Control Panels

How to Use Softaculous in cPanel: Install, Update, Back Up and Remove Apps

Installing web applications doesn’t have to be complicated. Learn how UnderHost’s cPanel with Softaculous makes it easy to deploy WordPress, Joomla, and over 400 other apps with just a few clicks.

Short answer: Softaculous is the one-click app installer in cPanel. Open Software > Softaculous Apps Installer, pick an app such as WordPress, Joomla or PrestaShop, click Install, choose the domain and folder, set the admin login and install. Softaculous creates the database for you. From All Installations you can then update, back up, clone or remove each app.

What Softaculous does

Softaculous downloads an application, creates its database, writes the configuration and runs the installer, all in one step. It offers several hundred apps, including blogs, shops, forums, wikis and frameworks. It also keeps a list of your installs, so it can notify you about updates and make backups.

For WordPress, cPanel also offers WordPress Toolkit, a separate tool with its own features. See our WordPress Toolkit guide.

Install an app

  1. In cPanel, open Software > Softaculous Apps Installer.
  2. Search for the app or browse the categories, then click it and choose Install.
  3. Choose the protocol (https://, once SSL is active) and the domain.
  4. Leave In Directory empty to install at the domain root, or enter a folder name such as blog.
  5. Set the site name, admin user name, a strong password and the admin email. Avoid “admin” as the user name.
  6. Under Advanced Options, choose automatic backups and update settings.
  7. Click Install and wait for the confirmation with the admin link.

Choose update settings carefully

Option Effect
Auto upgrade to minor versions Installs security and maintenance releases automatically. Recommended.
Auto upgrade to any version Also installs major versions, which can break themes and plugins. Use with care.
Auto upgrade plugins and themes (WordPress) Keeps extensions current; test critical sites after updates.

Whatever you choose, keep a backup before major updates. Softaculous can take one automatically before it upgrades.

Back up and restore

  • Open All Installations (the box icon at the top), and click the backup icon next to an install.
  • Backups are stored in your account by default, so they use your disk space. Keep only a few, and download or send copies elsewhere.
  • To restore, open Backups and Restore, pick the backup and choose whether to restore files, database or both.

Clone and staging

Softaculous can clone an install to another domain or folder, and many apps support Create Staging, which makes a copy where you can test changes, then Push to Live. Protect staging copies with a password, using Directory Privacy.

Import an existing install

If you installed an app by hand, Softaculous does not know about it. Use the Import option on the app’s page to add it, so you get update notices and backups.

Remove an app

  1. Take a backup if you might need the site again.
  2. In All Installations, click the remove (cross) icon.
  3. Choose whether to delete the files, the folder, the database and the database user, then confirm.

Common problems

Problem Likely cause Fix
Install fails with a database error The account reached its database limit Remove unused databases, or upgrade the plan.
The site shows the old page after install An index.html file is still in the folder Delete or rename the old index file.
An update broke the site A theme or plugin is not compatible with the new version Restore the backup Softaculous took before the update, then update the extension first.
Softaculous does not show my site It was installed by hand Use Import on the app’s page.

Good practice

  • ✓ Install over HTTPS, so the app stores the right URL from the start.
  • ✓ Use unique admin names and strong passwords.
  • ✓ Remove demo content and unused plugins after installing.
  • ✓ Keep automatic minor updates on, and review major updates yourself.
  • ✓ Use correct file permissions. See our file permissions guide.

Need help with this?

Launch WordPress, Joomla or a shop in minutes with Softaculous on our cPanel hosting.

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Frequently asked questions

Is Softaculous free on cPanel hosting?

Softaculous is included with our cPanel hosting plans. Check your plan if you do not see it in cPanel.

Does Softaculous update my apps automatically?

It can. Choose the auto-upgrade options during install or later in the install’s settings.

Where are Softaculous backups stored?

In your hosting account by default, so they count towards your disk space. Download copies for safekeeping.

Is Softaculous the same as WordPress Toolkit?

No. They are separate tools. Both can install and manage WordPress, with different features.

Can I add an app I installed manually?

Yes. Use Import on the app’s Softaculous page.


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