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cPanel · Getting Started
cPanel Features: 23 Useful Tools Every Website Owner Should Know
cPanel is the control panel that comes with every EZ Host Pro hosting plan. It looks busy the first time you open it, but most people only need a handful of tools. This guide walks through the ones worth knowing, grouped by what you want to get done.
How to open cPanel: log in to your client area, go to Services, choose your plan and click Log in to cPanel.
Build and manage your website
1. WordPress Manager (Softaculous)
Installs WordPress, and hundreds of other apps, in a couple of clicks. It can also update, clone and back up your WordPress sites.
2. Sitejet Builder
A drag-and-drop website builder for people who would rather not use WordPress. Pick a template, change the words and pictures, and publish.
3. File Manager
Upload, edit, move and delete website files in your browser, without any extra software.
4. Domains
Add extra domains or subdomains so you can run more than one website. This is also where you turn on Force HTTPS Redirect.
5. Email Accounts
Create professional addresses like you@yourbusiness.com. Click Connect Devices next to an address to get the settings for your phone or email app.
6. Webmail
Read and send email from any browser, no app needed.
7. Forwarders
Send mail from one address to another inbox, such as forwarding info@ to your personal email.
8. Autoresponders
Send an automatic reply, for example while you are on vacation.
9. Spam Filters
Keep junk mail out of your inbox.
Security
10. SSL/TLS Status
Shows whether your free SSL certificates are active, so your site loads with the padlock and https.
11. Two-Factor Authentication
Adds a code from your phone to your cPanel login. Turn this on.
12. Directory Privacy
Password-protect a folder on your website, such as a members area or a site that is still being built.
13. IP Blocker
Block visitors from a specific IP address that is causing trouble.
Backups and storage
14. Backup
Download a copy of your website, databases and email settings to keep on your own computer.
15. Disk Usage
Shows what is using your storage, so you can find and remove large old files.
Databases
16. MySQL Databases
Create the databases and users that apps like WordPress need. WordPress Manager does this for you automatically.
17. phpMyAdmin
Look inside a database and make changes. Only use it if you know what you are changing, and make a backup first.
Speed and visitor stats
18. Select PHP Version
Choose the PHP version your site runs on. Newer versions are faster and safer, but check that your theme and plugins support them.
19. Visitor stats (Awstats and Metrics)
See how many people visit your site and which pages they view.
20. Errors
Shows recent website errors, which helps when something stops working.
Advanced tools
21. Zone Editor
Edit DNS records, for example to connect Google Workspace email or verify your site with Google Search Console.
22. Cron Jobs
Run a task on a schedule, such as a nightly script.
23. Redirects
Send visitors from an old page address to a new one.
Where to start
If you are brand new, do these four things first:
- Turn on Two-Factor Authentication.
- Create your email address.
- Install WordPress or open Sitejet Builder.
- Turn on Force HTTPS Redirect in Domains.
Not sure where to find something?
Open a support ticket and we will point you in the right direction. Every EZ Host Pro plan includes cPanel, free SSL and free website migration.
