# Managing web hosting accounts with WHM

> Create, modify, upgrade and terminate cPanel accounts on your VPS using WebHost Manager (WHM).

Source: https://helpcenter.ruachost.com/vps/whm/managing-web-hosting-accounts-with-whm/

**WebHost Manager (WHM)** is the administrative interface that allows VPS and dedicated server owners to create, modify, and manage cPanel accounts. It provides full control over hosting accounts, packages, and server resources.

## Why Use WHM?

- Create and manage multiple cPanel accounts.
- Assign hosting packages with specific limits (disk space, bandwidth, email accounts, etc.).
- Suspend, unsuspend, or terminate accounts.
- Monitor resource usage across accounts.
- Integrate with billing systems like WHMCS.

## Creating a New Account

1. **Log in to WHM.**
2. In the search box (top left), type **account**.
3. Click **Create a New Account**.
4. Fill in the following details:

   - **Domain Name** → e.g., `example.com`.
   - **Username** → Automatically generated from the domain (can be customized).
   - **Password** → Enter or generate a strong password.
   - **Email** → Account owner’s email address.
   - **Package** → Select a predefined hosting package or configure options manually.
   - **Settings** → Choose cPanel theme and locale.
   - **DNS Settings** → Leave DKIM and SPF enabled for email authentication.
5. Click **Create**. WHM will display account configuration details once complete.

## Modifying an Account

1. In WHM, search for **Modify an Account**.
2. Select the account you want to edit.
3. Update details such as domain, username, contact email, or resource limits.
4. Click **Save**. If the account is tied to a package, WHM may prompt you to resolve conflicts.

## Suspending or Unsuspending an Account

- **Suspend** → Temporarily disable an account (e.g., for non‑payment).
- **Unsuspend** → Restore access once the issue is resolved.
- WHM allows you to customize the suspension page shown to visitors.

## Terminating an Account

1. In WHM, search for **Terminate Accounts**.
2. Select the account to delete.
3. Click **Remove**. ⚠️ Warning: Termination permanently deletes all data. Always back up before removing an account.

## Listing Accounts

1. In WHM, search for **List Accounts**.
2. View all accounts with details such as domain, username, IP address, and resource usage.
3. From this list, you can:

   - Reset passwords.
   - Change contact email addresses.
   - Access cPanel directly.

> **Note:**
- WHM requires **reseller, VPS, or dedicated server access**. Shared hosting customers use cPanel only.
- Always back up accounts before making major changes or terminating them.
- Use packages to standardize resource limits across multiple accounts.