This guide provides step-by-step instructions for creating and configuring email accounts in both cPanel and DirectAdmin control panels. Follow the section relevant to your hosting environment.
Table of Contents

Prerequisites
- Access to your hosting control panel (cPanel or DirectAdmin) – you need your username and password.
- Domain name already pointed to your hosting server (DNS records set up).
- Email client (optional) if you plan to use Outlook, Thunderbird, or mobile mail apps.
Setting Up Email Accounts in cPanel
Step 1: Log into cPanel
- Open your browser and go to https://yourdomain.com/cpanel or the URL provided by your host.
- Enter your cPanel username and password.
Step 2: Navigate to Email Accounts
- In the Email section, click Email Accounts.
Step 3: Create a New Email Account
- Click Create or + Create Email Account.
- Fill in:
- Domain: Select your domain from the dropdown (if multiple domains).
- Username: Enter the email prefix (e.g., info for info@yourdomain.com).
- Password: Use a strong password (or click the generator icon).
- Mailbox Quota: Set a limit (e.g., 500 MB) or choose “Unlimited” if allowed.
- Click Create.
Step 4: Configure Email Client (Optional)
- In the Email Accounts list, find your new account and click Connect Devices.
- You’ll see manual settings:
- Incoming Mail Server: mail.yourdomain.com or imap.yourdomain.com
- Outgoing Mail Server: mail.yourdomain.com or smtp.yourdomain.com
- Ports: IMAP 993 (SSL), SMTP 465 (SSL) or 587 (TLS)
- Use these details in your email client.
Step 5: Access Webmail
- Go to https://yourdomain.com/webmail or click Webmail in cPanel.
- Log in with the full email address and password.
Setting Up Email Accounts in DirectAdmin
Step 1: Log into DirectAdmin
- Open your browser and go to https://yourdomain.com:2222 or the URL provided by your host.
- Enter your DirectAdmin username and password.
Step 2: Navigate to Email Manager
- Click on E-Mail Management in the main menu.
- Select E-Mail Accounts.
Step 3: Create a New Email Account
- Click Create New E-Mail Account.
- Fill in:
- E-Mail Address: Enter the prefix (e.g., contact) – domain is auto-filled.
- Password: Enter a strong password twice.
- Quota: Set a limit (e.g., 250 MB) or leave blank for unlimited.
- Click Create.
Step 4: Configure Email Client
- From the E-Mail Accounts list, click on the account name.
- Note down:
- Incoming Server: mail.yourdomain.com (IMAP port 143/993, POP3 port 110/995)
- Outgoing Server: mail.yourdomain.com (SMTP port 25/465/587)
- Use these settings in your email client.
Step 5: Access Webmail
- Go to https://yourdomain.com/webmail or click on any webmail link in DirectAdmin.
- Choose Roundcube, SquirrelMail, or another available webmail client.
- Log in with full email address and password.
Tips for Both Platforms
- ✅ Use strong passwords – mix uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols.
- ✅ Set mailbox quotas wisely – too small may cause bounce-backs; too large may fill server space.
- ✅ Enable spam filtering if available (e.g., SpamAssassin) from the control panel’s email settings.
- ✅ For business use, create catch-all accounts carefully – they can attract spam.
- ✅ Test sending/receiving immediately after creation.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
| Pitfall | Why It’s a Problem | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Weak passwords | Easy to hack; leads to spam abuse | Use generated passwords |
| Exceeding disk quota | Emails bounce back; account locked | Monitor usage; increase quota |
| Wrong SMTP authentication | Emails fail to send | Always enable “Require authentication” in client |
| Using port 25 for SMTP | Often blocked by ISPs/hosts | Use port 587 with TLS instead |
| Not setting up DNS records | Emails may not deliver properly | Ensure MX records point to mail server |
| Creating too many accounts without cleanup | Clutters server; wastes resources | Delete unused accounts regularly |
Final Check
After setup:
- Send a test email from the new account to another address you own.
- Verify you can receive replies.
- If using an email client, confirm both incoming and outgoing work.
You now have a fully functional email account ready for use!
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.