Password Protect a Website

Password Protect public_html

1. Log in to cPanel.
   • For help accessing your cPanel see Where do I log in to my hosting control panel.
2. Click Directory Privacy
3. Click public_html
4. Select Password protect this directory
5. Enter a name, for example, website in the Enter a name for the protected directory field
6. Click Save
7. Click Go back

Create a user

1. Enter a username in the Username field under Create User
2. Enter a password in the New Password field
3. Click Save

Advanced Tips

Set a 401 Error Document

1. Log in to cPanel.
   • For help accessing your cPanel see Where do I log in to my hosting control panel.
2. Click File Manager
3. Open public_html, select .htaccess and click edit
4. Find the AuthType Basic code:

        AuthType Basic
        AuthName "Dev Site"
        AuthUserFile "/home/user/.htpasswds/public_html/passwd"
        require valid-user
        

5. Add ErrorDocument 401 “Unauthorized” as below:

       AuthType Basic
       AuthName "Dev Site"
       AuthUserFile "/home/user/.htpasswds/public_html/passwd"
       require valid-user
       ErrorDocument 401 "Unauthorized"
       

Allow server access to your protected website

1. Log in to cPanel.
   • For help accessing your cPanel see Where do I log in to my hosting control panel.
2. Click File Manager
3. Open public_html, select .htaccess and click edit

4. Find the AuthType Basic code:

       AuthType Basic
       AuthName "Dev Site"
       AuthUserFile "/home/user/.htpasswds/public_html/passwd"
       require valid-user
       ErrorDocument 401 "Unauthorized"
       

5. Add RequireAny Require ip options as below:

       AuthType Basic
       AuthName "Dev Site"
       AuthUserFile "/home/user/.htpasswds/public_html/passwd"
       <RequireAny>
           Require ip 127.0.0.1
           Require valid-user
       </RequireAny>
       ErrorDocument 401 "Unauthorized"