How to Use WordPress with cPanel for Easy Website Management

Although WordPress is quite easy to use, some of its setup aspects may seem a bit too technical. Setting up databases and configuring files – it can all feel overwhelming. But you are not going to put aside your vision of starting a WordPress website, right? Luckily, you’ve cPanel to make the work easy.

Whether you’re installing a fresh instance, managing themes and plugins, or even troubleshooting issues, cPanel would be helpful. It offers streamlined website management, enhanced security features, etc. So if you are trying to optimize your WordPress hosting experience, use cPanel. But how do you use WordPress with cPanel?

That’s what we aim to uncover through this blog. I’ll explain all you need to know about WordPress cPanel partnership and how the professional WordPress services use it effectively.

What is cPanel?

cPanel, or control panel, is a program dedicated to handling web hosting. It offers a user-friendly dashboard for better control over the key elements of your website on the web server. So you can easily manage their website’s server-side elements.

With a cPanel, you can,

• Manage website files: Upload, edit, and organize all the files and folders that constitute your website’s content and functionality.
• Establish email accounts: Create and manage professional email addresses associated with your domain name for a seamless communication.
• Configure databases: Set up and administer databases for powering dynamic website elements. That includes content management systems like WordPress.
• Implement security measures: Enforce robust security protocols to safeguard your website from potential vulnerabilities and cyber threats.
• Monitor server resources: Track your website’s resource utilization, including disk space and bandwidth usage. That allows for informed decisions regarding hosting plans.

cPanel can help streamline the website management for everyone, regardless of their technical prowess.

Most WordPress developers use cPanel for their projects, and for good reason. It offers a range of benefits, which we will discuss later. But first, let’s see how to access it.

How to Access the cPanel?

Accessing cPanel typically involves your web hosting provider’s login credentials. You should have them after setting up your hosting account. These credentials usually consist of a username and password.

There are a few common ways to construct the URL for accessing your cPanel login page. Here are the most frequent methods:

• Using your domain name: Try http://yourdomain.com/cpanel or https://yourdomain.com/cpanel (replace “[invalid URL removed]” with your actual domain name). Many providers offer cPanel access through this format for convenience.
• Using cPanel subdomain: Some providers utilize a subdomain specifically for cPanel logins. This might look like https://cpanel.yourdomain.com.
• Using your server’s IP address and port: If the above methods fail, you can try using your server’s IP address followed by the cPanel port (usually 2083). For example: https://123.456.789.0:2083 (substitute the actual IP address provided by your hosting provider).

Once you have the correct URL, access your web browser, enter the credentials on the login page, and click “Log in”.

How to Use WordPress with cPanel?

Using cPanel can help manage your WordPress website and streamline the development workflow. With the cPanel, you can install WordPress and debug the errors effectively. There are two ways to go about it: automatic and manual installation.

Automatic One-click Installation

Many web hosting providers leverage built-in tools within cPanel, like Softaculous or QuickInstall. It can help streamline the WordPress installation process.

Step 1: Log into the cPanel.

Step 2: Locate the “Software” section within cPanel. This might be labeled differently depending on your provider (e.g., “Softaculous,” “Installatron,” “Applications”).

Step 3: Search for and click on “WordPress” within the software installer interface.

Step 4: On the WordPress page, click on “Install this application” after reviewing the technical information and requirements.

Step 5: Adjust the Location, Version, Administrator settings, Advanced settings, and finish the installation.

Although this process is simpler, you can get much better control over the process with manual installation.

Manual WordPress Installation

If you’re not satisfied with the automatic installation process, go for the manual WordPress installation. Here’s how you do it.

Step 1: Download the latest version of WordPress from the official site. Although you can go for any version (past or present), it’s recommended you keep WordPress updated.

After downloading the .zip file, upload them to the cPanel via File Manager or FTP client.

Step 2: Click on File Manager on your cPanel dashboard. (You can install WordPress either in your main root directory or within a subdirectory.)

Step 3: Find the public_html folder and click on “Upload”. (If you want to put in a subdirectory, create a new folder.)

Step 4: After the upload is complete, click “Extract” to unzip the file. The files will be extracted in your desired directory.

Step 5: Now, left click on the folder and select “Move”. Then you can choose where you want to install WordPress.

The upload via FTP goes similarly.

Now that WordPress files are uploaded, it’s time for MySQL database creation.

Step 6: Go to cPanel and select the MySQL Database Wizard in the Database section. 

Step 7: Then, create the database (Enter a database username and password) and user, ideally something you’ll remember easily. Make sure you write the credentials as you’ll need them in the next step.

Step 8: Now, visit your domain and complete the installation. You’ll need to select the language and enter the database credentials again.

Step 9: Finally, it will be time to run the installation. For that, enter the “Site Title”, “Username”, “Password”, and “Your Email”. These will be just test credentials.

At last, click on “Install WordPress”. That will finish the process.

This process can be a little complicated for some. If you encounter issues with it, consult with our experts. We will help you set up WordPress and create the best websites.

Debugging WordPress Errors

Sometimes, even after following the right processes, you may encounter some common WordPress errors in your website. But don’t worry, you can use the cPanel to get the error logs.

Step 1: Log into the cPanel.

Step 2: Click on the File Manager and go to the site’s folder.

Step 3: Select and edit the wp-config.php file of your WordPress website.

Step 4: Find the code snippet define(‘WP_DEBUG’, false);. Change false to true. You can also add the line define(‘WP_DEBUG_LOG’, true); to create a log file specifically for debugging messages.

Step 5: Save changes and reload your website.

Now, you will see the debugging messages on your WordPress website. That will make it easier to fix them effectively.

To ensure an error-free website, consult with our WordPress developers. They will ensure the best results.

Benefits of Using cPanel for WordPress

While by itself, WordPress is considered as the best CMS, integrating it with cPanel can take the benefits to the next level. Here are the key benefits:

• Easy installation: cPanel often includes one-click WordPress installers, simplifying the setup process.
• Server management: cPanel provides an intuitive interface for managing server settings, databases, and files.
• Email management: Easily create and manage email accounts associated with your domain.
• Backup and restore: Built-in tools for backing up your WordPress site and database.
• Security features: Options for SSL certificates, IP blocking, and password protection for outstanding WordPress security.
• Resource monitoring: Track server resource usage and performance.
• File management: User-friendly file manager for uploading, editing, and organizing site files.
• Database management: Create and manage MySQL databases used by WordPress.
• Domain management: Handle multiple domains and subdomains from a single interface.
• Software updates: Some cPanel installations offer automated WordPress core updates.

Needless to say, cPanel is a key entity in creating WordPress websites. It can help simplify the website management, improve security, and offer a centralized platform.

FAQs on Using WordPress with cPanel

How do I update my WordPress website through cPanel?

While cPanel doesn't directly update WordPress, it might provide access to tools like the Softaculous Updater to manage WordPress updates. In most cases, updates can also be initiated from the WordPress dashboard itself.

Can I manage my WordPress themes and plugins through cPanel?

While cPanel provides file management capabilities, adding, removing, and activating themes and plugins is typically done directly within the WordPress dashboard.

Is cPanel free to use?

No, cPanel itself isn't free. The cost is typically incorporated into your web hosting plan. However, its functionalities can potentially save you time and resources in the long run.

Conclusion

cPanel is a hosting interface meant for managing the site’s server-side elements. It’s a centralized platform offering everything from one-click installations and database management to security measures and resource monitoring.

Overall, cPanel provides the flexibility and control needed to customize and optimize your WordPress site. So you can focus on creating content and engaging the audience.

So if you want help with using cPanel and creating the best websites, consult with our WordPress experts today!