How To Install WordPress on cPanel 2026

WordPress installation on cPanel is straightforward if done correctly. This guide covers the clean, manual way — no bloated auto-installers, no hidden configs, no shortcuts that break later.

Step 1: Log in to cPanel

Access cPanel using:

https://your-domain.com:2083

or the URL provided by your hosting provider.

Step 2: Create a Database and User

Go to MySQL® Databases.

Create a database:

Database Name: wp_db

Create a database user:

Username: wp_user
Password: use a strong password

Assign the user to the database and grant ALL PRIVILEGES.

Step 3: Download WordPress

Go to File Manager → public_html.

Download WordPress:

wget https://wordpress.org/latest.zip

Extract it:

unzip latest.zip

Move files to root (if needed):

mv wordpress/* .
rm -rf wordpress latest.zip

Step 4: Set Correct File Permissions

In File Manager or via terminal:

find . -type d -exec chmod 755 {} \;
find . -type f -exec chmod 644 {} \;

This prevents permission-related issues later.

Step 5: Configure wp-config.php

Rename config file:

cp wp-config-sample.php wp-config.php

Edit it and set database details:

define('DB_NAME', 'wp_db');
define('DB_USER', 'wp_user');
define('DB_PASSWORD', 'your_password');
define('DB_HOST', 'localhost');

Generate security keys from:

https://api.wordpress.org/secret-key/1.1/salt/

Paste them into wp-config.php.

Step 6: Run the WordPress Installer

Open your site in a browser:

https://your-domain.com

Fill in:

Site title
Admin username (not admin)
Strong password
Admin email

Click Install WordPress.

Step 7: Enable HTTPS (Mandatory)

Go to SSL/TLS Status in cPanel.

Install a free Let’s Encrypt SSL certificate.

Then update WordPress URLs:

Settings → General
Change both URLs to https://

Step 8: Basic Post-Install Hardening

Delete default plugins and themes you don’t use.

Disable file editing:

define('DISALLOW_FILE_EDIT', true);

(Optional) Force HTTPS:

define('FORCE_SSL_ADMIN', true);

If you rely only on auto-installers, you won’t understand your WordPress setup when something breaks. Manual installation takes 5 minutes longer — and saves hours later when you actually need control.