Whether you’re working with a web developer, designer, or IT support person, there may time come when you need to give access of your cPanel to someone. However, sharing full access or your primary login credentials can be risky.
Fortunately, there are secure and structured ways to provide access without compromising your account.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through safe and simple methods to give access someone to manage your cPanel.
What Is cPanel?
cPanel is a popular web hosting control panel that allows you to manage your website and hosting environment through a user-friendly dashboard. With cPanel, you can handle files, databases, emails, domains, and much more.
Giving someone access means they can make necessary changes on your behalf—like uploading files, managing email accounts, or installing applications.
Why You Shouldn’t Just Share Your Main Login
Before we dive into the steps, here’s why you should avoid giving out your primary cPanel credentials:
- Security Risks: If your credentials fall into the wrong hands, your entire hosting environment is at risk.
- No Activity Logs: You won’t know what the other person has
- Lack of Control: They’ll have access to everything, even things that they don’t need.
Instead, you can create a separate account or restrict access using the built-in tools.
Why Grant Access to cPanel?
- To troubleshoot technical issues on your website.
- To delegate management of your hosting services.
- To allow a collaborator to update your website content.
Step-by-Step Guide to Grant Access
Step 1: Understand the Purpose of Access
Before granting access, clarify why access is needed and what specific tasks the individual will perform. This helps you to decide the level of access required.
Step 2: Create a New cPanel User (If Your Host Supports It)
Some hosting providers (especially those using WHM or allowing reseller accounts) let you create new users with limited access.
Steps:
- Log in to WHM (Web Host Manager).
- Navigate to “Create a New Account.”
- Fill out the domain, username, and password.
- Assign a package (to limit access/resources).
- Click “Create.”
The new user can now log in to their own cPanel with only the permissions you gave them.
Step 3: Provide Access to Specific Tools via cPanel’s “User Manager”
If your host allows, the User Manager in cPanel lets you create sub-accounts with access to specific features (like email, FTP, or Web Disk).
Steps:
- Log into your cPanel.
- Go to “User Manager” (usually found under Preferences).
- Click “Add User”.
- Enter the user’s:
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- Full name
- Email address
- Password
- Select the services they should have access to:
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- FTP
- Web Disk
- Click “Create”.
Step 4: Temporary Access with a Password Manager
If creating a sub-account isn’t an option, you can share your credentials temporarily using a secure password manager (like LastPass, 1Password, or Bitwarden).
- Share your login without revealing the actual password.
- Set an expiration or revoke access after the task is complete.
- Monitor any usage while access is active.
Bonus Tips for Secure cPanel Access
- Avoid sharing your primary cPanel login details.
- Always use strong passwords for all accounts.
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) if available.
- Regularly check activity logs to monitor changes
Conclusion
Granting access to your cPanel doesn’t have to be a daunting process. By following these steps, you can maintain control over your website while collaborating effectively and securely. Remember, managing access responsibly is key to avoiding security breaches and ensuring the smooth functioning of your website.
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