How to set up WordPress server on Cloudways

beginner 8 min read Updated 2026-03-13

Quick Answer

Setting up WordPress on Cloudways takes 7-10 minutes: create a free account, launch a server (e.g. DigitalOcean 2GB RAM), add a WordPress application, access the temp admin URL with credentials, connect domain via DNS A record to server IP, enable free Let's Encrypt SSL, and optimize with caching/backups. Common issues like DNS delays resolve by verifying IP and waiting for propagation.

Prerequisites

Cloudways account (free trial signup)
Cloud provider plan (e.g. DigitalOcean 2GB RAM ~$28/month)
Domain name registered elsewhere
No prior server knowledge needed

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sign up for Cloudways account

Visit the Cloudways website and create a free account. After logging in, you will be redirected to the dashboard which prompts you to set up your first server and application.

Add a new server

In the left sidebar, hover over Servers (or My Servers) and click Add Server in the top right. Select a cloud provider (e.g. DigitalOcean for beginners due to cost-performance balance), choose server type (e.g. Basic), select RAM (e.g. 2GB for basic sites, ~$28/month), pick location closest to your users (e.g. Bangalore or New York), name your server, and click Launch Now. Server provisioning takes ~7 minutes.

Choose location closest to your target audience for best performance.

Add WordPress application

Once the server is ready, go to the Servers tab, select your server, and click Add Application (or directly from dashboard prompt). Choose WordPress from the application list, select your server, name the application and project, stick with the default hybrid stack (recommended), and click Launch Now. Skip optional plugins for now; installation takes a few minutes.

Hybrid stack includes optimized caching like Varnish/Redis by default.

Access WordPress details

In the Applications tab, click your new WordPress application (e.g. "Crunchops"). Go to the Access Details section to find the Admin Panel URL (temporary DNS), username, and password. Click the icon next to Admin Panel URL or copy-paste it into your browser to log in.

Log in to WordPress admin

Use the provided username and password to access the WordPress dashboard at the temporary URL. Default configuration includes basic security and performance settings bundled by Cloudways (e.g. no manual server management needed).

Temporary DNS allows access before domain setup.

Configure domain (optional)

In your domain registrar's DNS settings, add an A record: Host = @ (or blank), TTL = 600 (minimum), Value = server IP address (copy from Access Details > Public IP). Wait for DNS propagation (~few hours to 48). Then, in Cloudways Applications > your app > Domain Management, add your primary domain and set as default.

DNS propagation can take 1-48 hours; use tools like WhatsMyDNS to check.

Enable SSL certificate

In Applications > your app > SSL Certificate tab, select Let’s Encrypt (free), enter your domain, and click Install. Defaults to auto-renewal.

Install SSL only after domain is propagated and added in Cloudways.

Install themes and plugins

In WordPress dashboard, go to Appearance > Themes > Add New to browse, install, and activate a responsive theme. Then navigate to Plugins > Add New and install essentials like Yoast SEO, Wordfence Security, or WooCommerce if needed. Configure settings as prompted.

Start with clean, lightweight themes for best performance.

Optimize post-setup

Enable caching via Applications > Application Settings > Advanced > Varnish or Redis (often on by default). In Backup tab, enable automated daily backups (default retention: 7 days). View Server Metrics (RAM, CPU, uptime) in Monitoring tab. Clone to staging via Staging tab for testing changes safely.

Consider adding Cloudflare CDN for extra speed and security.

Common Issues & Troubleshooting

DNS propagation delays when connecting domain

Verify A record points to correct server IP (from Access Details > Public IP), set TTL to 600, and wait 1-48 hours. Check propagation with online tools.

Cannot log in to WordPress admin

Double-check username/password from Access Details tab. Use the temporary Admin Panel URL icon or copy-paste exactly; clear browser cache if needed.

SSL installation fails

Ensure domain is fully propagated, added as primary in Cloudways Domain Management, and no conflicting records exist. Retry Let's Encrypt after confirmation.

Slow site performance after setup

Enable Varnish/Redis caching in Application Settings > Advanced. Purge cache, check server metrics for high CPU/RAM, and test with tools like GTmetrix.

Server launch takes longer than 7 minutes

Provisioning can vary by provider/location; monitor progress in dashboard. If stuck >15 min, contact Cloudways support via chat.

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