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How to install WooCommerce on Cloudways

beginner 8 min read Updated 2026-03-13
Quick Answer

Cloudways offers one-click WordPress with WooCommerce installation. Sign up, launch a server, add the WooCommerce app, access credentials, and complete the setup wizard. Optional: configure domain and SSL for production use.

Prerequisites

  • Cloudways account (free trial available)
  • Cloud provider selection like DigitalOcean
  • Domain name (optional)
  • Basic familiarity with web browsers

Step-by-Step Instructions

1

Sign up or log in to Cloudways

Visit Cloudways.com and click "Start Free" or "Get Started for Free". Enter your email, create a password, select country and timezone, then complete signup to access the dashboard.
2

Launch a new server

In the dashboard, click "Add Server" from the Servers tab. Choose a provider like DigitalOcean (cheapest), select server size (e.g., 1GB RAM), location closest to your audience, and click "Launch Now". Wait 5-10 minutes for deployment.
DigitalOcean is recommended for starters due to low cost.
3

Add WordPress + WooCommerce application

Once server shows "Ready to Go", go to "Applications" tab and click "Add Application". Select "WordPress", then "WordPress with WooCommerce". Enter application name (e.g., MyWooStore), server name (e.g., WooServer), project name (e.g., EcommerceProject), and click "Launch Now". Deployment takes 5-15 minutes.
Use descriptive names for easy management.
4

Access application credentials

After status changes to "Up & Running", select your app in Applications tab. From "Access Details": note Application URL (e.g., http://app-abc123-123456.cloudwaysapps.com), WP Admin URL (/wp-admin), admin username (admin), and auto-generated password. Visit Application URL to view your store.
Copy the password immediately as it's auto-generated.
5

Log in to WordPress Admin and setup WooCommerce

Navigate to WP Admin URL (e.g., http://app-abc123-123456.cloudwaysapps.com/wp-admin), log in with credentials. Complete WooCommerce setup wizard: set store location, industry, product types, payments, shipping, and taxes (defaults to USD, no initial tax rates).
Change default admin username and password for security.
6

Configure custom domain (optional)

In Applications > your app > "Domain Management", add primary domain (e.g., store.example.com). Update DNS with CNAME record pointing to Application URL. Propagation takes minutes to hours.
7

Enable SSL Certificate

Go to Servers tab > your server > "SSL Certificate" tab. Select "Let's Encrypt", enter domain, and click "Install". This provides free, auto-renewing HTTPS.
Always enable SSL before going live.
8

Set server access credentials

In Servers > your server > "Master Credentials" or "Access Details", set username (e.g., masteruser) and strong password for SSH/SFTP access.
Use these for advanced file management or terminal access.

Common Issues & Troubleshooting

Server deployment takes longer than 10 minutes

Monitor status in dashboard; normal for first-time setups. If stuck over 30 minutes, check provider quotas or contact Cloudways support.

Cannot access WP Admin after deployment

Verify credentials in Access Details; reset password via Cloudways if forgotten. Ensure Application URL is correct.

Domain not resolving after CNAME setup

Wait for DNS propagation (up to 48 hours); use tools like dig or WhatsMyDNS to check. Verify CNAME points exactly to Application URL.

SSL installation fails

Ensure domain is added and propagates first. Use Let's Encrypt option and retry; contact support for custom certs.

WooCommerce setup wizard not appearing

Clear browser cache, log out/in, or access WooCommerce > Status > Tools to run setup again.

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