Acenet Knowledgebase - User contributions [en]

MediaWiki:Common.css

2026-10-27T18:23:01Z

Docs admin: Revert: skin is not responsive, rule had no effect

/* CSS placed here will be applied to all skins */

div.mw-search-formheader{
display:none !important;
}

p.mw-search-createlink{
display:none !important;
}

div.who_are_you{
float:left;
border:1px solid #B9DFFA;
padding:.5%;
margin:0px .5%;
width:22.5%;
background-color:#E3F2FD;
font-size:1.1em;
}

div.featured_faq{
float:left;
border:1px solid #B9DFFA;
padding:10px;
margin:5px;
background-color:#E3F2FD;
font-size:1.3em;
}

span.who_are_you_title{
font-size:1.2em;
}

div.body{
margin-left:.1em !important;
}

a,
a:link,
a:visited,
a:active{
color:#2272C2 !important;
}

a:hover{
color:#F60 !important;
}

#mw-pages div.mw-content-ltr h3{ display: none !important; }

div#p-navigation { font-size: 1.25em; }

#ca-talk { display: none !important; }

#ca-history { display: none !important; }

#ca-viewsource { display: none !important; }

#ca-watch { display: none !important; }

#ca-view { display: none !important; }

#footer-places-privacy { display: none !important; }

#footer-places-about { display: none !important; }

#footer-places-disclaimer { display: none !important; }

#p-tb { display: none !important; }

div.support_submit_ticket{
width:146px;
height:40px;
margin:0px auto;
}

div.support_submit_ticket a{
width:146px;
height:40px;
background:url('/images/5/5b/Submit_ticket_hover.png') no-repeat;
}

.rollover{
position: relative;
white-space: nowrap;
display: block;
margin: 0;
padding: 0;
}

.rollover {
position: relative;
white-space: nowrap;
display: block;
margin: 0;
padding: 0;
}

.rollover a{
display: block;
float: left;
text-decoration: none;
}

.rollover img{
border: 0
}

* html a:hover{
visibility:visible
}

.rollover a:hover img{
visibility:hidden
}

MediaWiki:Common.css

2026-10-27T18:22:43Z

Docs admin: Stack Main Page boxes on phones

How can I create a recursive php.ini file?

2026-10-27T18:22:16Z

Docs admin: Fix double redirect

#REDIRECT [[Change your PHP version and extensions]]

How to make a php.ini file apply to all subdirectories

2026-10-27T18:22:15Z

Docs admin: Fix double redirect

#REDIRECT [[Change your PHP version and extensions]]

How to change PHP settings with a php.ini

2026-10-27T18:22:15Z

Docs admin: Fix double redirect

#REDIRECT [[Change your PHP version and extensions]]

Cancel a service

2026-10-27T18:21:38Z

Docs admin: Rewritten for current Acenet services (Main Page refresh)

Here at Acenet, your satisfaction is our mission. If there's anything we can do to exceed your expectations or improve your Acenet experience, please [[Open a support ticket|open a support ticket]] before you cancel. We're here to help!

== Request a cancellation ==

'''1.''' Log in to the [https://billing.ace-host.net Client Area].

'''2.''' Click '''Services''', then '''My Services'''.

'''3.''' Click the service you want to cancel.

'''4.''' In the '''Actions''' menu on the left, click '''Request Cancellation'''.

'''5.''' Briefly describe your reason for cancelling.

'''6.''' Choose the '''Cancellation Type''':
* '''End of Billing Period''': the service stays active until the end of the period you've paid for.
* '''Immediate''': the service and everything on it are removed as soon as the request is processed.

'''7.''' Click '''Request Cancellation'''.

Make sure you have a copy of your website, email and databases before the service ends. After cancellation, the data can't be recovered.

== After you cancel ==

* '''Confirm the cancellation.''' We'll send you a confirmation email. You can also find it under '''Hello, ''your name''!''' > '''Email History'''.
* '''Cancel each service separately.''' If you have other services you don't want to renew, repeat these steps for each one.
* '''Domains are cancelled separately.''' Domain registrations are billed on their own and renew unless you turn off auto-renewal. See [[Cancel a domain registration]].

[[Category:Sales and Billing FAQ]]
[[Category:WHMCS]]

Category:WHM

2026-10-27T18:21:38Z

Docs admin: Rewritten for current Acenet services (Main Page refresh)

WHM (WebHost Manager) is the control panel for managing cPanel hosting accounts. You use it if you have:

* a '''reseller hosting''' plan, to create and manage cPanel accounts for your own clients, or
* a '''cloud server or dedicated server''' with cPanel, to manage the whole server as the root user.

Reseller plans share a server that Acenet manages, so WHM shows resellers only the tools for their own accounts. On your own server you log in to WHM as '''root''' and can use every feature. Features that need root are listed separately below.

To log in, see [[Log in to cPanel and WHM from the Client Area]], or [[cPanel, WHM and Webmail login addresses]] to log in directly.

== Acenet guides ==

=== Reseller hosting ===
* [[Get started with reseller hosting]]
* [[Set up nameservers in WHM]]
* [[Assign a dedicated IP address in WHM]]
* [[Email sending limits and spam protection in WHM]]

=== Your own server (cloud or dedicated) ===
* [[Connect to your server via SSH]]
* [[Install cPanel on your server]]
* [[Secure your cPanel server]]
* [[Locked out of your server]]
* [[Change your server's hostname in WHM]]
* [[Set up nameservers in WHM]]
* [[Assign a dedicated IP address in WHM]]
* [[Email sending limits and spam protection in WHM]]

== cPanel's official WHM documentation ==

cPanel's own documentation is kept up to date with every cPanel release, so we link to it for step-by-step instructions on standard WHM features.

=== Accounts (resellers and server owners) ===
* [https://docs.cpanel.net/whm/account-functions/create-a-new-account/ Create a New Account]
* [https://docs.cpanel.net/whm/account-information/list-accounts/ List Accounts]: find an account and log in to its cPanel
* [https://docs.cpanel.net/whm/account-functions/modify-an-account/ Modify an Account] (not included in every reseller plan)
* [https://docs.cpanel.net/whm/account-functions/upgrade-downgrade-an-account/ Upgrade/Downgrade an Account]: move an account to a different package
* [https://docs.cpanel.net/whm/account-functions/password-modification/ Password Modification]: change an account's cPanel password
* [https://docs.cpanel.net/whm/account-functions/quota-modification/ Quota Modification]: change an account's disk space
* [https://docs.cpanel.net/whm/account-functions/limit-bandwidth-usage/ Limit Bandwidth Usage] and [https://docs.cpanel.net/whm/account-information/view-bandwidth-usage/ View Bandwidth Usage]
* [https://docs.cpanel.net/whm/account-functions/manage-account-suspension/ Manage Account Suspension]: suspend and unsuspend accounts
* [https://docs.cpanel.net/whm/account-information/list-suspended-accounts/ List Suspended Accounts]
* [https://docs.cpanel.net/whm/account-functions/terminate-accounts/ Terminate Accounts]: permanently delete an account

=== Packages ===
* [https://docs.cpanel.net/whm/packages/add-a-package/ Add a Package], [https://docs.cpanel.net/whm/packages/edit-a-package/ Edit a Package] and [https://docs.cpanel.net/whm/packages/delete-a-package/ Delete a Package]
* [https://docs.cpanel.net/whm/packages/feature-manager/ Feature Manager]: choose which cPanel features a package includes

=== DNS ===
* [https://docs.cpanel.net/whm/dns-functions/add-a-dns-zone/ Add a DNS Zone]
* [https://docs.cpanel.net/whm/dns-functions/dns-zone-manager/ DNS Zone Manager]: edit DNS records, including MX records
* [https://docs.cpanel.net/whm/dns-functions/delete-a-dns-zone/ Delete a DNS Zone]

=== Email, security and integrations ===
* [https://docs.cpanel.net/whm/email/mail-delivery-reports/ Mail Delivery Reports]: check whether an email was delivered
* [https://docs.cpanel.net/whm/development/manage-api-tokens-in-whm/ Manage API Tokens]: connect billing software such as WHMCS to WHM. API tokens replace the old "remote access key".
* Two-factor authentication: we recommend turning it on. As a reseller, turn it on in your own cPanel ('''Security''' > '''Two-Factor Authentication'''); it then protects your WHM login too. On your own server, see [https://docs.cpanel.net/whm/security-center/two-factor-authentication-for-whm/ Two-Factor Authentication for WHM].

=== Your own server only (root) ===
* [https://docs.cpanel.net/whm/server-configuration/basic-webhost-manager-setup/ Basic WebHost Manager Setup]: contact email and default nameservers
* [https://docs.cpanel.net/whm/server-configuration/tweak-settings/ Tweak Settings]: server-wide cPanel settings
* [https://docs.cpanel.net/whm/server-configuration/update-preferences/ Update Preferences]: cPanel updates
* [https://docs.cpanel.net/whm/networking-setup/change-hostname/ Change Hostname]
* [https://docs.cpanel.net/whm/ip-functions/add-a-new-ip-address/ Add a New IP Address] and [https://docs.cpanel.net/whm/account-functions/change-site-ip-address/ Change Site's IP Address]
* [https://docs.cpanel.net/whm/software/easyapache-4-interface/ EasyApache 4], [https://docs.cpanel.net/whm/software/multiphp-manager-for-whm/ MultiPHP Manager] and [https://docs.cpanel.net/whm/software/multiphp-ini-editor/ MultiPHP INI Editor]: Apache modules, PHP versions and PHP settings
* [https://docs.cpanel.net/whm/backup/backup-configuration/ Backup Configuration]
* [https://docs.cpanel.net/whm/ssl-tls/manage-autossl/ Manage AutoSSL]: free SSL certificates
* [https://docs.cpanel.net/whm/transfers/transfer-tool/ Transfer Tool]: copy accounts from another cPanel server
* [https://docs.cpanel.net/whm/security-center/security-advisor/ Security Advisor], [https://docs.cpanel.net/whm/security-center/cphulk-brute-force-protection/ cPHulk Brute Force Protection] and [https://docs.cpanel.net/whm/security-center/smtp-restrictions/ SMTP Restrictions]
* [https://docs.cpanel.net/whm/security-center/manage-root-ssh-keys/ Manage root's SSH Keys] and [https://docs.cpanel.net/whm/security-center/ssh-password-authorization-tweak/ SSH Password Authorization Tweak]
* [https://docs.cpanel.net/whm/service-configuration/exim-configuration-manager/ Exim Configuration Manager] and [https://docs.cpanel.net/whm/email/mail-queue-manager/ Mail Queue Manager]
* [https://docs.cpanel.net/whm/server-status/service-status/ Service Status]
* [https://docs.cpanel.net/whm/server-configuration/terminal-in-whm/ Terminal]: a root command line in your browser

If you can't find what you need, please [[Open a support ticket|open a support ticket]].

Category:CPanel

2026-10-27T18:21:37Z

Docs admin: Rewritten for current Acenet services (Main Page refresh)

cPanel is the control panel for your web hosting account. You use it to manage email accounts, domains, files, databases, backups and security for your websites.

To log in, go to your hosting plan in the [https://billing.ace-host.net Client Area] and click '''Log in to cPanel'''. See [[Log in to cPanel and WHM from the Client Area]], or [[cPanel, WHM and Webmail login addresses]] to log in directly.

== cPanel's official documentation ==

cPanel's own documentation is kept up to date with every cPanel release, so we link to it for step-by-step instructions on standard cPanel features. Each page matches the cPanel version on our servers.

=== Email ===
* [https://docs.cpanel.net/cpanel/email/email-accounts/ Email Accounts]: create, remove and manage email accounts, change passwords and storage quotas
* [https://docs.cpanel.net/cpanel/email/set-up-mail-client/ Set up an email program] (Outlook, Apple Mail, Thunderbird, phones)
* [https://docs.cpanel.net/cpanel/email/forwarders/ Forwarders]
* [https://docs.cpanel.net/cpanel/email/autoresponders/ Autoresponders]
* [https://docs.cpanel.net/cpanel/email/email-filters/ Email Filters] and [https://docs.cpanel.net/cpanel/email/global-email-filters/ Global Email Filters]
* [https://docs.cpanel.net/cpanel/email/spam-filters/ Spam Filters]
* [https://docs.cpanel.net/cpanel/email/email-disk-usage/ Email Disk Usage]
* [https://docs.cpanel.net/cpanel/email/email-routing/ Email Routing] (for domains whose email is hosted elsewhere)

=== Domains ===
* [https://docs.cpanel.net/cpanel/domains/domains/ Domains]: add domains (formerly addon and parked domains) and subdomains
* [https://docs.cpanel.net/cpanel/domains/redirects/ Redirects]
* [https://docs.cpanel.net/cpanel/domains/zone-editor/ Zone Editor]: DNS records, including MX records

=== Files and backups ===
* [https://docs.cpanel.net/cpanel/files/file-manager/ File Manager]
* [https://docs.cpanel.net/cpanel/files/ftp-accounts/ FTP Accounts]
* [https://docs.cpanel.net/cpanel/files/backup-for-cpanel/ Backup] and the [https://docs.cpanel.net/cpanel/files/backup-wizard/ Backup Wizard]: download full or partial backups
* [https://docs.cpanel.net/cpanel/files/directory-privacy/ Directory Privacy]: password-protect a folder

=== Databases ===
* [https://docs.cpanel.net/cpanel/databases/mysql-databases/ MySQL Databases]: create databases and users, assign privileges, change a database user's password
* [https://docs.cpanel.net/cpanel/databases/phpmyadmin/ phpMyAdmin]

=== Advanced ===
* [https://docs.cpanel.net/cpanel/advanced/cron-jobs/ Cron Jobs]
* [https://docs.cpanel.net/cpanel/advanced/error-pages/ Error Pages]: custom 404 and other error pages
* [https://docs.cpanel.net/cpanel/advanced/indexes/ Indexes]: directory listings
* [https://docs.cpanel.net/cpanel/software/multiphp-manager-for-cpanel/ MultiPHP Manager] and [https://docs.cpanel.net/cpanel/software/multiphp-ini-editor-for-cpanel/ MultiPHP INI Editor]: PHP version and settings

=== Security ===
* [https://docs.cpanel.net/cpanel/preferences/password-and-security/ Password & Security]: change your cPanel password
* [https://docs.cpanel.net/cpanel/security/two-factor-authentication-for-cpanel/ Two-Factor Authentication]: we recommend turning this on
* [https://docs.cpanel.net/cpanel/security/ssl-tls-status/ SSL/TLS Status]: free SSL certificates (AutoSSL)
* [https://docs.cpanel.net/cpanel/security/ip-blocker/ IP Blocker]

=== Statistics ===
* [https://docs.cpanel.net/cpanel/metrics/visitors/ Visitors] and [https://docs.cpanel.net/cpanel/metrics/awstats/ Awstats]

== Acenet guides ==

These guides cover things that are specific to Acenet's servers:

* [[cPanel, WHM and Webmail login addresses]]
* [[Set up email on your computer or phone]]
* [[Upload files to your website]]
* [[Free SSL certificates with AutoSSL]]
* [[Scan your website for malware]]
* [[Imunify360 website protection]]
* [[Recover a hacked website]]
* [[Secure your WordPress or Joomla website]]
* [[Resource limits and the Resource Limit Is Reached error]]
* [[Change your PHP version and extensions]]
* [[Restore files, databases and email with JetBackup]]
* [[Back up your website to your own computer with rclone]]
* [[Website builders: Sitejet and SitePad]]
* [[Install cPanel on your server]] (cloud servers and dedicated servers)
* [[Change your cPanel password]] from the Client Area
* [[Find your cPanel username]]
* [[Clear your browser's cache]]

If you can't find what you need, please [[Open a support ticket|open a support ticket]].

Main Page

2026-10-27T18:21:36Z

Docs admin: Rewritten for current Acenet services (Main Page refresh)

<span style="font-size:2em;color:#2272C2;">Welcome to the Acenet Knowledgebase</span>

Step-by-step guides for your web hosting, servers, domains and Client Area. Search with the box at the top of the page, or start with the guides below. If you can't find what you need, please [[Open a support ticket|open a support ticket]].

<div class="who_are_you"><span class="who_are_you_title">Web Hosting (cPanel)</span>
[[Log in to cPanel and WHM from the Client Area]]<br />
[[Set up email on your computer or phone]]<br />
[[Upload files to your website]]<br />
[[Free SSL certificates with AutoSSL]]<br />
[[Change your PHP version and extensions]]<br />
[[:Category:CPanel|All cPanel guides]]<br />
</div>

<div class="who_are_you"><span class="who_are_you_title">Cloud & Dedicated Servers</span>
[[Manage your cloud server]]<br />
[[Connect to your server via SSH]]<br />
[[Install cPanel on your server]]<br />
[[Secure your cPanel server]]<br />
[[Locked out of your server]]<br />
[[:Category:LAMP Guides|LAMP Guides]] and [[:Category:LEMP Guides|LEMP Guides]]<br />
</div>

<div class="who_are_you"><span class="who_are_you_title">Reseller Hosting (WHM)</span>
[[Get started with reseller hosting]]<br />
[[Set up nameservers in WHM]]<br />
[[:Category:WHM|All WHM guides]]<br />
</div>

<div class="who_are_you"><span class="who_are_you_title">Domains</span>
[[Register a new domain]]<br />
[[Transfer a domain to Acenet]]<br />
[[Change your domain's nameservers]]<br />
[[Update your domain's contact information]]<br />
[[Cancel a domain registration]]<br />
</div>

<div style="clear:both;height:1em;"></div>

<div class="who_are_you"><span class="who_are_you_title">Website Security</span>
[[Secure your WordPress or Joomla website]]<br />
[[Scan your website for malware]]<br />
[[Recover a hacked website]]<br />
[[Imunify360 website protection]]<br />
</div>

<div class="who_are_you"><span class="who_are_you_title">Backups</span>
[[Restore files, databases and email with JetBackup|Restore from our daily backups]]<br />
[[Back up your website to your own computer with rclone]]<br />
</div>

<div class="who_are_you"><span class="who_are_you_title">Account & Billing</span>
[[Pay or download an invoice]]<br />
[[Secure your Client Area account]]<br />
[[Upgrade or downgrade your hosting plan]]<br />
[[Cancel a service]]<br />
[[:Category:WHMCS|All Client Area guides]]<br />
</div>

<div class="who_are_you"><span class="who_are_you_title">Common Questions</span>
[[Resource limits and the Resource Limit Is Reached error|"Resource Limit Is Reached" error]]<br />
[[Clear your browser's cache]]<br />
[[Find your cPanel username]]<br />
[[Open a support ticket]]<br />
</div>

<div style="clear:both;"></div>

Cancel a domain registration

2026-10-27T18:21:36Z

Docs admin: Rewritten for current Acenet services (Main Page refresh)

To cancel a domain registration, turn off its auto-renewal. The domain stays registered and working until its expiry date, and then isn't renewed.

'''1.''' Log in to the [https://billing.ace-host.net Client Area].

'''2.''' Click '''Domains''', then '''My Domains'''.

'''3.''' Click the domain.

'''4.''' Click '''Auto Renew''' in the menu on the left, then click '''Disable Auto Renew'''.

Repeat these steps for each domain you want to cancel.

Things to know:

* '''Your website and email stop working when the domain expires.''' If you want to keep the domain with another registrar, transfer it before it expires instead. Ask your new registrar how; you'll need the domain's EPP (transfer) code, which you'll find under '''Domains''' > '''My Domains''' > the domain.
* '''Hosting is cancelled separately.''' Turning off auto-renewal doesn't cancel any hosting plan or server. See [[Cancel a service]].
* '''PayPal subscriptions:''' if you pay by PayPal subscription, also cancel the subscription in your PayPal account.

If you change your mind, click '''Enable Auto Renew''' on the same page before the domain expires.

[[Category:WHMCS]]

Clear your browser's cache

2026-10-27T18:21:35Z

Docs admin: Rewritten for current Acenet services (Main Page refresh)

Your browser keeps copies of the pages you visit, so they load faster next time. After you change your website, you may still see the old version until you clear those saved copies (the cache).

== Reload the page first ==

Often a hard reload is enough. It reloads the page you're on without using the cache:
* '''Windows and Linux:''' press '''Ctrl + F5''' or '''Ctrl + Shift + R'''.
* '''Mac:''' press '''Command + Shift + R'''.

== Clear the cache ==

* '''Chrome, Edge and Firefox:''' press '''Ctrl + Shift + Delete''' (on a Mac, '''Command + Shift + Delete'''). Choose a time range such as '''All time''', tick '''Cached images and files''' (in Firefox, '''Temporary cached files and pages'''), untick everything else so you stay logged in to websites, and click '''Clear data''' or '''Clear'''.
* '''Safari (Mac):''' go to '''Safari''' > '''Settings''' > '''Advanced''' and turn on '''Show features for web developers'''. Then choose '''Develop''' > '''Empty Caches'''.
* '''iPhone and iPad (Safari):''' go to '''Settings''' > '''Apps''' > '''Safari''' > '''Clear History and Website Data'''. On older versions of iOS, it's under '''Settings''' > '''Safari'''. This also clears your browsing history.
* '''Android (Chrome):''' tap the menu (⋮) > '''Delete browsing data''', tick '''Cached images and files''', and tap '''Delete data'''.

== Still seeing the old version? ==

* Try a private or incognito window, or another device. If it looks right there, it was your cache.
* If your website uses a caching plugin, such as LiteSpeed Cache or WP Super Cache, clear its cache too.
* If your website uses Cloudflare, purge its cache in the Cloudflare dashboard under '''Caching''' > '''Configuration''' > '''Purge Everything'''.
* If you just moved your website or changed its DNS, your computer may still be using the old address for a few hours.

[[Category:cPanel]]

Secure your WordPress or Joomla website

2026-10-27T18:21:34Z

Docs admin: Rewritten for current Acenet services (Main Page refresh)

WordPress, Joomla and similar applications are safe to use, as long as you keep them up to date. Most hacked websites were running out-of-date software. These steps prevent nearly all problems.

Our servers also protect your website automatically with Imunify360. See [[Imunify360 website protection]].

== Keep everything updated ==

* '''Turn on automatic updates''' where you can. WordPress installs minor and security updates by itself. In '''Dashboard''' > '''Updates''' you can also turn on automatic updates for major versions, and for each plugin and theme on the '''Plugins''' and '''Themes''' pages. In Joomla, check '''System''' > '''Update''' regularly.
* '''Log in at least once a month''' and install any waiting updates.
* '''Use a supported PHP version.''' See [[Change your PHP version and extensions]].

== Use fewer, well-maintained add-ons ==

* Install plugins, extensions and themes only from the official WordPress or Joomla directories, or from developers you trust. Never use "nulled" (pirated) copies of paid ones: they often contain malware.
* Choose ones that are updated regularly and widely used.
* Delete the ones you don't use. Deactivating isn't enough.
* Remove old copies of your site, such as test or backup installations in other folders. They get forgotten and stop being updated.

== Protect your logins ==

* Use a strong, unique password for every admin user, and don't reuse it anywhere else.
* Turn on two-factor authentication. Joomla includes it under '''Users''' > '''Manage''' > your user > '''Multi-factor Authentication'''. For WordPress, use a two-factor plugin such as Two Factor or Wordfence Login Security.
* Give admin access only to people who need it, and remove users who no longer do.
* Don't use "admin" as a username.

== Keep backups ==

We back up your account every day. See [[Restore files, databases and email with JetBackup]]. For an extra copy that you control, see [[Back up your website to your own computer with rclone]].

== If something goes wrong ==

See [[Recover a hacked website]].

[[Category:cPanel]]

Recover a hacked website

2026-10-27T18:21:34Z

Docs admin: Rewritten for current Acenet services (Main Page refresh)

If your website shows strange content, redirects visitors elsewhere, sends spam, or has been flagged by Google or your antivirus, it has probably been hacked. Follow these steps to clean it up and stop it from happening again.

Most websites are hacked through out-of-date software: an old version of WordPress, Joomla or another application, or one of its plugins or themes. Stolen passwords are the second most common cause. Our servers are kept updated and protected, but we can't update the software inside your website for you.

== Step 1: Find out what was changed ==

* Run a scan. See [[Scan your website for malware]].
* In cPanel, open '''Imunify360''' (under '''Security''') to see files it has already found and cleaned. See [[Imunify360 website protection]].
* In '''File Manager''', sort your website's folder by date to see recently changed files.

== Step 2: Restore a clean copy ==

The quickest fix is often to restore your website from a backup taken before the hack. We back up your account every day. See [[Restore files, databases and email with JetBackup]].

Choose a backup from before the problem started, and restore your website's files and its database. Make sure you also complete the next steps, otherwise the attacker can get in the same way again.

If you don't have a clean backup, remove the infected files and replace the application's own files with fresh copies from its official website. Keep your own content, such as uploads, and your configuration file.

== Step 3: Close the hole ==

* '''Update everything:''' the application (WordPress, Joomla and so on), and every plugin, extension and theme.
* '''Delete what you don't use:''' old plugins, themes, test copies of the site and old installations in other folders. Even inactive plugins can be exploited.
* '''Check for unknown admin users''' in your website's admin area, and remove them.

== Step 4: Change your passwords ==

Change every password connected to the website, using strong, unique passwords:
* your website's admin users;
* cPanel, FTP accounts and email accounts;
* the database user, and update it in your website's configuration file (for WordPress, wp-config.php);
* the Client Area.

Turn on two-factor authentication for cPanel and the Client Area. See [[Secure your Client Area account]].

== Step 5: Check your computer ==

Passwords are sometimes stolen by malware on the computer used to manage the website. Run an up-to-date antivirus scan on it.

== Step 6: Tell Google, if needed ==

If Google shows a warning for your site, check it in [https://search.google.com/search-console Google Search Console] under '''Security issues''', and request a review once the site is clean.

== Stay protected ==

See [[Secure your WordPress or Joomla website]] for ways to keep your website safe from now on.

If you need help, please [[Open a support ticket|open a support ticket]] in the '''Technical Support''' department.

[[Category:cPanel]]

Free SSL certificates with AutoSSL

2026-10-27T18:21:33Z

Docs admin: Rewritten for current Acenet services (Main Page refresh)

Every website on our cPanel servers gets a free SSL certificate from '''AutoSSL''', so visitors can use your site securely over https://. AutoSSL installs the certificate automatically and renews it before it expires. You don't need to buy, request or renew anything.

AutoSSL covers each domain and subdomain in your account, including the www. version and the mail. address, as long as they point to our server.

== Check your certificates ==

'''1.''' Log in to cPanel and go to '''Security''' > '''SSL/TLS Status'''.

'''2.''' Each domain shows its certificate status. A green padlock means it's covered.

'''3.''' If a domain isn't covered yet, click '''Run AutoSSL'''. It takes a few minutes.

To send all visitors to the secure address, go to '''Domains''' > '''Domains''' and turn on '''Force HTTPS Redirect''' for your domain.

== If a domain doesn't get a certificate ==

The status on '''SSL/TLS Status''' explains why. The most common reasons are:

* '''The domain doesn't point to our server yet.''' AutoSSL can only issue a certificate once the domain's DNS points here. After you change nameservers or DNS records, allow a few hours, then click '''Run AutoSSL''' again.
* '''Cloudflare or another proxy.''' If the domain uses Cloudflare's proxy, set Cloudflare's SSL mode to '''Full (strict)''', and make sure nothing blocks the <code>/.well-known/</code> folder, which AutoSSL uses to confirm the domain.
* '''Rules that block verification.''' Rules in your <code>.htaccess</code> file, or a security plugin, can block the <code>/.well-known/</code> folder. Allow access to it, then run AutoSSL again.
* '''Unused subdomains.''' Subdomains you don't use, such as ''cpanel.'' or ''webdisk.'', can show as not covered. That's harmless.

== Mixed content warnings ==

If your site has a certificate but the browser still shows a warning or no padlock, the page is loading some images or scripts over http://. Update those links to https://. In WordPress, update the '''WordPress Address''' and '''Site Address''' under '''Settings''' > '''General''' to start with https://.

== Your own server ==

On a cloud server or dedicated server, AutoSSL is set up in WHM under '''SSL/TLS''' > '''Manage AutoSSL'''. Choose a provider, such as Let's Encrypt or Sectigo, and click '''Run AutoSSL For All Users'''. The '''Logs''' tab shows what happened for each domain. See cPanel's [https://docs.cpanel.net/whm/ssl-tls/manage-autossl/ Manage AutoSSL] documentation.

If you need a certificate with extra validation, such as an organization-validated certificate, please [[Open a support ticket|open a support ticket]] in the '''Sales and Billing''' department.

[[Category:cPanel]]

Upload files to your website

2026-10-27T18:21:32Z

Docs admin: Rewritten for current Acenet services (Main Page refresh)

There are two easy ways to upload and manage your website's files: '''File Manager''' in cPanel, which works in your browser, and an '''FTP program''' such as FileZilla, which is better for many files or large folders.

Your main website's files go in the '''public_html''' folder. Each additional domain or subdomain has its own folder, shown under '''Domains''' in cPanel.

== File Manager ==

'''1.''' Log in to cPanel and go to '''Files''' > '''File Manager'''.

'''2.''' Open the folder you want, for example public_html.

'''3.''' Click '''Upload''' and choose your files. To upload a whole website at once, upload it as a .zip file, then right-click it and choose '''Extract'''.

File Manager can also edit, move, rename, compress and delete files, and change permissions.

== FTP with FileZilla ==

FileZilla is a free FTP program for Windows, Mac and Linux, available from [https://filezilla-project.org/ filezilla-project.org]. Other FTP programs, such as WinSCP and Cyberduck, work the same way.

'''1.''' In FileZilla, go to '''File''' > '''Site Manager''' > '''New site'''.

'''2.''' Enter:
{| class="wikitable"
! Setting !! Value
|-
| Protocol || FTP - File Transfer Protocol
|-
| Host || your domain name, for example ''example.com'', or your server's hostname
|-
| Port || 21
|-
| Encryption || Require explicit FTP over TLS
|-
| Logon type || Normal
|-
| User || your cPanel username, or an FTP account such as ''you@example.com''
|-
| Password || the matching password
|}

'''3.''' Click '''Connect'''. If FileZilla asks you to trust the server's certificate, check that it's for your server, and click '''OK'''.

Your computer's files are on the left, and your hosting account is on the right. Drag files between them to upload or download.

'''Encryption''' matters: with '''Require explicit FTP over TLS''', your password and files are sent securely. Don't use plain FTP.

== FTP accounts ==

To give someone access to only one folder, for example a web designer, create a separate FTP account for them in cPanel under '''Files''' > '''FTP Accounts'''. Set its '''Directory''' to the folder they need. They log in with the full username shown, such as ''designer@example.com''.

== SFTP ==

If SSH is turned on for your account, you can also use '''SFTP''' (port 22) in FileZilla with an SSH key. See [[Connect to your server via SSH]].

== If you can't connect ==

* '''Login incorrect:''' check the username and password. FTP account usernames include the domain, for example ''designer@example.com''.
* '''Connection timed out''' or the folder list doesn't load: make sure '''Encryption''' is set to '''Require explicit FTP over TLS''', and try again from a different network. Your IP address may also have been blocked after several failed logins; see [[Imunify360 website protection]].

If you still can't connect, please [[Open a support ticket|open a support ticket]].

[[Category:cPanel]]

Set up email on your computer or phone

2026-10-27T18:21:32Z

Docs admin: Rewritten for current Acenet services (Main Page refresh)

You can read and send your email in any email program or phone app, such as Outlook, Apple Mail, Gmail or Thunderbird. You can also use webmail in your browser without setting anything up. See [[cPanel, WHM and Webmail login addresses]].

First create the email account in cPanel, under '''Email''' > '''Email Accounts'''.

== Find your settings ==

cPanel shows the exact settings for each email account.

'''1.''' Log in to cPanel and go to '''Email''' > '''Email Accounts'''.

'''2.''' Click '''Connect Devices''' next to the email account.

'''3.''' Use the '''Secure SSL/TLS Settings (Recommended)'''. They look like this:

{| class="wikitable"
! Setting !! Value
|-
| Username || your full email address, for example ''you@example.com''
|-
| Password || the email account's password
|-
| Incoming server || the server name shown in cPanel
|-
| IMAP port || 993 (SSL/TLS)
|-
| POP3 port || 995 (SSL/TLS)
|-
| Outgoing (SMTP) server || the same server name
|-
| SMTP port || 465 (SSL/TLS), with authentication turned on
|}

Use the server name exactly as cPanel shows it, so the secure connection matches the server's SSL certificate.

== IMAP or POP3? ==

Choose '''IMAP''' in almost every case. IMAP keeps your email on the server, so the same messages and folders appear on your computer, your phone and webmail. POP3 downloads messages to one device, so they won't be on your other devices.

== Set up your app ==

Most apps find the settings themselves when you enter your email address and password. If an app asks for them, choose '''IMAP''' and enter the settings above.

* '''Outlook:''' go to '''File''' > '''Add Account''' (in the new Outlook, '''Settings''' > '''Accounts''' > '''Add account'''), enter your email address, and choose '''IMAP''' if it asks for the account type.
* '''iPhone and iPad:''' go to '''Settings''' > '''Apps''' > '''Mail''' > '''Mail Accounts''' > '''Add Account''' > '''Other''' > '''Add Mail Account'''. On older versions of iOS, go to '''Settings''' > '''Mail''' > '''Accounts'''. Choose '''IMAP''' and enter the settings. Alternatively, on '''Connect Devices''' in cPanel, download the iOS configuration profile on your device, which sets everything up for you.
* '''Mac (Apple Mail):''' go to '''Mail''' > '''Add Account''' > '''Other Mail Account'''. The configuration profile on '''Connect Devices''' works on a Mac too.
* '''Android (Gmail app):''' tap your profile picture > '''Add another account''' > '''Other''', enter your email address, and choose '''Personal (IMAP)'''.
* '''Thunderbird:''' go to '''Account Settings''' > '''Account Actions''' > '''Add Mail Account''', and enter your name, email address and password.

== If it doesn't work ==

* '''Wrong password:''' log in to webmail with the same address and password to check them. To change the password, use '''Manage''' next to the account in '''Email Accounts'''.
* '''Certificate warnings:''' use the server name shown in '''Connect Devices''' exactly.
* '''Can't send email:''' make sure outgoing authentication is turned on and uses the same username and password as incoming. If port 465 is blocked on your network, try port 587 with STARTTLS.
* '''Mailbox full:''' each email account has a storage limit, which you can raise under '''Manage'''.

If you still can't connect, please [[Open a support ticket|open a support ticket]] and include the exact error message.

[[Category:cPanel]]

Connect to your server via SSH

2026-10-27T18:21:31Z

Docs admin: Rewritten for current Acenet services (Main Page refresh)

SSH gives you a secure command line on your server, so you can run commands, edit files and install software. This guide covers connecting from Windows, Mac and Ubuntu Desktop. All three include an SSH program, so you don't need to install anything.

In the examples below, replace ''203.0.113.10'' with your server's IP address or hostname, and ''root'' with the user you log in as.

== What you need ==

* '''Cloud server or dedicated server:''' your server's IP address, which is shown on the server's page in the Client Area, and the root password or an SSH key. If you don't have the root password, a cloud server's '''Reset Root Password''' button sets a new one. See [[Manage your cloud server]].
* '''cPanel account (shared or reseller hosting):''' your cPanel username, your server's hostname and an SSH key. Our shared servers accept SSH keys only, not passwords, and SSH must be turned on for your account. If it isn't, please [[Open a support ticket|open a support ticket]]. To add your key, see [[#Log in with an SSH key|Log in with an SSH key]] below.

SSH uses port 22 unless your server has been set up with a different port. In that case, add <code>-p</code> and the port number to the commands below, for example <code>ssh -p 2222 root@203.0.113.10</code>.

== Open a terminal ==

* '''Windows 10 and 11:''' right-click the Start button and choose '''Terminal''' (or '''Windows PowerShell''').
* '''Mac:''' open '''Terminal''' from Applications > Utilities, or search for "Terminal" with Spotlight (Command + Space).
* '''Ubuntu Desktop:''' press '''Ctrl + Alt + T''', or search for "Terminal" in Activities.

== Connect ==

Type this command and press Enter:
ssh root@203.0.113.10

The first time you connect, SSH shows the server's fingerprint and asks whether to continue. Type '''yes''' and press Enter. SSH remembers the server, so it only asks once. If it ever warns that the server's identification has changed when you haven't reinstalled the server, don't continue, and [[Open a support ticket|open a support ticket]].

Enter your password when asked. Nothing appears on screen while you type it; that's normal. You're now logged in. Type <code>exit</code> to disconnect.

== Log in with an SSH key ==

An SSH key is safer than a password and saves you typing it. You create a pair of keys on your computer: a private key, which never leaves your computer, and a public key, which you put on the server.

'''1.''' Create the key (the same command works on Windows, Mac and Ubuntu). Press Enter to accept the default file name, and choose a passphrase to protect the key:
ssh-keygen -t ed25519

'''2.''' Add the public key to your server:

* '''Mac and Ubuntu:'''
ssh-copy-id root@203.0.113.10
* '''Windows''' (PowerShell):
type $env:USERPROFILE\.ssh\id_ed25519.pub | ssh root@203.0.113.10 "mkdir -p ~/.ssh && chmod 700 ~/.ssh && cat >> ~/.ssh/authorized_keys && chmod 600 ~/.ssh/authorized_keys"
* '''cPanel account:''' show the public key with <code>cat ~/.ssh/id_ed25519.pub</code> (on Windows, <code>type $env:USERPROFILE\.ssh\id_ed25519.pub</code>) and copy it. In cPanel, go to '''Security''' > '''SSH Access''' > '''Manage SSH Keys''' > '''Import Key''', paste it into the public key box, and click '''Import'''. Then click '''Manage''' next to the key, and '''Authorize'''.

'''3.''' Connect as before. SSH now uses your key instead of asking for the server's password:
ssh root@203.0.113.10

Once key login works on your own server, you can turn off password logins for extra security. See [[Secure your cPanel server]].

== Copy files over SSH ==

The same connection can copy files. From your computer's terminal:
scp myfile.zip root@203.0.113.10:/root/
scp root@203.0.113.10:/root/backup.tar.gz .

For a graphical program, FileZilla and WinSCP (Windows), or Cyberduck (Mac), connect using SFTP with the same details. See [[Upload files to your website]].

== If you can't connect ==

* '''Connection timed out:''' check the IP address and port. Your IP address may also be blocked after too many failed logins.
* '''Permission denied:''' check the username and password or key. On a cPanel account, make sure the key is authorized in '''Manage SSH Keys'''.
* For both, and for mistakes in the server's SSH or firewall settings, see [[Locked out of your server]].

[[Category:WHM]]

Category:FTP

2026-10-27T18:21:30Z