How to Set Up WordPress in cPanel

WordPress is one of the most popular website-building platforms, and setting it up through cPanel is quick and straightforward. Our hosting service provides a seamless WordPress installation process via Softaculous, located in the cPanel dashboard. This guide will walk you through the steps to set up WordPress.

1. What Is WordPress?

WordPress is a free and open-source content management system (CMS) that allows you to create blogs, business websites, eCommerce stores, portfolios, and more. Its flexibility, wide range of plugins, and ease of use make it a top choice for website building.

2. Prerequisites for Installing WordPress

Before you install WordPress, ensure the following:

• You have access to your cPanel account.
• Your domain is connected to your hosting account (DNS propagation may take up to 24–48 hours).
• Your hosting plan meets the minimum WordPress requirements (most modern hosting plans do).

3. How to Set Up WordPress Using Softaculous

Step 1: Log in to cPanel

1. Visit yourdomain.com/cpanel or yourdomain.com:2083.
2. Enter your cPanel username and password.

Step 2: Access Softaculous

1. In the Software section of your cPanel dashboard, look for the Softaculous Apps Installer.
2. Click on Softaculous Apps Installer.

Step 3: Select WordPress

1. Once in Softaculous, find WordPress in the list of popular scripts or use the search bar.
2. Click on WordPress.

Step 4: Install WordPress

1. Click the Install Now button.
2. Fill in the installation details:
   • Choose Protocol: Select http:// or https:// (choose HTTPS if your domain has an SSL certificate).
   • Choose Domain: Select the domain you want to install WordPress on.
   • In Directory: Leave this field blank to install WordPress in the root directory (e.g., yourdomain.com). Enter a folder name if you want it installed in a subdirectory (e.g., yourdomain.com/blog).
   • Site Name and Description: Enter your website’s name and tagline. These can be changed later in WordPress.
   • Admin Username and Password: Choose a strong username and password for your WordPress admin account.
   • Admin Email: Enter a valid email address for admin notifications.
   • Select Language: Choose your preferred language.
3. (Optional) Customize settings like plugins or database names under the Advanced Options section.
4. Click Install.

Step 5: Complete Installation

1. Wait for the installation to complete. This may take a few minutes.
2. Once done, you’ll see a confirmation screen with the WordPress admin URL (e.g., yourdomain.com/wp-admin).

4. How to Install WordPress Manually Through cPanel

If Softaculous isn’t available, you can install WordPress manually:

1. Download WordPress from the official WordPress website.
2. Upload the WordPress files to your hosting account using the File Manager in cPanel.
3. Create a MySQL database and user using the MySQL Databases tool.
4. Complete the installation by visiting your domain and following the on-screen setup wizard.

5. How to Access Your WordPress Dashboard

After installation, you can manage your website through the WordPress dashboard:

1. Go to yourdomain.com/wp-admin.
2. Enter the admin username and password you set during installation.

6. Tips for Managing Your WordPress Website

Install Themes and Plugins

• Go to Appearance > Themes in the WordPress dashboard to install and customize themes.
• Use Plugins > Add New to add functionality like SEO tools, security, or contact forms.

Keep WordPress Updated

• Regularly update WordPress, themes, and plugins to ensure security and compatibility.

Enable Backups

• Use backup plugins or cPanel’s backup tool to regularly back up your website.

Secure Your Website

• Install a security plugin like Wordfence.
• Use SSL/TLS for encrypted connections.

7. Troubleshooting Common Issues

Error: “Unable to Install WordPress”

• Ensure your domain is properly connected to your hosting account.
• Verify that your hosting account has sufficient resources (storage and database limits).

Can't Access wp-admin

• Check if the domain is pointing to your hosting server.
• Clear browser cache or try accessing in incognito mode.

Conclusion

Setting up WordPress through cPanel is simple with the help of Softaculous or manual installation. Once installed, you’ll have access to a powerful platform to build and manage your website.

If you have any questions or encounter issues during installation, our support team is available to assist you.