How to Edit the .htaccess File in cPanel File Manager

Updated: 28 September 2026 · Applies to: cPanel & WHM 138 (Jupiter theme)

The .htaccess file controls redirects, access rules and other web server settings for a folder. Its name starts with a dot, so File Manager hides it by default.

Steps

1. Log in to cPanel (for example at https://yourdomain.com:2083, or from the Ucartz client area).
2. Open Files › File Manager.
3. Click Settings (top right), tick Show Hidden Files (dotfiles) and click Save.
4. Open public_html (or the folder you need). If there is no .htaccess, create it with + File.
5. Right-click .htaccess, choose Edit, make your change and click Save Changes.

Open your website straight away to check it. A mistake in .htaccess usually shows as a 500 Internal Server Error; undo the change if that happens.