How to fix errors when accessing DirectAdmin

If you cannot open or log in to DirectAdmin, the cause is usually the address you are using, a blocked connection, or too many failed login attempts. This article explains how to check each of these.

DirectAdmin is the control panel for some Hostking hosting plans. Hostking uses cPanel on other plans. Check your welcome email or the client area at https://my.hostking.host to confirm which panel your plan uses, and to find the exact login address.

Before you start

Have your login address, username and password ready. Use the details in your welcome email or the client area. Do not guess the address or port.

Note the exact error message and the time it appeared. Support will ask for these if you need to contact them.

How to log in to the control panel

cPanel

1. Open your welcome email or sign in to the client area at https://my.hostking.host.
2. Find the cPanel login address listed for your hosting service.
3. Open the address in a new browser tab.
4. Type your cPanel username exactly as shown.
5. Type your password. Check that Caps Lock is off.
6. Select Log in.

DirectAdmin

1. Open your welcome email or sign in to the client area at https://my.hostking.host.
2. Copy the DirectAdmin login address. It normally includes a port number, for example https://your-server-address:2222. Use the exact address Hostking gives you.
3. Type the full address in the browser, including https:// and the port number.
4. If the page does not load, try the same address with http:// instead of https://.
5. Type your DirectAdmin username and password. Check that Caps Lock is off.
6. Select Login.

Troubleshooting

The site cannot be reached, or the request times out. The connection may be blocked on your network. Some internet providers and mobile networks block the DirectAdmin port. Try again on a different network, such as mobile data. If it works there, contact your internet provider or the network owner.

It works on one network but not another. Your home or office network may be blocking the connection. A VPN can also change how your connection reaches the server. Try a different network and compare the results.

The login page loads, but the login fails. Check your username and password. If you are unsure, reset your password from the client area and try again. Make sure cookies are enabled in your browser, because the login session needs them.

The page is blank, shows "unavailable", or times out after several attempts. Your IP address may have been temporarily blocked after repeated failed logins. Loading the login page can count as a failed attempt. Stop trying for a while, then try again from the same address later. A block may last until it is removed.

You see a secure connection or certificate error. Try a different browser first. If the error stays, note the exact message and contact support, because the fix is on the server.

Your personal firewall or security software may be blocking the connection. Turn it off briefly to test. Turn it back on straight after the test.

It worked before and now it does not. Try the steps above first. If the problem started after a change to your server or account, contact support and tell them when it started.

If you are still stuck after these steps, contact Hostking support using live chat on the website or a support ticket from the client area at https://my.hostking.host, and include the exact error message and the time it happened.