What is WHM and How to Access WHM?

WHM (Web Host Manager) is a powerful web-based server management control panel that allows administrators and resellers to manage multiple cPanel accounts on a server. It is typically used for managing web hosting environments and is a critical tool for web hosting companies and large-scale website managers. WHM is often paired with cPanel, which is the user-facing interface, while WHM is the administrative interface.

Key Features of WHM

1. Account Management:
   • Create, suspend, or terminate cPanel accounts.
   • Modify account settings like disk space, bandwidth limits, and package assignments.
2. Reseller Management:
   • WHM allows the creation of reseller accounts, enabling resellers to manage their own set of clients using cPanel.
   • Set quotas and limits for resellers and monitor their usage.
3. Server Administration:
   • Manage server resources, including memory, CPU, and disk usage.
   • Configure security settings, install SSL certificates, and manage firewalls.
   • Restart and monitor server services like Apache, MySQL, and DNS.
4. Backup and Restore:
   • Automate and configure backup schedules for cPanel accounts.
   • Restore individual accounts or the entire server from backups.
5. Email Management:
   • Configure email services, set up spam filters, and manage email queues.
   • Create email accounts and set limits for email storage.
6. DNS Management:
   • Manage DNS zones and records for all domains on the server.
   • Create, edit, and delete DNS entries to ensure proper domain resolution.

How to Access WHM?

To access WHM, you need to have the correct login credentials (username and password) and the server’s IP address or domain name where WHM is hosted. Here’s a step-by-step guide to accessing WHM:

Step 1: Obtain WHM Login Credentials

Before you can access WHM, make sure you have the following information:

• Server IP Address or Domain: This is the IP address or domain name of the server where WHM is hosted.
• WHM Username: Usually, this is root for the main server administrator, but resellers will have their own WHM username.
• WHM Password: This is the password associated with your WHM account.

If you are the owner of the server, you should have received this information when you signed up for hosting or during the server setup.

Step 2: Open a Web Browser

• Open any web browser (e.g., Chrome, Firefox, Safari).

Step 3: Enter the WHM URL

To access the WHM login page, use one of the following URLs in your browser’s address bar:

• Using the Server’s IP Address:
  • https://your-server-ip:2087/
  • Replace your-server-ip with your server’s IP address.
  • Example: https://192.168.1.1:2087/
• Using the Server’s Domain Name:
  • https://your-domain.com:2087/
  • Replace your-domain.com with the domain name associated with your server.
  • Example: https://example.com:2087/
• Alternate Access:
  • https://your-server-ip/whm
  • https://your-domain.com/whm

  These URLs will redirect you to the default WHM login port (2087).

Step 4: Ignore SSL Warnings (If Applicable)

When you try to access WHM, your browser might display an SSL certificate warning. This happens because WHM uses a self-signed SSL certificate by default. If you encounter this warning:

• Click Advanced or Proceed (depending on your browser).
• Proceed to the WHM login page.

Step 5: Enter Your WHM Username and Password

• On the WHM login page, enter your username and password.
• Click Login.

If the login credentials are correct, you will be granted access to the WHM dashboard.

WHM Dashboard Overview

Once logged into WHM, you will see the dashboard, which provides access to a variety of tools and features for managing your server. Here are some of the main sections:

• Account Functions: Manage cPanel accounts, create new accounts, change passwords, suspend/unsuspend accounts.
• Server Configuration: Configure server settings, update software, and manage DNS zones.
• Support: Access WHM documentation, contact support, or submit tickets.
• System Health: Monitor server status, view resource usage, and perform service restarts.
• Security Center: Manage security settings, including firewalls, SSH access, and password strength settings.

Troubleshooting WHM Access Issues

If you encounter issues while trying to access WHM, here are some troubleshooting tips:

1. Verify IP Address and Port: Ensure that you are using the correct IP address and port number (2087). You can also try http instead of https to see if it helps.
2. Check Firewall Settings: Make sure that port 2087 is open in the server’s firewall. If the port is blocked, you may not be able to access WHM.
3. Clear Browser Cache: Sometimes, clearing your browser’s cache and cookies can resolve login issues.
4. Reset Password: If you’ve forgotten your WHM password, you may need to reset it via SSH access or by contacting your hosting provider.
5. Contact Hosting Support: If you continue to experience issues, contact your hosting provider’s support team for further assistance.

Conclusion

WHM (Web Host Manager) is an essential tool for managing multiple cPanel accounts, resellers, and server configurations. It provides a comprehensive interface for server administrators and resellers to manage their hosting environment efficiently. By following the steps outlined above, you can easily access WHM and start managing your hosting server. Remember that WHM uses port 2087 by default, and make sure your login credentials are secure to prevent unauthorized access to your server.