# "Index of /" shows instead of my website

> Your website shows a list of files titled "Index of /" instead of your home page. Here's why, and how to fix it and hide file lists.

Source: https://helpcenter.ruachost.com/getting-started/website-troubleshooting/index-of-shows-instead-of-my-website/

If your domain shows a page called **Index of /** with a list of files and folders, the server can't find a home page in that folder, so it lists what's there instead.

## Fix it

### 1. Check you have a home page file

The server looks for these files, in this order: `index.php`, `index.html`, `index.htm`.

In cPanel's **File Manager**, open your website's folder (`public_html` for your main domain) and check:

- **The file is there.** If you haven't uploaded your website yet, the folder may be empty. See [Publishing your website with FTP](https://helpcenter.ruachost.com/cpanel/files/publishing-your-website-with-ftp-or-a-desktop-editor/).
- **The name is right.** It must be lowercase `index.html`, not `Index.html` or `home.html`. Rename it if needed.
- **It's not in a subfolder.** If the list shows a single folder, such as `mysite/` or `wordpress/`, your files are one level too deep. See [Moving a website from a subfolder to the main domain](https://helpcenter.ruachost.com/cpanel/files/moving-a-website-from-a-subfolder-to-the-main-domain/).

### 2. Your home page has a different name

If your home page must keep another name, such as `home.html`, tell the server to use it. Add this line to `.htaccess` in that folder:

```apache
DirectoryIndex home.html index.php index.html
```

See [Changing the default directory index](https://helpcenter.ruachost.com/developers/web-servers/changing-the-default-directory-index-via-htaccess/).

## Hide file lists for security

File lists let anyone see and download files in folders without a home page, such as backups or uploads. To turn them off:

- In cPanel, open **Indexes** under **Advanced**, choose the folder, and select **No Indexing**. See [Using the Index Manager in cPanel](https://helpcenter.ruachost.com/cpanel/advanced/using-the-index-manager-in-cpanel/).
- Or add `Options -Indexes` to the `.htaccess` file in `public_html`.

Visitors then see a 403 Forbidden page instead of a list of files.