How To Install cPanel For Free: Simple Hack

If you are trying to install cPanel for free this comprehensive guide is for you.

You’ll be able to set up cPanel without incurring any costs. 

cPanel is a powerful tool that simplifies website management, making it an attractive option for individuals and small businesses looking to establish an online presence. 

In this article, we will explore the steps necessary to install cPanel for free, ensuring that you have the knowledge and resources to get your website up and running efficiently.

Understanding cPanel

cPanel is a popular web hosting control panel that provides a comprehensive set of tools and features to simplify website management. 

It offers an intuitive graphical user interface (GUI) that makes it easy for both beginners and experienced users to perform various tasks.

These tasks could go from installing content management systems to managing email accounts and databases.

Some of the key benefits of using cPanel include:

Ease of use: cPanel’s user-friendly interface allows users to easily navigate and perform tasks without extensive technical knowledge.

Comprehensive feature set: cPanel offers a wide range of features that cover all aspects of website management.

This includes file management, database management, domain management, email management, and security.

Automation and customization: cPanel allows users to automate tasks and customize the interface to suit their needs.

Scalability: cPanel can handle websites of all sizes, from small personal blogs to large e-commerce sites.

Security: cPanel includes various security features to protect websites and servers from threats.

Reliability: cPanel is a well-established platform with a proven track record of stability and performance.

cPanel Pricing

Normally, cPanel requires a paid license to use its full set of features and functionality.

While cPanel does offer a 15-day free trial, it is not a permanent free solution. 

After the trial period expires, users must purchase a license to continue using cPanel without interruptions. 

The trial version provides access to most features available in the full version, allowing users to thoroughly test and evaluate the product before committing to a purchase.

cPanel licenses are not free due to the extensive development and maintenance costs involved in creating and supporting such a comprehensive platform. 

The pricing model is based on factors such as the number of accounts hosted on the server and the type of server (VPS or Dedicated).

It’s important to note that while cPanel itself is not free, there is an option of getting it for free through shared hosting.

The Only Way to Get cPanel for Free

If you need cPanel for managing your shared hosting, there’s really just one way to get it for free—by purchasing shared hosting that includes cPanel at no extra cost. 

While cPanel itself is not available for free, there are shared hosting plans that include cPanel at no additional cost. 

Many web hosting providers bundle cPanel with their shared hosting packages as a value-added service for customers.

When you sign up for a shared hosting plan that includes cPanel, you get access to the full suite of cPanel features and tools for managing your website and server. 

One good example is Truehost.com with very affordable plans and cPanel comes in the silver, Gold and Platinum packages.

This typically includes:

1. An intuitive graphical user interface (GUI) for easy management of your hosting account.

2. Tools for managing domains, email accounts, databases, and files.

3. One-click installers for popular content management systems like WordPress, Joomla, and Drupal.

4. Security features like password-protected directories and IP address denylisting.

5. Backup and restore functionality.

6.  Detailed usage statistics and logs.

By bundling cPanel with their shared hosting plans, hosting companies make it more affordable for small businesses and individuals to access the powerful features of cPanel. 

Instead of paying for a separate cPanel license, customers can get it included in their hosting plan at no extra cost.

However, it’s important to note that while cPanel may be included for free with a shared hosting plan, the hosting plan itself is not free. 

You will still need to pay for the hosting service, which can vary in price depending on the hosting provider, plan features, and resources included.

Steps to Install cPanel for Free Through Shared Hosting

#1. Research Hosting Providers

When looking for a hosting provider that offers free cPanel, consider the following criteria:

Reputation: Choose a provider with positive customer reviews and a solid track record in the industry.

Support: Ensure the provider offers reliable customer support, including live chat, email, or phone support.

Uptime Guarantee: Look for a hosting company that guarantees high uptime (99.9% or better) to ensure your website remains accessible.

Features: Evaluate the features included in the hosting plan, such as storage, bandwidth, and additional tools.

Pricing: Compare the pricing structure, including any hidden fees or renewal costs.

Reputable hosting companies that offer free cPanel with their shared hosting plans include:

TrueHost: Offers a range of shared hosting plans that include cPanel at no extra cost, along with a free domain for the first year.

HostAfrica: Bundles cPanel with its shared hosting plans, providing features like free SSL and website migrations.

FreeHosting.com: Provides free hosting services that include cPanel, making it accessible for individuals and small businesses.

#2. Compare Hosting Plans

Comparing features, prices, and customer reviews is crucial when selecting a hosting plan. 

Here’s what to consider:

Storage and Bandwidth: Ensure the plan offers sufficient resources for your website’s needs.

Email Accounts: Check how many email accounts are included and whether they meet your requirements.

Security Features: Look for plans that include SSL certificates, backups, and malware protection.

Customer Reviews: Read reviews to gauge the experiences of other users regarding performance and support.

#3. Select the Best Plan

To choose the best plan that meets your needs and includes cPanel, follow these steps:

Assess Your Needs: Determine the type of website you want to build (e.g., personal blog, business site) and the resources required.

Check for Special Offers: Look for promotions or discounts that hosting providers may offer, such as reduced prices for the first year or bundled services.

Compare Plans: Evaluate different plans from various providers, focusing on features that align with your website goals.

Below is a detailed comparison of TrueHost, HostAfrica, and FreeHosting.com.

#4. Sign Up and Set Up Your Account

Once you’ve selected a hosting plan, follow these steps to sign up:

Visit the Hosting Provider’s Website: Navigate to TrueHost or your chosen provider’s site.

Select Your Plan: Choose the shared hosting plan that includes cPanel.

Create an Account: Fill in the necessary information, including your email address and payment details.

Register a Domain: If applicable, register a new domain or use an existing one.

After signing up, you will receive confirmation and instructions to set up your account.

#5. Access and Use cPanel

To access cPanel and begin managing your website, follow these steps:

Log In to cPanel: Go to your hosting provider’s cPanel login URL (often something like yourdomain.com/cpanel) and enter your credentials.

Initial Configuration: Upon logging in, you may be prompted to complete initial setup steps, such as setting up email accounts or configuring domain settings.

Explore cPanel Features: Familiarize yourself with the cPanel dashboard, where you can manage files, databases, email accounts, and security settings.

Benefits of Using cPanel with Shared Hosting

Using cPanel with your shared hosting plan brings a ton of perks that make managing your website a breeze. 

Let’s dive into the key benefits:

Ease of Use

cPanel’s user-friendly interface is perfect for everyone, even if you’re not a tech whiz. 

With its intuitive graphical user interface (GUI), tasks like uploading files, managing domains, and setting up email accounts are straightforward. 

Plus, one-click installations for apps like WordPress make launching your site quick and easy.

Reliability

cPanel is renowned for its stability and reliability, ensuring your website stays up and running smoothly. 

Hosting providers that offer cPanel usually have strong infrastructure and support, which is essential for keeping your site performing at its best.

Range of Features

Email Management: Easily create and manage email accounts, set up forwarding, and handle spam filters.

File Management: Upload, edit, and organize your website files effortlessly.

Database Management: Manage databases with tools like phpMyAdmin for dynamic websites.

Security Features: Access options for SSL certificates, IP blocking, and other security measures to keep your site safe.

Backup and Restore: Create and restore backups of your website data to protect against data loss.

Tips for Making the Most of cPanel

Now that you have learned how to install cPanel for free, let’s use it to enhance your website management experience. 

Here are some tips and tricks to help you maximize your use of cPanel:

1. Familiarize Yourself with the Dashboard

Spend some time exploring the cPanel dashboard. 

Understanding where various features are located will save you time in the long run. 

Key areas to focus on include:

File Management: Learn how to upload, edit, and manage files using the File Manager.

Email Accounts: Set up and manage email accounts and filters to streamline your communication.

Backup Options: Utilize the backup and restoration features to ensure your data is safe.

2. Utilize the Backup/Restoration Feature

Always have a backup plan in place. 

Use cPanel’s backup feature to create regular backups of your website. 

This ensures that you can quickly restore your site in case of data loss or corruption. 

Consider scheduling backups to occur automatically at regular intervals for added convenience.

3. Explore Security Features

cPanel offers various security tools, such as SSL certificate installation, IP blocking, and password-protected directories. 

Make sure to take advantage of these features to protect your website from unauthorized access and potential threats.

4. Manage DNS Settings

Familiarize yourself with the DNS Zone Manager in cPanel. 

This tool allows you to create and edit DNS records, which is essential for managing domain settings, email routing, and SSL certificate verification. 

Understanding how to use this feature can help streamline your website’s functionality.

5. Use the One-Click Installers

cPanel provides one-click installers for popular applications like WordPress, Joomla, and Drupal. 

Take advantage of these tools to quickly set up your website without needing extensive technical knowledge.

6. Monitor Resource Usage

Keep an eye on your website’s resource usage through the metrics tools available in cPanel. 

Monitoring bandwidth, disk space, and other resources can help you manage your hosting plan effectively and avoid unexpected overage charges.

7. Access cPanel Documentation and Resources

To further enhance your understanding of cPanel, utilize the following resources:

cPanel Documentation: The official cPanel documentation provides comprehensive guides and tutorials on all features and functionalities. 

Access it at cPanel Documentation.

Video Tutorials: Many hosting providers offer video tutorials that walk you through various cPanel features. 

Check your hosting provider’s support section for these resources.

Community Forums: Engage with the cPanel community through forums and discussion boards where you can ask questions and share tips with other users.

Conclusion

So, here’s the deal: you can install cPanel for free by choosing a shared hosting plan that includes it. 

Hosting providers like Truehost.com bundle cPanel with their packages, making it easy and affordable to install and use cPanel’s features for free.

By following the steps in this article, you can confidently obtain cPanel through a shared hosting plan and use it to manage your website efficiently. 

Remember, while cPanel itself isn’t free, many hosting providers offer it to install at no extra cost with their shared hosting plans.

Happy hosting!