How to Connect GitHub Repositories to cPanel: Public & Private Guide

Managing your web projects becomes significantly easier when you integrate Git Version Control directly into your cPanel. Whether you are working with an open-source public repo or a secure private project, this guide will walk you through the setup process step-by-step.

1. Connecting a Public Repository

Connecting a public repository is straightforward because it doesn’t require complex authentication.

• Step 1: Go to your GitHub repository and copy the HTTPS link.

• Step 2: Log in to your cPanel and search for the Git™ Version Control tool.

• Step 3: Click on Create.

• Step 4: In the “Clone URL” box, paste the HTTPS link you copied. The remaining fields (File Path and Name) will auto-populate.

• Step 5: Click Create, and your repository is now linked!

2. Connecting a Private Repository (SSH Method)

Since private repositories require permission, we use SSH Keys to establish a secure connection between cPanel and GitHub.

Phase A: Generate SSH Keys in cPanel

1. Open the Terminal in your cPanel.

2. Run the following command to generate a new key:

   Bash

   ssh-keygen -t rsa -b 4096
   

3. Press Enter to save it in the default location. When asked for a passphrase, leave it blank and press Enter again.

4. To view your public key, run (replace username with your cPanel username):

   Bash

   cat /home/username/.ssh/id_rsa.pub
   

5. Copy the entire output (the key starting with ssh-rsa).

Phase B: Add the Key to GitHub

1. Log in to your GitHub account.

2. Go to Settings > SSH and GPG keys.

3. Click New SSH Key, give it a title (e.g., “My cPanel Server”), and paste your key into the box. Save it.

Phase C: Configure the SSH Connection

Go back to your cPanel Terminal and run these commands to ensure cPanel knows how to use the key for GitHub:

touch ~/.ssh/config
chmod 600 ~/.ssh/config
nano ~/.ssh/config

Inside the editor, paste the following configuration:

Host github.com
    HostName github.com
    User git
    IdentityFile ~/.ssh/id_rsa
    IdentitiesOnly yes

Press Ctrl+O, Enter, then Ctrl+X to save and exit.

Phase D: Final Permissions & Testing

Set the correct permissions for security:

chmod 700 ~/.ssh
chmod 600 ~/.ssh/id_rsa
chmod 644 ~/.ssh/id_rsa.pub

Test the connection by running:

ssh -T [email protected]

If successful, you will see a “Hi [Username]! You’ve successfully authenticated” message.

3. Final Step: Clone the Private Repo

Now that the “handshake” is established:

1. Go to GitHub and copy the SSH Link (not HTTPS) of your private repo.

2. In cPanel Git™ Version Control, click Create.

1. Paste the SSH Link in the Clone URL box.

2. Click Create.

Congratulations! Your private Git repository is now synced with your cPanel hosting.