5 Hidden cPanel Features in Bluehost You’re Probably Not Using (But Should Be)

You’re already hosting your site on Bluehost—nice choice! 👏 But did you know that far beyond the basics of email setup and one‑click WordPress installs, cPanel packs powerful tools that can streamline your workflow, boost performance, and even safeguard your site? In this post, we’ll uncover five underrated cPanel features in Bluehost that most users overlook—and show you exactly how to put them to work.

👉 Ready to unlock Bluehost’s full potential? Grab your Bluehost plan now and follow along!

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Table of Contents

1. Git Version Control
2. cPanel Terminal (Web SSH)
3. Cron Jobs Scheduler
4. Advanced DNS Zone Editor
5. Resource Usage Metrics & Graphs
6. Bonus Tip: Softaculous Instant Install
7. Wrapping Up & Next Steps

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1. Git Version Control

If you’re a developer or just like keeping track of changes, Git Version Control in cPanel is a game‑changer.

Why It Matters

• Track Changes: Roll back unwanted edits to themes or custom scripts.
• Team Collaboration: Multiple contributors can push/pull code seamlessly.
• Automated Deployments: Hook pushes directly into your live site or a staging environment.

How to Enable & Use It

1. Log in to your Bluehost cPanel → Git™ Version Control.
2. Click Create and enter your repository’s clone URL (GitHub, Bitbucket, etc.).
3. Set the deployment path—e.g., /public_html/your-project.
4. Pull changes or set up webhooks for automatic deployments.

🎯 Pro Tip: Use Git to manage custom plugins or child themes. Need a primer on setting up WordPress? Check out our One‑Click WordPress Setup Guide.

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2. cPanel Terminal (Web SSH)

Forget FTP clients—run commands directly from your browser with cPanel’s built‑in Terminal.

Why It Matters

• Speed: Install packages, run WP‑CLI commands, and manage files without leaving cPanel.
• Security: Uses SSH keys stored securely in your account.
• Convenience: No local SSH client required.

How to Access

1. In cPanel, scroll to Advanced → Terminal.
2. Enable Terminal on first use (you may need to agree to terms).
3. Run familiar commands: bashCopyEditwp plugin update --all composer install ls -lah public_html/

🛠 Use Case: Update WordPress core and plugins in seconds:

bashCopyEditwp core update && wp plugin update --all

Combine this with Bluehost’s free CDN and SSL for lightning speed—learn more in our Speed Optimization Guide.

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3. Cron Jobs Scheduler

Automate repetitive tasks—backups, cleanup scripts, email digests—without a plugin.

Why It Matters

• Consistency: Ensure backups run every night.
• Performance: Clear temp files or cache on schedule.
• Integration: Run custom PHP or shell scripts.

How to Configure

1. Navigate to Advanced → Cron Jobs.
2. Under Add New Cron Job, pick a common interval (e.g., Once Daily).
3. Enter your command: bashCopyEdit/usr/local/bin/php /home/username/public_html/wp-cron.php
4. Save and let cPanel handle the rest.

💡 Insider Hack: Disable WP‑Cron in wp-config.php:

phpCopyEditdefine('DISABLE_WP_CRON', true);

Then schedule it via Cron for better performance. Need more WordPress tweaks? See our guide on WordPress Hosting with Bluehost.

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4. Advanced DNS Zone Editor

Take full control of your DNS records to optimize deliverability, redirect subdomains, or verify services.

Why It Matters

• Custom Records: Add TXT, SRV, or CNAME records for email services (Google Workspace), verification (Pinterest Ads), or CDN setups.
• Subdomain Management: Create [shop.yoursite.com](http://shop.yoursite.com) or [podcast.yoursite.com](http://podcast.yoursite.com) in seconds.
• Failover & Load Balancing: Point multiple A records or set TTL for rapid changes.

How to Use

1. Go to Domains → Zone Editor.
2. Find your domain, click Manage.
3. Add Record—select type (A, CNAME, TXT, etc.), fill in details, and save.

🔗 Example: To verify Google Search Console, add:

makefileCopyEditType: TXT  
Name: yoursite.com  
Value: google-site-verification=ABCDEFGHIJKLMN

Then submit validation at Google Search Console (remember to resubmit your sitemap from our Sitemap Guide).

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5. Resource Usage Metrics & Graphs

Most users ignore the Metrics section, but it’s crucial for troubleshooting and planning upgrades.

Why It Matters

• Track CPU & Memory: Spot plugins or scripts hogging resources.
• Monitor Bandwidth: Avoid surprise overages.
• Plan Upgrades: Know when to move from Shared to VPS.

How to Analyze

1. In cPanel, select Metrics → Resource Usage.
2. Review Top Processes and Historical Usage Graphs.
3. Drill down into specific date ranges to correlate spikes with site changes.

📈 Pro Tip: If you see high CPU usage after installing a plugin, check its impact here—then decide if you need to upgrade or optimize.

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Bonus Tip: Softaculous Instant Install

Though not hidden, Softaculous is often under‑used. It’s your gateway to 1‑click installs of 400+ apps:

1. Find Softaculous Apps Installer in cPanel.
2. Browse categories—e‑commerce, forums, analytics, and more.
3. Install in under a minute, no manual uploads required.

🛒 Example: Spin up WooCommerce in seconds—check our WooCommerce on Bluehost guide for next‑level tips.

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Wrapping Up & Next Steps

Unlocking these hidden cPanel features can save you time, improve performance, and give you professional‑grade control—no coding guru required. Here’s what to do now:

1. Enable Git & Terminal and start managing code like a pro.
2. Automate routine tasks with Cron Jobs.
3. Fine‑tune DNS with the Zone Editor.
4. Monitor your usage graphs to stay ahead of performance issues.
5. Explore Softaculous for instant app deployments.

👉 Ready to take full advantage of Bluehost’s power and support? Sign up today and unlock your site’s potential!

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Written by Kate at KateFi.com, where smart tech meets savvy money moves.