How to Purchase and Install WHMCS

1. Introduction to WHMCS

WHMCS is an all‑in‑one billing and automation platform designed for web hosting businesses. You can purchase a WHMCS license through the cPanel Store and install it directly on your cPanel account.

2. Install WHMCS as Site Software

Before installing WHMCS as Site Software, your hosting provider must enable the WHMCS cPAddon in:

WHM » Home » cPanel » Install cPAddons Site Software

2.1 One‑Click Installation

To perform a one‑click installation, follow these steps:

Requirements:

You must have a contact email set in:

cPanel » Home » Preferences » Contact Information

Steps:

• Navigate to cPanel » Home » Software » Site Software.
• Under Automation, click WHMCS.
• Select a domain from the Installation Domain menu.
• If the domain already has a license, click Install.
• If you own a license but it is not detected, click Enter a license manually and enter your key.
• If no license exists, click Buy License to purchase one from the cPanel Store.

After installation, the interface will display:

• Success message
• Admin username
• Admin password
• WHMCS admin URL

2.2 Advanced Configuration Installation

• Navigate to cPanel » Home » Software » Site Software.
• Select WHMCS under Automation.
• Select a domain.
• Click Show Advanced Configuration.

Notes:

• If no contact email is set, advanced options appear automatically.
• Advanced mode does not support Buy License; purchase separately from the cPanel Store.

Advanced Options:

• Enter installation directory (leave blank for document root).
• Enter admin username.
• Enter and confirm password.
• Enter admin email.

After installation, the interface will show the WHMCS admin URL. Log in using the credentials you created.

3. Manual Installation of WHMCS

3.1 Prerequisites

• Install ionCube (follow WHMCS IonCube Installation Tutorial).
• Create a database using cPanel’s Database Wizard.

3.2 Manual Installation Steps

• Go to the WHMCS download page.
• Enter your license key and download the .zip file.
• Extract the file on your computer.
• Rename configuration.php.new to configuration.php.
• Upload the WHMCS folder to your hosting account.

Notes:

• The default folder name is whmcs.
• You may rename it (e.g., clients, billing).
• You cannot use admin as the directory name.

3.3 Run the Installer

Navigate to:

example.com/whmcs/install/install.php

If you renamed the directory, replace whmcs with the new name.

Follow the on‑screen instructions to complete installation.

3.4 Post‑Installation Commands

Navigate to your WHMCS directory:

cd /home/example/public_html/billing

Set secure permissions:

chmod 400 configuration.php
chmod 755 attachments
chmod 755 downloads
chmod 755 templates_c

Important:

Some environments may require 777 permissions. Only use 777 if your account is the only one with shell access.

3.5 Final Steps

• Delete the install directory.
• Log in to the admin area:

example.com/whmcs/admin

If you renamed the directory, replace whmcs accordingly.

Conclusion

Installing WHMCS is simple whether you use one‑click installation, advanced configuration, or manual setup. With proper licensing and configuration, WHMCS provides a powerful automation and billing system for hosting businesses.