In this article · 14 sections
- How to log in
- 1. File Manager
- 2. Email accounts
- 3. Databases (MySQL) and phpMyAdmin
- 4. SSL certificate (HTTPS)
- 5. Backups
- 6. Domains and DNS
- 7. PHP version and settings
- 8. Cron jobs
- 9. Security tools
- 10. Resource usage and error logs
- cPanel vs hPanel at a glance
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the difference between cPanel and hosting?
- Can I break my website from cPanel?
- Why does Hostinger not use cPanel?
- How often should I back up my website?
- Prefer someone else to manage it?
When you buy shared web hosting in India, you get a control panel — a web dashboard to manage your website files, emails, databases, domains and security. The most common one worldwide is cPanel. Hostinger, one of the most popular hosts in India, uses its own panel called hPanel. They look different but do the same jobs. This guide covers both, so you can find your way around whichever you have.
How to log in
- cPanel: usually
yourdomain.com/cpaneloryourdomain.com:2083, or via your host's client area. - hPanel: log in at hostinger.in (or hostinger.com) → Websites → choose your site → Dashboard.
Enable two-factor authentication on your hosting account. Anyone with this login controls your website and email.
1. File Manager
This is where your website lives. The main folder is public_html — files placed here appear at your domain. Use File Manager to upload files, edit small code changes, extract ZIP files and set permissions.
Safe practice: before editing any file, download a copy or duplicate it (e.g. header.php.bak). Never delete folders you do not recognise — .htaccess, .well-known and similar files are important even if they look empty.
2. Email accounts
Create professional addresses like [email protected]. You can read mail in the webmail interface or connect it to Gmail/Outlook on your phone using the IMAP/SMTP settings shown in the panel. Set a strong password for each mailbox — hacked mailboxes are often used for spam and can get your domain blacklisted.
3. Databases (MySQL) and phpMyAdmin
Dynamic websites (WordPress, PHP sites with admin panels) store content in a MySQL/MariaDB database. In the panel you can:
- create a database and a database user, and give the user access;
- open phpMyAdmin to view tables, export a backup (Export → SQL) or import one.
Careful: "Drop" and "Empty" in phpMyAdmin delete data permanently. Export a backup before any change.
4. SSL certificate (HTTPS)
Most hosts include free SSL (Let's Encrypt or similar). In cPanel look for "SSL/TLS Status" or "AutoSSL"; in hPanel go to Security → SSL. After SSL is active, make sure your site redirects all http:// traffic to https://. Read why every website needs HTTPS.
5. Backups
Most shared plans take automatic backups, but frequency and how long they are kept vary. Learn where to find them (cPanel: Backup / JetBackup; hPanel: Files → Backups) and practise restoring one file. Also keep your own copy: download the files and a database export at least monthly, and before every major update. Our website backup guide explains a full routine.
6. Domains and DNS
Here you add addon domains, subdomains (like blog.yourdomain.com) and manage DNS records:
- A record — points your domain to the server IP.
- CNAME — points a subdomain to another domain.
- MX — tells the internet where to deliver your email.
- TXT — used for Google Search Console verification, SPF/DKIM/DMARC email security.
Wrong DNS changes can take your site or email offline, so note the old value before editing.
7. PHP version and settings
Older PHP versions are slower and no longer receive security updates. Use the latest version your website supports (cPanel: "Select PHP Version" or "MultiPHP Manager"; hPanel: Advanced → PHP Configuration). Test the site after changing — very old code may need small fixes to run on newer PHP.
8. Cron jobs
Cron jobs run scripts on a schedule — sending reminder emails, generating sitemaps, clearing caches. Only add cron jobs you understand; a badly written one can overload the server.
9. Security tools
- Password-protect admin folders (Directory Privacy).
- Block abusive IPs.
- Use the malware scanner if your host provides one.
- Delete old test, debug and backup files from
public_html— they are a common way websites get hacked.
10. Resource usage and error logs
If your site becomes slow or shows "508 Resource Limit Reached", check CPU and memory usage in the panel. Error logs show PHP errors that help a developer fix problems quickly.
cPanel vs hPanel at a glance
| Task | cPanel | Hostinger hPanel |
|---|---|---|
| Files | Files → File Manager | Files → File Manager |
| Email → Email Accounts | Emails → Email Accounts | |
| Database | Databases → MySQL / phpMyAdmin | Databases → Management / phpMyAdmin |
| SSL | Security → SSL/TLS Status | Security → SSL |
| Backups | Files → Backup | Files → Backups |
| DNS | Domains → Zone Editor | Domains → DNS / Nameservers |
| PHP version | Software → Select PHP Version | Advanced → PHP Configuration |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between cPanel and hosting?
Hosting is the server space where your website lives; cPanel (or hPanel) is the dashboard used to manage that space.
Can I break my website from cPanel?
Yes — deleting files, changing DNS or dropping database tables can take a site offline. Always back up before changes, or ask your developer.
Why does Hostinger not use cPanel?
Hostinger built hPanel as its own simpler control panel. It provides the same core features — files, email, databases, SSL, backups and DNS.
How often should I back up my website?
For a site that changes often (blog, bookings, e-commerce), take a weekly or daily backup. For a small static site, monthly plus before every update is usually enough.
Prefer someone else to manage it?
Joboo Web offers managed hosting with SSL, backups, updates and support from people who answer on WhatsApp. See our web hosting plans or ask for website maintenance.
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