Affiliate Disclosure: We may earn a commission if you purchase through our links — at no extra cost to you. Our editorial scores are fully independent.

Reviews / getting-started Review · getting-started Review

How to install WordPress on a VPS with CloudPanel

Start with a fresh supported Linux image, SSH keys, package updates, provider firewall, and server firewall. don't install CloudPanel on a dirty server with old web-stack packages.

By WebHostWatch Editorial

· · 4 min read

N/A/10 Score

Editorial Score

N/A/10

What We Love

What Falls Short

Common VPS task

How to install WordPress on a VPS with CloudPanel

CloudPanel is a lean VPS path for WordPress when email and DNS live outside the server. Install the panel, create the site, then verify DNS, SSL, and backups.

By WebHostWatch editors Updated April 28, 2026

Use this as a focused checklist for one common hosting task. The larger setup guides still cover full-site and full-server builds.

Difficulty: Intermediate
Time: 45 to 120 minutes
Images: 4 official examples

1. Prepare the VPS first

Start with a fresh supported Linux image, SSH keys, package updates, provider firewall, and server firewall. don't install CloudPanel on a dirty server with old web-stack packages.

DigitalOcean production ready Droplet setup — DigitalOcean production Droplet setup: Production setup belongs before the application stack.

DigitalOcean cloud firewall quickstart: Firewall rules should be planned before exposing the panel and web ports.

2. Install CloudPanel and log in

Follow CloudPanel's current installation path for the supported OS. After install, log in, update the admin password, and restrict panel access where possible.

CloudPanel getting started documentation — CloudPanel getting started: CloudPanel is a VPS control panel path for PHP hosting without cPanel licensing.

3. Create the WordPress site

Add the domain, choose the PHP version, create the WordPress application, save the admin credentials, and replace temporary passwords immediately.

CloudPanel WordPress documentation — CloudPanel WordPress docs: A control panel can create the site, but backups and DNS checks remain your job.

CloudPanel WordPress creation form documentation — CloudPanel WordPress docs: Record temporary credentials and change them after setup.

4. Point DNS, issue SSL, and add backups

DNS

A record points to the VPS and www resolves correctly.

SSL

Certificate is issued after DNS resolves to the server.

Backups

File and database backups are stored off-server.

Updates

OS, panel, WordPress, theme, and plugins have a maintenance routine.

Official sources checked

CloudPanel getting started

Used for panel setup path.

CloudPanel WordPress docs

Used for WordPress application creation path.

DigitalOcean production Droplet setup

Used for VPS hardening context.

WebHostWatch Editorial

The Expert Verdict

N/A/10

View plans →