Introduction
Magento 2 is a powerful open-source e-commerce platform written in PHP. It is widely used to build online stores with features such as product management, customer management, order processing, payment integration, and shipping configuration.
Installing Magento 2 manually requires server-level configuration, database setup, file permission management, and dependency installation. However, using Softaculous in cPanel simplifies the installation process by providing an automated installer. With Softaculous, users can install Magento 2 quickly without manually uploading files or configuring the database.
This guide explains how to install Magento 2 through Softaculous in cPanel.
Prerequisites
Before installing Magento 2 via Softaculous, make sure the following requirements are available:
1. cPanel Access
You must have valid cPanel login access for the domain where Magento 2 needs to be installed.
2. Softaculous Availability
Softaculous Apps Installer must be enabled in the cPanel account. A valid Softaculous license is required on the server.
3. Domain Name
The domain or subdomain should already be added to cPanel and properly pointed to the server.
4. SSL Certificate
A valid SSL certificate is recommended, especially for e-commerce websites. If SSL is installed, choose the HTTPS protocol during installation.
5. PHP Version and Extensions
The server must have a Magento-compatible PHP version and required PHP extensions enabled, such as:
- bcmath
- ctype
- curl
- dom
- gd
- hash
- iconv
- intl
- mbstring
- openssl
- pdo_mysql
- simplexml
- soap
- xsl
- zip
- libxml
6. Database Support
Magento requires a supported database engine such as MySQL or MariaDB. The exact version should be compatible with the Magento version selected during installation.
7. Web Server Support
Magento can run on supported web servers such as Apache or Nginx.
8. Search Engine Requirement
For Magento 2.4 and later versions, Elasticsearch or OpenSearch is required for catalog search functionality.
9. Cron Job Support
Magento requires cron jobs to run scheduled tasks such as indexing, email sending, catalog updates, and order processing. Softaculous usually configures the cron job during installation.
10. Email Service
A working mail service or SMTP configuration is required to send order emails, customer emails, password reset emails, and admin notifications.
Implementation Steps
Step 1: Log in to cPanel
Log in to the cPanel account where you want to install Magento 2.
Step 2: Open Softaculous Apps Installer
Go to the Software section and click Softaculous Apps Installer. You can also search for “Softaculous” using the cPanel search bar.
Step 3: Search for Magento
In the Softaculous Apps Installer page, search for Magento in the search field. Then click the Magento option from the search results.
Step 4: Click Install
Click the Install button to start the Magento 2 installation process.
Step 5: Configure Installation Details
Review and configure the installation options carefully.
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Choose Version | Select the Magento version you want to install. |
| Choose Protocol | Select HTTP or HTTPS. If SSL is enabled, choose HTTPS. |
| Choose Domain | Select the domain where Magento should be installed. |
| In Directory | Enter a directory name if Magento should be installed inside a folder. Leave it empty to install Magento directly on the domain. |
| CRON Job | Magento requires cron jobs. If you are unsure, leave the default value. |
| Admin Path | Enter the admin URL path for accessing the Magento admin panel. |
| Sample Data | Choose whether to install sample data. This is useful for testing or learning Magento. |
| Admin Username | Enter the Magento admin username. |
| Admin Password | Enter a strong password for the Magento admin account. |
| First Name | Enter the administrator’s first name. |
| Last Name | Enter the administrator’s last name. |
| Admin Email | Enter the administrator’s email address. |
Step 6: Start the Installation
After verifying all the details, click the Install button.
Step 7: Complete the Installation
Softaculous will begin installing Magento 2. The process may take a few minutes.
Once the installation is completed, Softaculous will display a success message with the website URL and admin panel URL.
You can use the provided links to access the Magento storefront and admin dashboard.
Conclusion
Magento 2 can be installed easily through Softaculous in cPanel without performing a manual setup. Softaculous automates the installation process, including file setup, database creation, and basic configuration.
After installation, verify the website URL and admin login URL. Also, make sure cron jobs, SSL, email settings, PHP extensions, and search engine services are working properly. This will help ensure that the Magento store runs smoothly and is ready for further configuration, theme customization, product upload, and payment gateway integration.