Creating a cPanel account in WHM usually takes seconds, but a few errors come up again and again. Each one has a clear cause. This guide lists them with the fix, so new customers are online quickly.
Before you start
- WHM access on your reseller plan (see logging in to WHM).
- The account details you tried, and the exact error message.
- The normal steps are in creating a cPanel account.
"This domain already exists" or "is already owned"
- The domain is on the server already, as a main, addon, parked domain or subdomain of another account, possibly another reseller's customer.
- Search for it in List Accounts. If it is yours, use that account or remove the old one.
- If it is not yours, open a ticket; MdmHost checks who owns it and whether the customer moved.
"The username is already in use" or reserved
Usernames are unique across the whole server, and some names are reserved (for example test, root, mysql). Choose another name; up to 16 characters, starting with a letter, lowercase letters and numbers only. Shorter names are best because database names get the username as a prefix.
"You have exceeded your disk/bandwidth allocation"
The package quota is larger than what is left in your reseller pool. Use a smaller package, free unused quota, or upgrade (see reseller limits).
"You have reached the maximum number of accounts"
Your plan's account limit is reached. Terminate unused accounts or upgrade to a larger reseller or master reseller plan.
"You are not allowed to use this package"
The package belongs to someone else, or you lack the privilege to create accounts with unlimited values. Create your own package (see creating packages).
Account created, but the site does not load
- The domain's nameservers do not point to your nameservers yet. Check with the WHOIS checker.
- DNS propagation can take a few hours after a nameserver change.
- The default page is shown until files are uploaded to
public_html. - SSL appears once AutoSSL runs (see AutoSSL for customers).
"Invalid domain name"
Do not include http://, www. or a trailing slash. Internationalised domains must be entered in their punycode form if WHM refuses the native characters.
Password rejected
The password is too weak for the server's minimum strength. Use the generator.
Tip: If you sell with WHMCS, these errors appear as failed module commands in the WHMCS activity log. Fix the cause in WHM, then run Create again from the service page.
Frequently asked questions
Can I create an account without a domain?
cPanel needs a domain name. Use a subdomain of your own domain as a temporary main domain and change it later with Modify an Account.
Why was the username shortened?
WHM can generate a username from the domain automatically. Edit it before saving if you want a different one.
Can I use the same email for many accounts?
Yes. The contact email does not need to be unique.