DirectAdmin

Log in to DirectAdmin: URL, port 2222 and your first steps

Find your DirectAdmin login URL, sign in on port 2222 as a user, reseller or admin, switch levels, and secure the account right after your first login.

BeginnerDirectAdmin2 min read

DirectAdmin is a lightweight hosting control panel, an alternative to cPanel. You use it in your browser to manage domains, email, databases and files. This guide shows where to log in, what the different access levels mean and what to do first.

Before you start

  • Your DirectAdmin URL, username and password. They are in your welcome email; the admin password of a fresh install is printed at the end of the installer and stored in /usr/local/directadmin/conf/setup.txt.
  • A modern browser.

Log in

  1. Open one of these addresses:
    • https://your-server-hostname:2222 (recommended, uses the server SSL certificate)
    • https://203.0.113.10:2222 using the server IP (you may see a certificate warning)
    • https://example.com:2222 once your domain points to the server
  2. Enter your Username and Password.
  3. Click Sign in. Some servers then ask for a two-factor code.

Understand the access levels

LevelWhoWhat you manage
UserWebsite ownersDomains, email, databases, files, SSL, backups for one account.
ResellerHosting resellersPackages and user accounts, plus your own user account.
AdminServer ownersThe whole server: services, IPs, resellers, updates and security.

Admins and resellers can switch level from the top menu (for example Admin Level → Reseller Level → User Level) without logging in again. To log in as one of your users, open List Users, click the user and choose Login as.

First steps after logging in

  1. Change the password you received: Account Manager → Password (Evolution skin). See DirectAdmin password and two-factor login.
  2. Turn on two-factor authentication in the same area.
  3. Add your domain or check it is listed: add domains and subdomains.
  4. Issue a free SSL certificate: Let's Encrypt in DirectAdmin.

Troubleshooting

  • Page does not load: port 2222 may be blocked by a firewall on your network or the server. Try another network, or on the server allow TCP 2222 in CSF or firewalld.
  • Certificate warning: use the server hostname instead of the IP, or install an SSL for the hostname.
  • Login failed repeatedly: the Brute Force Monitor may have blocked your IP. Wait, or ask the admin to unblock it; see Brute Force Monitor.
  • Forgot password: ask your reseller or the server admin to reset it, or as root run passwd username for a user account.

Next steps

Was this guide helpful?

Still stuck?

Ask MdmHost AI for a quick answer, or open a ticket and our team will take a look. We are here 24/7.

Ask MdmHost AIOpen a ticket

Related guides