣ pm.max_requests

• description
  • sets the maximum number of requests that each PHP-FPM process can handle.
  • this value serves to periodically recreate the process to prevent memory leaks.
  • a value that is too low can cause performance degradation due to frequent process regeneration, while a value that is too high can cause problems due to memory leaks.
• recommended values
  • 500 to 1000: Stable request processing.
  • 1000 to 2000 ispossible onhigh-traffic websites ifthere are nomemory issues.

description: 6️⃣ pm=dynamic or static

• explanation
  • How PHP-FPM processes are managed
    • dynamic: dynamically increase/decrease processes based on the number of requests.
    • static: Maintains a fixed number of processes.
• recommended
  • dynamic: Suitable for most sites.
  • static: Sites that are very stable and require fixed resource allocation.

example final settings

here are some examples of settings based on your server memory and traffic situation

medium traffic (based on 4 GB of RAM)

pm = dynamic
pm.max_children = 50
pm.start_servers = 10
pm.min_spare_servers = 5
pm.max_spare_servers = 15
pm.max_requests = 1000

high Traffic (based on 8GB of RAM)

pm = dynamic
pm.max_children = 150
pm.start_servers = 20
pm.min_spare_servers = 15
pm.max_spare_servers = 30
pm.max_requests = 2000

How to optimize the admin page by changing PHP-FPM settings

1️⃣ Why you need PHP-FPM settings

1. improving concurrent request handling
   • PHP-FPM greatly improves the performance of dynamic websites like WordPress by managing multiple processes.
2. increased resource efficiency
   • PHP requests are handled efficiently, reducing CPU and memory usage.
3. improved speed, especially for admin pages
   • admin pages generate more PHP requests, so it’s important to optimize PHP-FPM’s performance.

2️⃣ Enable PHP-FPM and change the settings in your cPanel

1. log in to your cPanel
   • log in to your hosting management tool and navigate to the PHP Settings page.
2. Activate PHP-FPM
   • selectSoftware → MultiPHP Manager.
   • Make sure PHP-FPM is enabled for the domain used for your WordPress site, and if it is not, click the Enable button.
3. Change PHP-FPM settings
   • goto Software → MultiPHP INI Editor.
   • Adjust the PHP-FPM related settings as shown below:

setting Description:

• pm.max_children: Maximum number of requests that can be handled simultaneously. (The higher you set it, the more concurrent requests you can handle)
  • recommended value :
• pm.start_servers: Initial number of processes.
• pm.min_spare_servers: Minimum number of standby processes.
• pm.max_spare_servers: Maximum number of spare processes.
• pm.max_requests: Maximum number of requests that one process can handle. (500 to 1000 is recommended)

pm = dynamic pm.max_children = 20 pm.start_servers = 4 pm.min_spare_servers = 2 pm.max_spare_servers = 8 pm.max_requests = 500

3️⃣ Modifying the PHP-FPM configuration file directly

if your hosting environment is not cPanel, you can connect to your server with SSH and modify the PHP-FPM configuration file directly.

• Open the PHP-FPM configuration file:
  After connecting to the server via SSH, open the PHP-FPM configuration file. To open the PHP-FPM configuration file, open a shell and enter the code below.

sudo nano /etc/php/7.x/fpm/pool.d/www.conf

• modify the settings:
  adjust the main items as below

pm = dynamic pm.max_children = 30 pm.start_servers = 5 pm.min_spare_servers = 3 pm.max_spare_servers = 10 pm.max_requests = 1000

• Restart PHP-FPM:
  restart the PHP-FPM service after changing the settings.

sudo systemctl restart php7.x-fpm

4️⃣ Additional work to optimize the admin page

In addition to changing the PHP-FPM settings, to optimize your WordPress admin page speed, do the following tasks together

1. Limit the Heartbeat API
   • Install the Heartbeat Control plugin to limit the frequency of AJAX requests on the admin page.
2. set up cache plugins
   • Utilize cache plugins like WP Rocket and W3 Total Cache to improve admin page performance.
3. optimize your database
   • Use the WP-Optimize plugin to clean up outdated revisions, temporary data, and more.
4. Upgrade your PHP version
   • Using PHP 8.0 or higher will significantly improve performance.

check your PHP-FPM optimization results 5️⃣

1. check site performance
   • check if the admin page speed has improved.
   • if necessary, analyze query processing times with the Query Monitor plugin.
2. check server resource usage
   • monitor CPU and memory usage in cPanel or your server management tool.

🚀 Conclusion

Properly tuning your PHP-FPM settings can significantly improve the speed of your WordPress admin page. additionally, limiting Heartbeat, cache optimization, database cleanup, etc. can have an even greater effect.

PHP-FPM is a PHP execution environment that improves both performance and resource management, and is especially useful for solving speed issues on high-traffic sites or WordPress admin pages. when set up correctly, it can dramatically improve your website’s performance and provide reliable service through efficient process management.

Let’s take a look at what PHP-FPM offers and how to set it up, then move on to specific steps to troubleshoot WordPress performance issues. 😊