Skip to content

How to Install WordPress using Softaculous in cPanel

You are here: Home / kb / How to Install WordPress using Softaculous in cPanel

Knowledgebase Guide

How to Install WordPress Using Softaculous

WordPress is one of the most popular website platforms available and is widely used for business websites,
blogs, portfolios and online shops. This guide explains how to install WordPress quickly using Softaculous
from inside cPanel.

Before you start: You will need access to your hosting control panel. Your login details can be found in your
New Account Information email, or you can usually log in via the Cheap Host client area.

Step 1: Log in to cPanel

First, log in to cPanel. This can usually be done directly using your hosting control panel URL, or from inside the
Cheap Host client area.

  1. Log in to your Cheap Host client area.
  2. Go to Services.
  3. Select your hosting service.
  4. Use the available option to log in to cPanel.

You can also log in directly using the hosting control panel URL provided in your welcome email.

Step 2: Open Softaculous

Once logged in to cPanel, scroll down to the Software section and open
Softaculous Apps Installer.

Choose Softaculous Apps Installer in cPanel
  1. Find the Software section in cPanel.
  2. Click Softaculous Apps Installer.
  3. Find WordPress.
  4. Click Install.

Step 3: Choose the WordPress Installation URL

You will now be taken to the WordPress installation screen. The first important option is the installation URL.

Softaculous WordPress installation screen

Under Software Setup, choose where WordPress should be installed.

ProtocolChoose https:// if SSL is already active on the domain.
DomainSelect the domain or subdomain where WordPress should be installed.
DirectoryLeave this blank if you want WordPress installed on the main domain, for example yourdomain.com.

Tip: If you enter something in the directory field, WordPress will install into a subfolder.
For example, entering blog would install WordPress at yourdomain.com/blog.

Step 4: Add Your Site Details

Under Site Settings, you can add your website name and description. These can also be changed later
from inside the WordPress dashboard.

Site NameThe name of your website or business.
Site DescriptionA short description or tagline for your website.

Step 5: Set a Secure Admin Login

The admin username and password are very important. For security, do not use simple usernames such as
admin, administrator or your domain name.

  1. Choose a unique admin username.
  2. Use a strong password.
  3. Use the password generator if available.
  4. Enter an email address you can access.
Important: Keep your WordPress admin details safe. Anyone with access to these details can log in and manage your website.

Step 6: Choose Plugins and Options

Softaculous may offer optional plugins during installation. The available options can vary depending on the server and
Softaculous version.

You can choose any recommended plugins you want to use, or skip this step and install plugins manually later from inside WordPress.

At the bottom of the installation page, there is usually an option to email the installation details to yourself.
We recommend doing this so you have a record of the installation.

Step 7: Install WordPress

Once you have checked the installation settings, click Install. Softaculous will now create the database,
upload the WordPress files and configure the installation automatically.

After the installation has completed, Softaculous will show your website URL and WordPress admin login URL.

Tip: Your WordPress admin area is usually available at yourdomain.com/wp-admin,
unless you later change the login URL using a security plugin.

Recommended WordPress Security Plugins

Once WordPress has been installed and you have logged in to the dashboard, we recommend adding some basic security protection.

  1. Log in to your WordPress dashboard.
  2. Go to Plugins.
  3. Select Add New.
  4. Search for the plugin you want to install.
  5. Click Install Now.
  6. Click Activate.

Limit Login Attempts Reloaded

This plugin helps protect your website against brute force login attempts by limiting how many failed login attempts
can be made before a temporary lockout is applied.

Limit Login Attempts Reloaded WordPress plugin

WPS Hide Login

This plugin allows you to change the standard WordPress login URL from /wp-admin to something different.
This can add an extra layer of protection by reducing automated login attempts.

WPS Hide Login WordPress plugin

After Installing WordPress

Once WordPress has been installed, you may want to complete a few extra steps before launching your website.

  • Check that your SSL certificate is active and the website loads using HTTPS.
  • Choose and install a suitable WordPress theme.
  • Install only the plugins you need.
  • Remove unused themes and plugins.
  • Set strong passwords for all admin users.
  • Keep WordPress, themes and plugins updated.

Need Help Installing WordPress?

If you are unsure how to install WordPress using Softaculous, please sign in to your hosting account and open a support ticket.
Our team will be happy to help.


Open Support Ticket