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Ultimate Guide: Configuring WHMCS for Reseller Hosting

Last updated on Jul 24, 2025

Ultimate Guide: Configuring WHMCS for Reseller Hosting

Description:
A step-by-step guide for shared hosting customers on installing WHMCS via Softaculous, setting it up, and configuring it to automate your reseller hosting business. This walkthrough focuses on easy integration, automation, and practical solutions using tools available in cPanel and your client area.

Table of Contents

  1. What is WHMCS?
  2. Prerequisites
  3. Installing WHMCS via Softaculous
  4. Initial WHMCS Setup
  5. Integrating WHMCS with WHM/cPanel
  6. Configuring Hosting Products
  7. Automating Account Creation
  8. Useful Tips & Practical Examples
  9. Troubleshooting & FAQs

What is WHMCS?

WHMCS (Web Host Manager Complete Solution) is an all-in-one client management, billing, and automation platform for web hosting businesses. It allows resellers to automate account provisioning, invoicing, and support for their customers.

Prerequisites

Before you begin:

  • An active HostPresto shared or reseller hosting account.
  • Access to cPanel.
  • A domain or subdomain where you want to install WHMCS.
  • An active reseller hosting plan (for automating hosting resale).
  • Your WHMCS license key (if not already bundled with your plan).

Installing WHMCS via Softaculous

  1. Log in to cPanel.

  2. Under the Software section, click Softaculous Apps Installer.

  3. Search for WHMCS in the Softaculous search bar.

  4. Click on WHMCS in the search results.

  5. Click Install Now.

    • Choose Installation URL:
      Select the domain/subdomain and directory (e.g., yourdomain.com/whmcs or a subdomain like billing.yourdomain.com).
    • Admin Account Setup:
      Fill in the admin username, password, and email address.
    • License Key:
      Enter your WHMCS license key (provided by HostPresto or purchased directly).

  6. Click Install and wait for the process to complete.

  7. Once finished, Softaculous will show your WHMCS admin URL (e.g., https://yourdomain.com/whmcs/admin).

Initial WHMCS Setup

  1. Access the Admin Area:
    Visit your WHMCS admin URL and log in with the credentials you set during installation.

  2. Basic Configuration:

    • Navigate to Setup > General Settings.
    • Fill in your company details, logo, and contact information.
    • Set your default currency and language.

  3. Email Setup:

    • Go to Setup > General Settings > Mail.
    • Choose PHP Mail or configure SMTP using your cPanel email credentials.

  4. Cron Job Setup:

    • In WHMCS, you’ll see a reminder to set up the cron job.
    • Copy the cron command provided (e.g., 
      php -q /home/username/public_html/whmcs/crons/cron.php
      )
    • In cPanel, go to Cron Jobs and paste the command to run every 5 minutes or as recommended.

Integrating WHMCS with WHM/cPanel

To automate hosting account provisioning, you need to connect WHMCS to your WHM/cPanel reseller account.

  1. Obtain WHM API Credentials:

    • Log in to WHM (Web Host Manager).
    • Go to Development > Manage API Tokens or Setup Remote Access Key.
    • Create a new API token or copy the remote access key.

  2. Add cPanel/WHM Server in WHMCS:

    • In WHMCS, go to Setup > Products/Services > Servers.
    • Click Add New Server.
    • Enter the server name, hostname (e.g., server.hostpresto.com), IP, and assign a group.
    • Set the server type to cPanel.
    • Enter your WHM username and either the API token or access key.
    • Click Test Connection to verify the setup.
    • Save the server.

Configuring Hosting Products

  1. Create a Hosting Product:

    • Go to Setup > Products/Services > Products/Services.
    • Click Create a New Group (e.g., “Shared Hosting” or “Reseller Hosting”).
    • Click Create a New Product within the group.
    • Choose Product Type: Hosting Account.
    • Set a name, description, and pricing.

  2. Module Settings:

    • Under the Module Settings tab, select the server module (cPanel).
    • Assign the server group you created.
    • Choose the WHM package this product should use (create packages in WHM if needed).
    • Configure auto-setup options (e.g., “Automatically setup the product as soon as an order is placed”).

  3. Customise & Save:

    • Adjust limits, features, and welcome email templates as needed.
    • Save your product.

Automating Account Creation

With the server and products configured, WHMCS can now automatically:

  • Create hosting accounts in WHM/cPanel when a customer orders and pays.
  • Suspend/unsuspend accounts for non-payment.
  • Terminate accounts when needed.

Example Workflow:

  1. Customer orders hosting via your WHMCS storefront.
  2. Payment is processed.
  3. WHMCS uses API credentials to provision the account in your WHM reseller account.
  4. Customer receives a welcome email with cPanel login details.

Useful Tips & Practical Examples

  • Branding:
    Customise WHMCS emails and templates under Setup > Email Templates and Setup > General Settings > Branding.

  • Test Orders:
    Use the “PayPal Sandbox” or “Bank Transfer” gateway to simulate orders without real payments.

  • Backups:
    Regularly back up your WHMCS files and database using cPanel’s Backup tool.

  • SSL:
    Use AutoSSL or Let’s Encrypt (available in cPanel) to secure your WHMCS installation.

Troubleshooting & FAQs

WHMCS Installation Issues

  • Blank Page or Errors After Install
    • Ensure PHP version meets WHMCS requirements (check in cPanel > Select PHP Version).
    • Check file/folder permissions (755 for folders, 644 for files).

API/Server Connection Fails

  • “Failed to connect to server” error
    • Double-check WHM hostname, username, and API token/access key.
    • Ensure your server’s firewall allows API connections.

Cron Job Not Running

  • No automation, invoices not generated
    • Confirm cron job is set up correctly in cPanel.
    • Check for errors in WHMCS admin under Utilities > System Logs > Activity Log.

Email Delivery Problems

  • Clients not receiving emails
    • Use SMTP settings for more reliable email delivery (get SMTP credentials from cPanel > Email Accounts > Connect Devices).

Need More Help?
If you encounter issues outside the scope of this guide, please submit a support ticket through your HostPresto client area. Our team is here to assist!