Which control panel do I have: cPanel or DirectAdmin?
Webway hosts websites on two kinds of server: cPanel and DirectAdmin. Both do the same job, but the menus, screens and login addresses differ. Many of our guides have separate steps for each, so it helps to know which one you have.
You don't choose between them day to day. The panel depends on the hosting product you bought.
Way 1: Check your client area
- Log in to the client area at portal.webway.host.
- Go to Services → My Services.
- Look at the product name of your hosting service. The product name tells you the panel, for example Website Hosting - cPanel or Website Hosting - DirectAdmin.
- Click the service to open its page. The login button there also names the panel.
This is the most reliable way, because it doesn't depend on your domain pointing anywhere.
Way 2: Check your welcome email
When your hosting was set up, you received a welcome email with your login details. It gives the control panel address:
- An address ending in
:2083is cPanel. - An address ending in
:2222is DirectAdmin.
Way 3: Try the login address
Replace example.co.za with your domain and open each address in your browser:
https://example.co.za:2083: if a login page with the cPanel logo appears, you have cPanel.https://example.co.za:2222: if a login page with the DirectAdmin logo appears, you have DirectAdmin.
Only one will show a login page. If neither loads, your domain may not be pointing to Webway yet, or your connection may be blocked. Use Way 1 instead, and see How to log in to cPanel or DirectAdmin for help.
Quick comparison
| cPanel | DirectAdmin | |
|---|---|---|
| Login address | https://yourdomain:2083 |
https://yourdomain:2222 |
| Webmail | https://yourdomain/webmail |
https://yourdomain/webmail |
| Reseller control panel | WHM, at :2087 |
DirectAdmin reseller level, same :2222 login |
| Email set-up menu | Email Accounts | E-mail Accounts |
| Files | File Manager | File Manager |
| DNS | Zone Editor | DNS Management |
| Free SSL certificate | AutoSSL, automatic | Let's Encrypt, automatic |
| Databases | MySQL Databases, phpMyAdmin | MySQL Management, phpMyAdmin |
Why it matters
Our guides use these labels:
- cPanel or DirectAdmin in the title: the steps are for that panel only.
- A guide with a cPanel part and a DirectAdmin part: follow the part for your panel.
- No panel mentioned: the guide works the same for both, or doesn't involve the control panel at all (for example billing or domains).
If a guide's screens don't match what you see, check that you are reading the part for your panel.
Can I switch from one to the other?
Moving between cPanel and DirectAdmin means moving your account to a different server. It is possible, but it is a migration, not a setting. Webway moves accounts free of charge. Open a support ticket if you want to discuss it.
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