How to Access Web Host Manager, or WHM?
Access WHM by visiting https://your-server-hostname:2087 and logging in with root or reseller credentials. If port 2087 is blocked, use the service subdomain or /whm path over HTTPS port 443. You can also use Single Sign-On from the Hostworld client area.
Open a browser and go to https://your-server-hostname:2087 then log in with your root or reseller credentials. If port 2087 is blocked where you are, use https://whm.yourdomain.com or https://yourdomain.com/whm which both use HTTPS on port 443.
Before you start
- Have the root or reseller username and password. A normal cPanel user cannot access WHM.
- Know the server hostname or IP address. If DNS is not live yet, use the IP.
- If Two‑Factor Authentication is enabled on the account, have your 6‑digit code ready.
Step 1: Open WHM in your browser
This connects you to the WHM login over HTTPS.
- Standard: https://server-hostname:2087 or https://server-ip:2087. Always use 2087, not 2086.
- If high ports are blocked on your network: use https://whm.example.com or https://example.com/whm which proxy WHM over port 443.
If you see a certificate warning on https://IP:2087, use the hostname or a service subdomain instead. The service SSL is issued for the hostname, not the IP. Only root or a reseller can log in. If prompted for 2FA, enter the 6‑digit code.
Step 2: Launch WHM from our client area (Single Sign‑On)
This avoids typing credentials if WHMCS SSO is enabled on your service.
- Go to https://portal.hostworld.uk and sign in.
- Open your cPanel or reseller hosting service details. Look for a button to log in to WHM or a Single Sign‑On option and click it.
If you cannot sign in to the client area, click Forgotten Password on the login page and complete the email verification before setting a new password. If you do not see an SSO button for WHM, open a support ticket.
Step 3: If you run your own cPanel server, allow 2087 in the server firewall
Only do this if your server is blocking port 2087. Keep console access open so you can revert. Prefer restricting access to your admin IP.
AlmaLinux 9 (firewalld)
Allow your admin IP to reach 2087, then reload the firewall:
sudo firewall-cmd --permanent --add-rich-rule='rule family="ipv4" source address="203.0.113.10" port protocol="tcp" port="2087" accept'
sudo firewall-cmd --reload
Undo: remove the rule, then reload:
sudo firewall-cmd --permanent --remove-rich-rule='rule family="ipv4" source address="203.0.113.10" port protocol="tcp" port="2087" accept'
sudo firewall-cmd --reload
Ubuntu 24.04 (UFW)
Allow your admin IP to reach 2087:
sudo ufw allow proto tcp from 203.0.113.10 to any port 2087
Undo: delete that rule:
sudo ufw delete allow proto tcp from 203.0.113.10 to any port 2087
If it does not work
- Login says “The login is invalid” after several tries: cPHulk may have blocked you. You will need an admin to clear or whitelist your IP. If you cannot get in to do that yourself, open a support ticket.
- Office or network blocks port 2087: switch to https://whm.example.com or https://example.com/whm which use HTTPS on 443. If you manage the server, also allow 2087 from your IP as shown above.
- Using the wrong account type: WHM only accepts root or reseller logins. A shared cPanel account will never work. If you are unsure what you have, check your service in the client area or open a support ticket.
Do not rebuild or reboot your VPS in Virtualizor to fix WHM logins. Virtualizor is only for VPS power and rebuild tasks and a rebuild will erase data.
What next
If you saw a certificate warning, log in using the hostname then install or renew the hostname Service SSL in WHM under Service Configuration, Manage Service SSL Certificates. If you run WHM on a VPS and need more system tasks, see our VPS guides. Planning to deploy another server for cPanel and WHM in the UK, see Linux VPS.
Common questions
What port does WHM use?
WHM uses port 2087 over HTTPS. If high ports are blocked on your network, use the service subdomain or /whm path which proxies WHM over port 443.
Can I use HTTP or port 2086 for WHM?
No. Port 2086 sends credentials in plain text. Always use HTTPS on port 2087 or access WHM through the service subdomain or /whm path over port 443.
Why do I get a certificate warning when accessing WHM?
The certificate is issued for the server hostname, not the IP address. Use the hostname or service subdomain whm.example.com instead to avoid the warning.
Who can log in to WHM?
Only root or reseller accounts can access WHM. A shared cPanel user account cannot log in.
What should I do if I am locked out of WHM?
cPHulk may have blocked your IP after several failed login attempts. Contact support to have your IP cleared or whitelisted, or use a different network to regain access.