WHM (Web Host Manager) and cPanel are widely used web hosting control panels that allow users to manage their web hosting accounts and websites. However, users may encounter login problems from time to time. This knowledge base aims to provide troubleshooting steps for common WHM/cPanel login issues.

Table of Contents

1. Incorrect Credentials

   • 1.1. Forgotten Password

   • 1.2. Incorrect Username

2. Firewall and IP Blocking

   • 2.1. Configuring Firewall Rules

   • 2.2. Checking IP Blocking

3. SSL Issues

   • 3.1. Expired SSL Certificate

   • 3.2. SSL Mismatch

4. Browser Cache and Cookies

   • 4.1. Clearing Browser Cache

   • 4.2. Managing Cookies

5. Server or Network Issues

   • 5.1. Server Downtime

   • 5.2. Network Connectivity

6. Security Settings

   • 6.1. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

   • 6.2. IP Whitelisting

7. cPHulk Brute Force Protection

   • 7.1. Unlocking the Account

8. PHP Session Issues

   • 8.1. Session Timeout

   • 8.2. Session Path Configuration

9. File Permission Problems

   • 9.1. Correcting File Permissions

10. cPanel Proxy Subdomains

    • 10.1. Checking Proxy Subdomains

1. Incorrect Credentials

1.1. Forgotten Password

If you've forgotten your password:

1. Navigate to the login page.

2. Click on the "Forgot your password?" link.

3. Follow the instructions to reset your password.

1.2. Incorrect Username

Ensure that you're using the correct username provided by your hosting provider. Double-check for any typos or case sensitivity issues.

2. Firewall and IP Blocking

2.1. Configuring Firewall Rules

If you're unable to access WHM due to firewall restrictions:

1. Access your hosting provider's dashboard.

2. Navigate to the firewall or security settings.

3. Add the necessary rules to allow access to WHM (port 2087).

2.2. Checking IP Blocking

Verify if your IP address has been blocked. Contact your hosting provider or server administrator to unblock your IP address.

3. SSL Issues

3.1. Expired SSL Certificate

If the SSL certificate has expired:

1. Contact your hosting provider to renew the SSL certificate.

2. In the meantime, you can bypass SSL warnings by typing https:// before your server's IP address.

3.2. SSL Mismatch

Ensure that the domain you're using matches the SSL certificate. If they don't match, update the domain or request a new SSL certificate.

4. Browser Cache and Cookies

4.1. Clearing Browser Cache

Clear your browser's cache to ensure you're not using outdated data:

1. Open your browser's settings.

2. Find the option to clear browsing data.

3. Select "Cached images and files" and click "Clear data".

4.2. Managing Cookies

Cookies can sometimes cause login issues. Try:

1. Clearing cookies related to your domain.

2. Ensuring that cookies are enabled in your browser settings.

5. Server or Network Issues

5.1. Server Downtime

Check if your server is experiencing downtime or maintenance. Contact your hosting provider for updates.

5.2. Network Connectivity

Ensure you have a stable internet connection. Try accessing WHM from a different network or device.

6. Security Settings

6.1. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

If 2FA is enabled:

1. Enter your username and password.

2. Provide the authentication code from your 2FA app.

6.2. IP Whitelisting

Verify that your IP address is whitelisted in the server's security settings to allow access.

7. cPHulk Brute Force Protection

7.1. Unlocking the Account

If your account is locked due to cPHulk:

1. Log in to WHM as the root user.

2. Go to Security Center > cPHulk Brute Force Protection.

3. Find your IP and click "Unblock".

8. PHP Session Issues

8.1. Session Timeout

Extend the session timeout period by modifying PHP settings. Contact your hosting provider or server administrator for assistance.

8.2. Session Path Configuration

Ensure that PHP sessions are configured correctly. Verify that the session save path is writable.

9. File Permission Problems

Check file permissions for any incorrect settings:

1. Connect to your server via SSH.

2. Navigate to the appropriate directory.

3. Correct permissions using the chmod command.

10. cPanel Proxy Subdomains

10.1. Checking Proxy Subdomains

Verify that the cPanel proxy subdomains are correctly set up:

1. Log in to WHM as the root user.

2. Go to Server Configuration > Tweak Settings.

3. Ensure that "Proxy Subdomains" is enabled.

This knowledge base provides comprehensive troubleshooting steps for common WHM/cPanel login issues. If problems persist, contact your hosting provider or server administrator for further assistance.