aaPanel: Basic Features and Initial Setup
This article introduces the aaPanel control panel for VPS and explains how to perform initial setup after installation.
The aaPanel control panel can be installed automatically when you order a virtual or dedicated server (if specified in your order).
aaPanel Supported OS
We install aaPanel on the following OS:
- AlmaLinux 8 x64
- AlmaLinux 9 x64
- CentOS 9 x64 (EOL)
- Debian 11 x64
- Debian 12 x64
- Debian 13 x64
- Ubuntu 20 x64
- Ubuntu 22 x64
- Ubuntu 24 x64
- RockyLinux 8 x64
aaPanel's Key Advantages:
- Free to use with additional paid extensions.
- Simple and intuitive web interface.
- One-click installation of popular software (Nginx, Apache, MySQL/MariaDB, PHP, Redis, Docker, etc.).
- Low resource consumption.
- Built-in file manager and terminal.
- Automatic SSL certificate management with Let's Encrypt.
- Support for local and cloud storage backup.
- Plugin architecture for extended functionality.
Main disadvantages of aaPanel:
- Some advanced features require the paid professional version.
- The control panel is Linux-only.
- Limited built-in functionality for resellers compared to commercial panels.
- Some plugins and documentation are available primarily in English or Chinese.
Key Features of aaPanel:
- Website and virtual host management.
- Domain and DNS integration.
- One-click web application deployment.
- PHP version management.
- MySQL/MariaDB database management.
- FTP account management.
- SSL certificate installation and renewal.
- File management via web interface.
- Recommended backup and restore.
- Security features, including a firewall and Fail2Ban integration.
- Docker and container management (plugin).
- Server monitoring for CPU, RAM, disk, and network usage.
aaPanel Initial Setup
Before creating your first website, log in and register with the aaPanel control panel:
- Open the aaPanel login URL provided in the server activation email.
- To log in to aaPanel, use the administrator credentials provided in the email → click Login.

- When you first log in, aaPanel may notify you that the software has been successfully installed → click Finish.
- aaPanel will then prompt you to install some software packages. Select the recommended package and wait for the installation to complete.

- After installation is complete, aaPanel will prompt you to create and register your account.

- After creating your aaPanel account, you will receive an email confirming your email address.

- Congratulations! You have now successfully registered with aaPanel.
Creating a Domain in aaPanel
To create a website in aaPanel, follow these steps:
- After installation and registration are complete, open the Website section in the panel menu → click Add Site.

- Fill in the required information:
- Domain: Enter your domain name (e.g., example.com).
- Root Directory: Leave the default value or specify a different location.
- PHP Version: Select the required PHP version.
- Database: Create a new database if your website requires one.
- FTP: Create an FTP account if necessary.
- Click Confirm.

- If the website has been successfully created, it will appear in the list of websites.

After creating the website, you can:
- Upload your website files.
- Install an SSL certificate.
- Configure redirects and security settings.
- Manage databases and FTP accounts.
- Enable automatic backups and scheduled tasks.
Once your domain's DNS records point to your server, your website will be accessible online.
If you still have questions about how to cancel the order, you can ask them via the online chat in the lower-right corner of the site or create a support request through the ticket system.