If you run several WordPress sites on one cPanel account, logging in to each dashboard to check plugins gets tedious. Softaculous includes a WordPress Manager that lists every WordPress installation and lets you manage plugins, themes and common settings from one screen.
Before you start
- Your WordPress sites must be known to Softaculous. Sites installed by hand can be added with Import or a scan.
- Take a backup before bulk changes: Softaculous backup.
Open WordPress Manager
- Go to cPanel → Software → Softaculous Apps Installer.
- Click the WordPress Manager icon in the top bar (WordPress logo), or open the WordPress app page and choose WordPress Manager.
- Click Scan if a site is missing. Each site is listed with its URL, version and whether updates are available.
- Click the arrow next to a site to open its management panel.
What you can manage per site
| Area | Options |
|---|---|
| Site details | Version, admin URL, database, path; Login button for one-click wp-admin access |
| Plugins | Activate, deactivate, update or delete installed plugins; install new ones by search |
| Themes | Activate, update, delete or install themes |
| Users | See WordPress users (on supported versions) |
| Toggles | Auto-upgrade core/plugins/themes, Maintenance mode, Debug mode, Search engine visibility |
| Tools | Backup, staging, clone, and in some versions a Security check and password reset |
Install a plugin on several sites
- In WordPress Manager, open the Plugins or Sets area at the top.
- Search the WordPress plugin directory, or upload a premium plugin ZIP.
- Choose the sites to install it on and whether to activate it.
- Click Install.
Sets are collections of plugins and themes you define once, for example "LiteSpeed Cache + security plugin + backup plugin". Apply a set to new installs automatically during installation.
Tip: When a site breaks after a plugin update and you cannot log in, use WordPress Manager to deactivate the plugin without touching files by hand.
Maintenance and debug mode
- Maintenance mode shows visitors a short "under maintenance" page while you work. Turn it off afterwards; a stuck maintenance message is a common support issue.
- Debug mode sets
WP_DEBUGso PHP errors are logged. Use it briefly when troubleshooting and switch it off on live sites. See WordPress debug mode.
Troubleshooting
- Site not listed after scan: the installation is in an unusual folder or its
wp-config.phpwas moved. Import it manually. - Plugin actions fail: file ownership or permissions block writing; see file permissions.
- Login button opens the login form: the admin user stored in Softaculous was renamed; update it under Edit details.