How to Get Started with ApnCloud Shared Hosting
Welcome to ApnCloud Shared Hosting. This guide will help you understand the basic steps required to start using your hosting account, access the control panel, upload your website, create databases, configure email accounts, and secure your website.
1. Check Your Hosting Activation Email
After your Shared Hosting order is activated, ApnCloud may send important hosting information to your registered email address.
The activation email may include details such as:
- Hosting account information
- Control panel login details
- Server information
- Nameservers
- Username
- Other important setup information
Keep this email secure and do not share your hosting password with anyone.
2. Log In to Your ApnCloud Client Area
Log in to the ApnCloud Client Area using your registered email address and password.
From the Client Area, you can view and manage your Shared Hosting service, billing information, invoices, support tickets, and other account-related options.
Open your active Shared Hosting service to view the available management options.
3. Access DirectAdmin
ApnCloud Shared Hosting uses DirectAdmin as the hosting control panel.
From DirectAdmin, you can manage most parts of your hosting account, including:
- Website files
- Domains and subdomains
- Email accounts
- MySQL databases
- SSL certificates
- DNS records
- Backups
- FTP accounts
- PHP settings
Use the login information provided with your hosting service to access DirectAdmin.
4. Point Your Domain to ApnCloud
Before your website can load from your hosting account, your domain must point to the correct ApnCloud server.
You may need to update your domain's nameservers using the nameserver information provided with your hosting account.
After changing nameservers, DNS changes may take some time to propagate across the internet.
5. Upload Your Website
You can upload your website files using the DirectAdmin File Manager or an FTP client.
For the primary domain, website files are normally placed inside the appropriate website directory shown in DirectAdmin.
Make sure your website's main file, such as index.php or index.html, is uploaded to the correct directory.
6. Install WordPress or Other Applications
If you want to create a WordPress website, you can use Softaculous from DirectAdmin where available.
Softaculous makes it easier to install supported web applications without manually uploading all application files.
When installing WordPress, carefully select:
- Domain
- Website directory
- Administrator username
- Strong password
- Administrator email
- Website name
Always keep your WordPress installation, themes, and plugins updated.
7. Create a MySQL Database
Websites such as WordPress, online stores, forums, and many PHP applications require a database.
You can create and manage MySQL databases from DirectAdmin.
Keep your database username and password secure and only provide database access to trusted applications.
8. Create Your Email Accounts
Depending on your Shared Hosting plan, you may be able to create email addresses using your domain name.
For example:
You can manage the available email features from your hosting control panel.
9. Enable SSL for Your Website
SSL helps protect data transferred between your website and its visitors.
If SSL is available for your domain, enable the certificate from your hosting control panel and configure your website to use:
https://
After enabling SSL, verify that your website loads correctly over HTTPS.
10. Create Regular Backups
Backups are important for protecting your website files, databases, and other important data.
Even when backup features are available, you should maintain your own recent backup of important website data whenever possible.
Download important backups to a secure location outside your hosting account.
11. Keep Your Website Secure
Use strong passwords for your:
- ApnCloud account
- DirectAdmin account
- Email accounts
- Database users
- WordPress administrator account
- FTP accounts
Keep your website software updated and avoid installing unknown or untrusted themes, plugins, or scripts.
Need Help?
If you experience any problems while setting up your ApnCloud Shared Hosting account, please open a Support Ticket from your ApnCloud Client Area.
When contacting support, include your domain name and a clear description of the issue. For security reasons, never send sensitive passwords in a support ticket.
