> ## Knowledge Base Index > Fetch the complete knowledge base index at: https://wiki.volthosting.co.uk/sitemap.xml > Use this file to discover available pages before exploring further. > Pure-Markdown content can be obtained by appending a '.md' suffix to the content URLs listed in the sitemap (without the trailing slash). # Getting Started with cPanel Website Hosting This guide covers how to get started with your new cPanel website hosting at VoltHosting! If you have any questions during the process, please don't hesitate to [reach out to our support team](https://volthosting.co.uk/contact.html)! # Contents * [Prerequisites](#1-prerequisites) * [Logging into cPanel](#1-logging-into-cpanel) * [Connecting your Domain](#1-connecting-your-domain) * [Uploading your website files](#1-uploading-your-website-files) * [Email Deliverability](#1-email-deliverability) * [Troubleshooting](#1-troubleshooting) * [Additional Guides & Links](#1-additional-guides-links) # Prerequisites Before you get started, make sure you have the below: * You must have an active cPanel website hosting with VoltHosting * Your domain must be registered somewhere (either with VoltHosting, or a third-party registrar) * Have your cPanel login details or client area details handy --- # Logging into cPanel Before we can do anything, we need to log in to your cPanel account! There are two ways we can do this: either by using our username and password, or via SSO. ### Option 1: Username & Password 1. Open up the [VoltHosting cPanel login page](https://vh-cp02.volthosting.co.uk:2083/). 2. Enter your username and password from your cPanel welcome email, then click login. ![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/a/7/f/7/a7f74f9f83d47000/image_1ch6mxc.png) ### Option 2: One-click login via the VoltHosting client area (SSO) 1. Login to the [VoltHosting Client Area](billing.volthosting.co.uk). 2. Go to **My Services / Active Services**, select your cPanel product and click **Login to cPanel**. ![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/a/7/f/7/a7f74f9f83d47000/image_m1g4ku.png) | If you require more information or guidance on how to login to your cPanel account, see our [Logging In To cPanel](https://wiki.volthosting.co.uk/en/article/logging-in-to-cpanel-t631gj/) guide! --- # Connecting your Domain Now, we need to point your domain to VoltHosting; otherwise, your website won't be able to operate. You can either: * Point the domain **nameservers** to VoltHosting (we manage DNS), **or** * Keep using your registrar or Cloudflare and add the necessary DNS records yourself. Pick one - don’t try to do both. ### Option 1: Point nameservers to VoltHosting (easy & recommended) Change the nameservers at your domain registrar to the VoltHosting nameservers listed in your welcome email. Once the nameserver change has propagated, VoltHosting will serve your DNS and your site should resolve to the hosting automatically. You need to change your domains nameservers to the below (cPanel02 server): [`ns5.volthosting.co.uk`](https://ns5.volthosting.co.uk/) [`ns6.volthosting.co.uk`](https://ns6.volthosting.co.uk/) If you are on our **OLD **cPanel01 server, set your nameserver to the below: [`ns3.volthosting.co.uk`](https://ns3.volthosting.co.uk/) [`ns4.volthosting.co.uk`](https://ns4.volthosting.co.uk/) || If you are unsure which nameservers you need to use. Please contact us! If you have cPanel hosting with us, you'll be on our new server, and have the cPanel02 nameservers listed above. **If you are using VoltHosting as your domain registrar, you can follow our [How to change your nameservers](https://wiki.volthosting.co.uk/en/article/how-to-change-your-nameservers-1r3rxep/#2-how-to-change-your-nameservers-on-a-domain-registered-with-us) guide. ** If you are using a third-party registrar, you'll need to follow their guide to change over your nameservers. In most cases, they will have a control panel where you can manage this, you may need to contact them if you are unsure. Common third party registrars are linked below with their respective guides: * [123 Reg](https://www.123-reg.co.uk/support/domains/how-do-i-change-the-nameservers-for-my-domain-name/) * [Namecheap](https://www.namecheap.com/support/knowledgebase/article.aspx/767/10/how-to-change-dns-for-a-domain/) * [IONOS](https://www.ionos.co.uk/help/domains/using-your-own-name-servers/using-your-own-name-servers-for-a-domain/) * [GoDaddy](https://www.godaddy.com/en-uk/help/edit-my-domain-nameservers-664) ### Option 2: Keep external DNS (such as CloudFlare) If you keep DNS at Cloudflare (or another provider), add these records to make your website & mail work: | Type | Name | Value / Target | Notes | | ---- | | A | @ (example.com) | `` | Site root - can be proxied (orange cloud) if you want Cloudflare caching. | | A | www | `` or use CNAME to @ | If you use a CNAME, Cloudflare will manage it. | | A | mail | `` | **IMPORTANT:** set this record to **DNS only** (grey cloud). | | MX | @ | `mail.example.com` | Ensure MX points to an un-proxied hostname (like `mail.example.com`). | | TXT | @ | SPF record suggested by cPanel | Adds SPF - see Email Deliverability in cPanel. | | TXT | default._domainkey | DKIM value from cPanel | DKIM improves email deliverability. | ||| If you want to add any subdomains, or other services on cPanel. You will need to create the relevent DNS records with your external DNS provider if you do not use the first option (our nameservers), **__we highly recommend that customers use our nameservers__** for simplicity. To find your server's IP address, you can go to the cPanel dashboard, and you'll see a value called `Shared IP Address` under the `General Information` section ![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/a/7/f/7/a7f74f9f83d47000/vfxmmdfzpwy2stxz84rdtqubpyf39d_1jnnd0g.png) ###### Quick CloudFlare Rules | Rule | Why | | ---- | | Set **mail** A record and any mail MX targets to **DNS only** (grey cloud) | Cloudflare’s proxy (orange cloud) does NOT proxy mail ports - if mail records are proxied mail will fail. | | MX must point to a hostname (eg. `mail.example.com`) - not an IP | Keeps MX clear and manageable. | | Use cPanel’s **Email Deliverability** tool to get SPF & DKIM entries | This prevents common delivery problems. | When adding the Email Deliverability rules, you can find these values on the cPanel dashboard, under `Email Deliverability`. ![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/a/7/f/7/a7f74f9f83d47000/yclkqptzozhzmy8tufl5ncqabtxitl_guk4fk.png) | If you want Cloudflare protection for your website but host mail on the same server, exposing the mail A record is normal. If you need IP privacy for mail, contact us and we can provide you with advanced email protection services. --- # Uploading your website files You can upload your site via File Manager (browser) or FTP / FTPS (client). Use the `public_html` folder for your primary domain. ### File Manager (quick) 1. Login to cPanel → **Files → File Manager**. 2. Open the `public_html` folder (or the add-on domain folder shown in cPanel). 3. Click **Upload** and select files or a ZIP. If you upload a ZIP, right-click → **Extract** once uploaded. ![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/a/7/f/7/a7f74f9f83d47000/qbfzw0s7i2p8ltcoooizu7s18lien9_17mbqdj.png) || You cannot upload folders via File Manager, you must first create an archive (ZIP) of your folder on your computer, and then upload it! ### FTP / FTPS (recommended for larger sites) 1. In cPanel → **Files → FTP Accounts**, create a new FTP user (set the directory and password). ![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/a/7/f/7/a7f74f9f83d47000/epjjcjkjv2i2rmkudngxka4e3we8ug_1bq4ejf.png) ![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/a/7/f/7/a7f74f9f83d47000/tfacxv3nzwrnkipvqtz01yvlop0scs_rqw5f7.png) 2. Use an FTP client (FileZilla, WinSCP, Cyberduck). Typical settings: ``` Host: vh-cp02.volthosting.co.uk (or your server host shown in cPanel) Protocol: SFTP (recommended) Port: 21 (or the port cPanel shows) Username: ftpuser@example.com Password: ``` 3. Upload to the `public_html` (or the add-on domain folder). || If you require further assistance, please check our [How to FTP into a cPanel Account](/en/article/how-to-ftp-into-a-cpanel-account-1e08krv/) guide. --- # Email Deliverability To prevent your outgoing email being marked as spam, set up SPF and DKIM: 1. Go to cPanel → **Email → Email Deliverability**. 2. Run the install recommended records. ![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/a/7/f/7/a7f74f9f83d47000/osfuopa670cldvxnrm4foane6hgndo_11xuhe.png) 3. If you are using an external DNS provider, copy any TXT values cPanel provides into your DNS provider. --- # Troubleshooting * **Site shows default page**: files in wrong folder. Check `public_html` (or the add-on domain folder). * **Changes not appearing**: clear Cloudflare cache (if applicable), then clear browser cache. * **Email not delivered**: confirm MX, `mail` A record, SPF & DKIM are present. Use cPanel Email Deliverability to check. * **FTP fails**: check hostname, username, password, and use SFTP - Check our [How to FTP into a cPanel Account](https://wiki.volthosting.co.uk/en/article/how-to-ftp-into-a-cpanel-account-1e08krv/) guide. * If you need any further assistance, [please contact our support team](https://volthosting.co.uk/contact.html)! We are here to help! --- # Additional Guides & Links * [Logging In To cPanel](/en/article/logging-in-to-cpanel-t631gj/) * [How to change your nameservers](/en/article/how-to-change-your-nameservers-1r3rxep/) * [How to FTP into a cPanel Account](/en/article/how-to-ftp-into-a-cpanel-account-1e08krv/) * [How to change cPanel & Plesk file and directory permissions](/en/article/how-to-change-cpanel-plesk-file-and-directory-permissions-l04w9o/) * [VoltHosting Support](https://volthosting.co.uk/contact.html)