How to Edit Your .htaccess File

The .htaccess file controls how Apache handles requests for your site. It manages redirects, custom error pages, caching, and access rules. A single syntax error can take the whole site offline, so edit it carefully.

Finding the File

1. Open File Manager from the Files section in cPanel.
2. Open the public_html folder.
3. Click Settings in the top right and enable Show Hidden Files, then Save.
4. Look for .htaccess. If it is missing, click +File and create one named exactly .htaccess.

Editing Safely

1. Right-click .htaccess and choose Copy to make a backup, naming it htaccess-backup.
2. Right-click the original and choose Edit.
3. Make your change and click Save Changes.
4. Reload your site in a private browser window to test it.

If the site breaks, restore the backup copy immediately.

Common Rules

Force HTTPS for every visitor:

RewriteEngine On
RewriteCond %{HTTPS} off
RewriteRule ^(.*)$ https://%{HTTP_HOST}/$1 [R=301,L]

Block access to a folder:

<RequireAll>
    Require all denied
</RequireAll>

Troubleshooting

• A 500 Internal Server Error usually means a typo in .htaccess. Rename the file to disable it, then fix the line.
• Rules are read top to bottom, so order matters for redirects.
• Some applications, including WordPress, manage their own block in this file. Keep your custom rules outside the # BEGIN and # END markers.

If you are unsure about a rule, contact support through the /contact page before applying it to a live site.