What is WHM? How to Create and Migrate cPanel Accounts Like a Pro

If you have ever managed multiple websites or hosting accounts, chances are you have come across WHM — the powerful control panel that works hand-in-hand with cPanel. While cPanel is designed for end-users to manage their websites, WHM (Web Host Manager) is made for server admins, resellers, and hosting providers to manage multiple cPanel accounts.

Whether you are running a hosting business or need to migrate client websites, understanding WHM is essential. In this guide, we will break down what WHM does, how to create cPanel accounts, and how to migrate them from one server to another.

What is WHM (Web Host Manager)?

WHM is a web-based admin tool that lets you manage multiple cPanel accounts on a single server. It is typically used by:

• Hosting resellers

• Web agencies managing many client sites

• System administrators running VPS or dedicated servers

Think of WHM as the master control panel — while cPanel gives you control over one website, WHM gives you control over many cPanels.

Key Features of WHM

• Create, modify, or suspend cPanel accounts

• Set up hosting packages and resource limits

• Monitor server health such as CPU, memory, and disk usage

• Manage DNS zones and nameservers

• Perform backups and migrations

• Configure security settings including firewall and brute-force protection

How to Create a New cPanel Account in WHM

If you are hosting websites for others or setting up new projects, you will need to create separate cPanel accounts. Here is how:

Step-by-Step:

1. Log in to WHM, usually via https://your-server-ip:2087

2. Search for “Create a New Account” in the left-hand menu

3. Fill in account details such as domain name, username, password, and admin email

4. Choose a package with resource limits like disk space and bandwidth. You can create custom packages under “Add a Package.”

5. Leave DNS settings as default unless you use custom nameservers

6. Use “Automatically Detect” for mail routing or set manually based on your email setup

7. Click “Create.” WHM will now create the cPanel account with its own login credentials

How to Migrate a cPanel Account from Another Server

If you are switching hosts or consolidating servers, WHM makes it easy to move entire cPanel accounts including files, emails, databases, and settings.

Option 1: Use WHM’s Transfer Tool (Recommended)

This works only if you have root access on both servers.

Steps:

1. In WHM, go to Transfers then Transfer Tool

2. Enter the remote server’s IP address, root password, and SSH port (usually 22)

3. WHM will connect and show a list of accounts you can migrate

4. Select the accounts to transfer

5. Click “Copy.” WHM will handle the rest

Option 2: Manual Migration (Without Root Access)

If you don’t have root access, follow these steps:

1. Generate a full backup in the source cPanel by going to cPanel → Backup → Generate Full Backup

2. Download the backup file (usually ends in .tar.gz)

3. Upload the backup to the new server and restore it via WHM or request the host to restore it for you

WHM vs. cPanel: Quick Comparison

cPanel is designed to manage a single site, while WHM manages multiple sites and cPanel accounts. WHM lets you create and modify cPanel accounts and view server health. cPanel does not offer these features.

Pro Tip: Secure Your WHM Access

• Change the default port from 2087

• Use ConfigServer Security & Firewall (CSF)

• Enable two-factor authentication

• Use IP whitelisting for admin access