How to Set Up Password-Protected Directories in cPanel (Secure Any Folder Easily)

Want to lock down a specific area of your website — like an admin folder, staging site, or download section? With cPanel, you can easily password-protect directories so only authorized users can access them.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to use cPanel’s built-in tool to secure any folder on your hosting account using a username and password.

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✅ Why Password-Protect a Directory?

Password-protecting a folder allows you to:

• Restrict access to private areas of your website
• Secure development or staging environments
• Protect downloadable files from public view
• Limit admin access without third-party tools

It’s a quick way to add a second layer of security to sensitive content.

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🚀 How to Set Up Password-Protected Directories in cPanel

Step 1: Log in to cPanel

Visit yourdomain.com:2083 or access your cPanel from your hosting dashboard.

Step 2: Open the Directory Privacy Tool

Under the Files section, click Directory Privacy (sometimes labeled as Password Protect Directories).

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📁 Step 3: Choose the Directory to Protect

1. Navigate through the folder list (starting from /home/username/)
2. Click on the edit icon next to the folder you want to protect (e.g., public_html/staging)

💡 You can protect any folder inside your hosting account, not just website content.

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🔐 Step 4: Enable Password Protection

1. Check the box: “Password protect this directory”
2. Enter a name for the protected area (e.g., “Private Area”)
3. Click Save

Now, cPanel will require a username and password to access this folder in the browser.

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👤 Step 5: Create an Authorized User

After enabling protection:

1. Scroll down to the Create User section
2. Enter a username and a strong password
3. Click Save

Done! Now when someone tries to access the folder via browser (yourdomain.com/staging), they’ll be prompted to enter the credentials.

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🛠️ Managing Password-Protected Folders

You can:

• Add multiple users for shared access
• Update passwords anytime
• Remove password protection by unchecking the protection box

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⚠️ Things to Note

• Password-protected folders only apply to HTTP/HTTPS browser access
• This does not secure folders from FTP or File Manager access
• Make sure your .htaccess file is writable — cPanel uses it to apply protection

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Using cPanel’s Directory Privacy tool is a quick and powerful way to restrict access to sensitive folders. Whether you’re testing new features, storing client data, or hiding download files, password-protected directories give you control without extra plugins or coding.

Need help configuring your protected areas or troubleshooting login errors? Reach out to our support team — we’re always happy to assist.