How to Install WordPress from cPanel (Softaculous)

Before you start

• Your domain points to your hosting (DNS updated).
• You can log in to cPanel (details from your AppyHost welcome email).

Step 1 — Log in to cPanel

1. Go to your cPanel login URL (from your AppyHost welcome email).
2. Enter your Username and Password, then click Log in.

Step 2 — Open Softaculous App Installer

1. In cPanel, scroll to the Software section.
2. Click Softaculous Apps Installer (or WordPress Manager by Softaculous).

Step 3 — Choose WordPress

1. In Softaculous, click WordPress.
2. Click Install (or Install Now).

Step 4 — Installation URL & Protocol

1. Choose Installation URL
   • Protocol: Select https:// if your SSL is already active; otherwise http:// (you can enable SSL after).
   • Domain: Pick the domain/subdomain to install on.
   • In Directory:
     • Leave blank to install on the root (e.g., yourdomain.co.za).
     • Enter a folder name (e.g., blog) to install at yourdomain.co.za/blog.

Step 5 — Site Settings

1. Site Name: Your website/brand name (can change later).
2. Site Description: Short tagline (optional).
3. Disable Multisite (WPMU): Leave unchecked (unless you know you need multisite).

Step 6 — Admin Account

1. Admin Username: Avoid “admin”; use something unique (e.g., owner_meeshan).
2. Admin Password: Use a strong password (at least 12 chars).
3. Admin Email: A working email you check often (for password resets).

Step 7 — Language & Plugins

1. Select Language: Choose your preferred language (usually English).
2. Plugins (optional): You can tick Loginizer / Limit Login Attempts for basic brute-force protection (optional).

Step 8 — Advanced Options (Recommended)

1. Database Name / Table Prefix: Leave defaults or customise (keep it short, no spaces).
2. Auto Upgrade:
   • WordPress: Enable Auto Upgrade (recommended).
   • Plugins/Themes: Optional—enable if you prefer automated updates.
3. Backup Location & Frequency: If available, choose a schedule (weekly/monthly).

Step 9 — Select Theme (Optional)

• You can pick a starter theme now or leave it for later.

Step 10 — Install

1. Click Install.
2. Wait for the progress bar to complete.
3. You’ll see the success screen with:
   • Administrative URL (e.g., https://yourdomain.co.za/wp-admin)
   • Public URL (your site front-end)

Step 11 — First Login to WordPress

1. Open the Administrative URL (e.g., /wp-admin).
2. Log in with the Admin Username & Password you set in Step 6.

Optional) Step 12 — Enable Free SSL (If not already active)

• In cPanel, open SSL/TLS Status (or Let’s Encrypt/AutoSSL if available).
• Ensure your domain has a valid certificate, then re-run the site on https://.

(Optional) Step 13 — Set Pretty Permalinks

1. In WordPress Dashboard, go to Settings → Permalinks.
2. Choose Post name → Save Changes.

Quick Troubleshooting

• I don’t see Softaculous:
  Use Site Software or contact AppyHost Support to enable it.
• SSL not showing / browser says “Not Secure”:
  Wait up to 15 minutes after issuing AutoSSL, then revisit with https:// and clear cache.
• Installed in wrong folder:
  Remove the installation in Softaculous (WordPress → All Installations → Remove), then reinstall in the correct location (leave In Directory blank for root).
• Login not working:
  Use Lost your password? on /wp-login.php to reset via Admin Email.