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How to use mod_userdir to access sites via IP address and username

Samuel Martin
  • Updated

Introduction

In some instances it may be desired to view a website using a URL that includes a cPanel username as opposed to the domain name associated with the cPanel account. For example, when the domain name does not resolve to your cPanel server. The Apache mod_userdir module enables this.

URLs can match the following format:

https://host.example.com/~username
https://example.net/~username 
https://192.168.0.20/~username

Where host.example.com is your server's hostname and it already resolves to the correct IP address, example.net is another domain on your server that also resolves to the correct IP address.

Note, another option that achieves the same goal is to update your hosts file:

How can I view my site without pointing DNS?

 

Procedure

The mod_userdir tweak can be enabled via the Home >> Security Center >> Apache mod_userdir Tweak page in WHM. 

For more details about each of the options on the Apache mod_userdir Tweak page, please refer to our documentation. Please note the following warnings:

Warning:

  • We strongly recommend that you disable this access for most of your users. Before you use this interface, make certain that you read the Security Implications and Warnings sections below.

  • If you enable Apache’s ruby24-mod_passenger or ruby27-mod_passenger module in WHM’s EasyApache 4 interface (WHM >> Home >> Software >> EasyApache 4), the system disables the Apache mod_userdir module by default.

  • You must enable this feature to allow accounts to use shared SSL certificates. For more information about shared certificates, read our Guide to SSL documentation.

 

 

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