WHMReseller is a commercial WHM plugin that adds alpha and master reseller levels on top of cPanel's normal reseller system. As root you install it once, prepare the WHM privileges it relies on, and then create the top-level resellers who sell to everyone else.
On MdmHost reseller and master reseller plans this is already done for you. This guide is for administrators of their own cPanel VPS or dedicated server with root access.
Before you start
- A licensed cPanel/WHM server with root SSH access.
- A WHMReseller licence for the server's IP and the installer link or package from the vendor's client area.
- A plan for your reseller levels and limits (see how WHMReseller levels work).
Install the plugin
- Log in to your WHMReseller vendor account and download the installer for your licence. The vendor's instructions give the exact command; it is usually a shell script you run as root.
- Connect to the server as root and run the installer, for example:
sh install.sh - When it finishes, log in to WHM as root and open WHM → Plugins → WHMReseller.
- Enter or verify the licence if the plugin asks for it.
Note: Installer names and steps differ between WHMReseller versions. Follow the vendor's current documentation where it differs from this guide.
Prepare WHM for resellers
- Create packages resellers will use in WHM → Packages → Add a Package (see creating packages).
- Create an ACL list in WHM → Resellers → Edit Reseller Nameservers and Privileges (or Manage Reseller ACLs) with the privileges resellers should have: create, suspend, terminate and modify accounts, packages, DNS and password changes. Leave root-only privileges such as all unticked.
- Set the server's nameservers in WHM → Server Configuration → Basic WebHost Manager Setup (see basic setup).
Create the first alpha or master reseller
- Open WHM → Plugins → WHMReseller.
- Click Create Reseller, fill in domain, username, password, email and package.
- Choose the type Alpha Reseller or Master Reseller, set account, reseller, disk and bandwidth limits and pick the ACL list you prepared.
- Save and log in as the new reseller in a private window to check the menu.
The day-to-day steps are the same as for master resellers: creating a master reseller and editing limits.
Warning: Never give resellers the WHM "all" privilege. It is effectively root access to the server.
Pair it with resource limits
WHMReseller limits disk, bandwidth and account counts, not CPU or memory. Install CloudLinux to stop one reseller's customers overloading the server (see installing CloudLinux).
Troubleshooting
The plugin does not appear in WHM
Rebuild the WHM plugin cache by reloading WHM, and check the installer output for errors. Confirm the server IP matches the licence.
Resellers see too many functions
Their ACL list is too broad. Edit the ACL in WHM and re-save the resellers.
Frequently asked questions
Does WHMReseller replace cPanel's reseller feature?
No. It builds on it. Every WHMReseller level is a normal WHM reseller with extra management powers provided by the plugin.
Can I uninstall it later?
Yes, with the vendor's uninstaller. Accounts remain, but alpha and master resellers lose the ability to manage sub-resellers.
Do I need WHMCS as well?
Not required, but WHMCS automates selling reseller plans and suspending unpaid resellers.