Install Cpanel on VPS

You can install cPanel on your VPS by following a few clear steps. First, check that your server meets all the requirements. Next, connect to your VPS using SSH. Update your system and prepare the environment. Then, run the command to install cPanel. This process becomes easier when you follow each instruction closely. > Tip: Careful preparation helps you avoid common errors during installation.

Key Takeaways

• Start with a fresh, supported Linux OS like AlmaLinux 8 or 9 and ensure your VPS has at least 2 GB RAM and 20 GB disk space for smooth cPanel installation.

• Prepare your VPS by securing SSH access, updating the system, disabling SELinux, and installing Perl to avoid common installation errors.

• Download and run the official cPanel installer as root, then reboot your VPS to apply changes and complete the setup.

• Access WHM via a secure HTTPS connection on port 2087, follow the setup wizard carefully, and enable key security features like two-factor authentication and cPHulk.

• If you face errors or network issues, check your OS compatibility, firewall settings, and logs; use official documentation and community support for help.

Requirements

Supported OS

You need to choose an operating system that cPanel officially supports. The latest version of cPanel works best with these Linux distributions:

• AlmaLinux 8 and 9

• CloudLinux 8 and 9

• Rocky Linux 8 and 9

• Ubuntu 22.04

Tip: AlmaLinux 8 is highly recommended for its stability and support for high-traffic sites. Community experts suggest it for a smooth upgrade path.

Make sure you start with a fresh OS install. Avoid using a server with other control panels already installed. You also need a static IP address and full root access to your VPS.

VPS Specs

Before you install cPanel, check that your VPS meets the minimum hardware requirements. These specs help your server run smoothly and avoid problems during setup.

You need at least 2 GB of RAM for installation. For better performance, especially if you plan to host many websites, choose 4 GB RAM and 40 GB disk space. Your processor should run at 1.1 GHz or faster. Always use full root access for the installation process.

License

cPanel uses a license system based on the number of accounts you host. The cost increases as you add more accounts. Some VPS providers include a cPanel license in their plans, but you often need to buy one separately.

Note: The license cost can impact your long-term VPS hosting budget. If you want to save money, consider how many accounts you need before you install cPanel.

Prepare VPS

Before you install cPanel, you need to prepare your VPS. This step ensures a smooth installation and helps you avoid common problems.

SSH Access

Start by logging in to your VPS as the root user using SSH. SSH gives you secure access to your server. You should always use SSH keys instead of passwords. This method protects your server from brute force attacks and unauthorized logins. For extra security, change the default SSH port from 22 to a custom number. You can also set up tools like fail2ban to block repeated failed login attempts. Update your firewall rules to match your new SSH port and restrict access by IP address. These steps help keep your VPS safe before you install cPanel.

Update System

Next, update your operating system. Keeping your system up to date prevents software conflicts and security issues. Use the correct command for your OS:

Run the update command as root. After updating, set your server’s hostname to a fully qualified domain name (FQDN). This step is important for cPanel to work correctly.

Disable SELinux

SELinux can block cPanel from installing or running properly. You need to disable SELinux before you start the installation. If you leave SELinux enabled, you may see installation failures or broken services. After disabling SELinux, reboot your VPS to apply the changes. This step is required for a successful install cPanel process.

Install Perl

Perl is a programming language that cPanel uses during installation. Most Linux systems include Perl by default. If your system does not have Perl, install it using your package manager. For AlmaLinux, CentOS, or RHEL, run yum install perl -y or dnf install perl -y. On Ubuntu, use apt install perl -y. Always let your operating system manage Perl to avoid errors.

Tip: Preparing your VPS with these steps helps you avoid installation errors and keeps your server secure.

Install Cpanel

You can install Cpanel on your VPS by following a few clear steps. This process includes downloading the installer, running the script, and rebooting your server. Make sure you complete each step as the root user for the best results.

Download Installer

First, you need to download the official cPanel installer. Open your SSH terminal and log in as root. Then, enter the following command:

cd /home && curl -o latest -L https://securedownloads.cpanel.net/latest && sh latest

Here is what each part of the command does:

• cd /home: Changes your current directory to /home. This location is safe for downloading and running scripts.

• curl -o latest -L https://securedownloads.cpanel.net/latest: Downloads the latest cPanel installation script from the official website and saves it as a file named latest.

• sh latest: Runs the installation script you just downloaded.

Note: Always run this command on a fresh operating system with a valid hostname. Do not use a server that already has another control panel installed.

Run Script

After you start the script, the installer will begin to set up cPanel and WHM on your VPS. The process can take anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes. The installer will download packages, configure services, and set up your environment. You do not need to enter any commands during this time. Just wait for the script to finish.

You may see messages and progress updates in your terminal. If you see any errors, check that you have met all the requirements from the earlier steps. If you use a VPS provider that offers cPanel as a template or through their control panel, you can skip the manual installation. This option saves time and reduces the chance of errors.

Tip: Do not close your SSH session while the installer runs. Interrupting the process can cause problems.

Reboot VPS

Once the installation finishes, you need to reboot your VPS. This step helps apply all changes and ensures that cPanel services start correctly. You have several safe ways to reboot:

1. Use the reboot command in your SSH terminal as root.

2. Log in to your VPS provider’s dashboard and select the reboot option for your server.

3. If you have access to WHM after installation, go to the ‘System Reboot’ section and choose ‘Graceful System Reboot‘. This method safely restarts your server without abrupt shutdowns.

Note: Always use a soft or graceful reboot when possible. This method protects your data and prevents service issues.

After the reboot, your server will be ready for the next steps. You can now access WHM and complete the initial setup.

Some VPS providers let you install Cpanel with just a few clicks using their templates or control panels. This option is faster and easier for beginners.

Access cPanel

WHM Login

After you install Cpanel and reboot your VPS, you can log in to the WebHost Manager (WHM). WHM is the main control panel for server management. You need to use a secure browser connection. Enter the following address in your browser:

• https://<your-server-ip>:2087

• https://<your-domain>:2087

Port 2087 is the default for secure WHM access. Always use HTTPS for security. You must log in with your root username and password. If you cannot connect, check your firewall settings or your VPS provider’s security rules. Sometimes, these settings block port 2087.

Tip: Use a strong password for your root account to keep your server safe.

Initial Setup

When you log in to WHM for the first time, you see a setup wizard. This wizard helps you finish the basic configuration. Follow these steps:

1. Accept the license agreement to continue.

2. Enter your contact email address. Use an email that is not hosted on your server. You can also add a phone number or other contact details for alerts.

3. Check your server’s hostname. Make sure it uses a fully qualified domain name (FQDN).

4. Confirm that your DNS resolvers are correct. This helps your server connect to the internet.

5. Choose the main network device if needed.

6. Add extra IP addresses if your VPS has them, or skip this step.

7. Select a nameserver program, such as BIND. Enter your nameserver hostnames and IP addresses.

8. Make sure your main domain uses the correct nameservers.

9. Add “A Entries” for your hostname and nameservers if needed.

10. Review the default services. You can change the FTP or mail server, or keep the defaults.

11. Enable security features like cPHulk to protect against hacking.

12. Save your settings.

13. Turn on disk quotas to track and limit disk space for each user.

14. Finish the setup wizard.

Note: Take your time with each step. Correct settings now help prevent problems later.

Enable Security

You should enable key security features in WHM right after setup. These settings protect your server and your users. Here are some important options:

You should also:

• Disable anonymous FTP access.

• Increase password strength requirements.

• Activate cPHulk brute force protection.

• Install ClamAV antivirus and a rootkit hunter for extra safety.

Tip: Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) in WHM for better login security. This adds another layer of protection for your server.

Troubleshoot

Common Errors

You may face some common errors during or after cPanel installation. One frequent problem is trying to install cPanel on an unsupported operating system. For example, if you use Ubuntu instead of a supported OS like AlmaLinux, you might see a ‘tar error.’ This happens because the installer tries to use the wrong package manager. Always check your OS before starting.

After installation, you might see errors like:

• 401 Bad Request: This usually means you entered the wrong login details or do not have enough permissions.

• 404 Not Found: This can happen if files or folders have the wrong permissions, the .htaccess file is broken, or the server is not set up right.

• 500 Internal Server Error: This often comes from incorrect file permissions or a corrupted .htaccess file.

To avoid mistakes, do not leave your SSH port open to everyone. Set up your domain and DNS records carefully. Avoid putting many sites under one database or FTP account.

Tip: Always use a supported OS and double-check your server settings before you install cPanel.

Network Issues

Network problems can stop cPanel from working. If you cannot connect, follow these steps:

1. Test your network with ping or traceroute to make sure your server has internet access.

2. Check your firewall rules. Open only the ports you need, such as 22 (SSH), 80 (HTTP), 443 (HTTPS), 2083 (cPanel), 2087 (WHM), and 2089 (licensing).

3. Use tools like telnet to test if ports are open.

4. Make sure your server’s IP address and DNS settings are correct.

5. Restart cPanel and WHM services if you see sync issues.

6. Keep your cPanel updated to avoid license errors.

If you still have trouble, review your logs in /usr/local/cpanel/logs for more details.

Support Resources

You have many resources to help you solve problems:

You can also find up-to-date guides on sites like DigitalOcean and The Linux Documentation Project. These resources give you the latest tips and solutions for cPanel installation and troubleshooting.

Note: For advanced problems, contact your hosting provider or open a support ticket with cPanel.

You can install cPanel on your VPS by starting with a fresh operating system and root access. Use the official installer, then log in to WHM to finish setup. Always update cPanel, enforce strong passwords, and enable two-factor authentication. 🛡️ Explore features like resource monitoring and website optimization. For advanced settings or troubleshooting, check the official cPanel documentation and community forums. Regular backups and security checks keep your server safe and reliable.

FAQ

What should I do if the cPanel installer fails?

Check your OS version and make sure you have root access. Disable SELinux and uninstall other control panels. Run yum update -y or apt update && apt upgrade -y to update your system. Try the installation again.

Can I install cPanel on a VPS with less than 2 GB RAM?

You need at least 2 GB RAM for cPanel to work. If your VPS has less, upgrade your plan. Running cPanel on low memory can cause errors and slow performance.

How do I reset my WHM or cPanel password?

Go to your VPS provider’s control panel and use the password reset tool. If you have SSH access, run:

/scripts/resetpasswd username

Replace username with your actual cPanel or WHM user.

Is it safe to update my server after installing cPanel?

Yes, you should keep your server updated. Use WHM’s update tools or run system updates from SSH. Updates fix bugs and improve security. Always back up your data before updating.