Install WordPress from cPanel

Why install WordPress from cPanel?

WordPress is the most popular content management system (CMS) in the world. Installing it from cPanel using tools like Softaculous or QuickInstall is the fastest and easiest way, as it automates the entire installation process, including database creation.

Method 1: Using Softaculous (Recommended)

1. Access cPanel

  • Go to your cPanel panel
  • Log in with your credentials

2. Find Softaculous

On the cPanel main page, look for the "Software" or "Scripts" section and click on "Softaculous Apps Installer" or simply search for "Softaculous" in the cPanel search box.

3. Select WordPress

In Softaculous, search for "WordPress" in the applications list or use the search box. Click "Install Now".

4. Configure installation

Complete the installation form:

  • Choose domain: Select the domain where you want to install WordPress
  • In directory: Leave empty to install in root (e.g., yourdomain.com) or enter a folder (e.g., blog for yourdomain.com/blog)
  • Site name: Your website title
  • Site description: A brief description
  • Admin username: The user to access WordPress panel (don't use "admin" for security)
  • Admin password: A secure password
  • Admin email: Your email
  • Select language: Choose installation language

5. Configure database

Softaculous can create the database automatically, but you can also:

  • Use existing database: If you already created a database, select it
  • Create new database: Softaculous will create one automatically with a name based on the domain

6. Install

Review all configuration and click "Install".

Softaculous will install WordPress automatically. This may take a few minutes.

7. Access WordPress

Once installation is complete, you'll see a success message with:

  • Site URL: Your WordPress site address
  • Admin URL: Usually yourdomain.com/wp-admin
  • Access credentials: Administrator username and password

Important: Save this information in a safe place.

Method 2: Manual installation (Alternative)

If Softaculous is not available, you can install WordPress manually:

1. Download WordPress

2. Create database

  • In cPanel, create a MySQL database (see guide "Create MySQL database in cPanel")
  • Note the database name, user and password

3. Upload files

  • In cPanel, open "File Manager"
  • Navigate to the directory where you want to install WordPress (usually public_html)
  • Upload all WordPress files

4. Configure WordPress

  • Go to yourdomain.com in your browser
  • Follow the WordPress installation wizard
  • Enter database data when requested

Initial WordPress configuration

After installation, it's recommended to:

1. Change access URL

  • In WordPress, go to Settings > General
  • Verify URLs are correct

2. Configure permalinks

  • Go to Settings > Permalinks
  • Choose a friendly URL structure (recommended: "Post name")
  • Save changes

3. Install SSL/HTTPS

  • Configure an SSL certificate for your domain (see guide "Configure SSL/HTTPS in cPanel")
  • Force HTTPS in WordPress

4. Configure backups

  • Install a backup plugin like UpdraftPlus or BackupBuddy
  • Configure automatic backups

Update WordPress

To keep WordPress updated:

  • Automatic updates: WordPress updates automatically for minor versions
  • Manual updates: In WordPress panel, you'll see notifications when updates are available
  • From Softaculous: You can update WordPress from Softaculous if you installed it with that tool

Common problems

Error: "Error establishing a database connection"

  • Verify database data is correct in wp-config.php file
  • Verify database exists and user has permissions
  • Verify MySQL is running

Error: "White screen of death"

  • May be a memory problem. Increase PHP memory limit in wp-config.php: 
    define('WP_MEMORY_LIMIT', '256M');
  • Check PHP error logs
  • Deactivate recently installed plugins

Can't access wp-admin

  • Verify URL is correct
  • Clear browser cache
  • Verify files were uploaded correctly

Basic security

  • Change username: Don't use "admin" as username
  • Use secure passwords: Long and complex passwords
  • Keep WordPress updated: Install updates regularly
  • Install security plugins: Like Wordfence or iThemes Security
  • Make regular backups: Configure automatic backups
  • Limit login attempts: Use plugins to limit failed attempts

Tips

  • Use Softaculous when possible: It's faster and safer than manual installation
  • Choose a good theme: Use quality and maintained themes
  • Install only necessary plugins: Too many plugins can slow down the site
  • Optimize images: Compress images before uploading
  • Configure cache: Install a cache plugin like WP Super Cache or W3 Total Cache

Need help?

If you're having trouble installing WordPress, open a ticket from the billing.baires.host panel or contact us for support.

You can also reach us through our social media:

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