---
title: How to setup hotlink protection in cPanel
description: In this article, you will learn how to setup hotlink protection in cPanel. Hotlink protection prevents other websites from directly linking to files such as images on your website. If hotlink protection is disabled people can display your images on…
url: "https://conorbradley.co.uk/kb/how-to-setup-hotlink-protection-in-cpanel/"
updated: "2026-01-28"
category: "Using C-Panel (Control Panel) / cPanel Security Features"
tags:
  - cpanel
  - hosting
  - Hotlink
  - security
---

# How to setup hotlink protection in cPanel

In this article, you will learn how to setup hotlink protection in cPanel. Hotlink protection prevents other websites from directly linking to files such as images on your website.

If hotlink protection is disabled people can display your images on their website by using your image URL, this will then use your server bandwidth to serve the image to the other websites customers stealing your bandwidth.

## How to enable hotlink protection in cPanel

To enable hotlink protection in cPanel, follow these steps:

1. Log in to cPanel.
    If you're unsure of how to log in to cPanel please [follow this article](https://conorbradley.co.uk/kb/how-to-access-cpanel/).
2. In the search bar type **Hotlink Protection** then click it.
3. Click **Enable**.
4. Press **Go Back.**
5. In the **URLs to allow access** text box, Type any additional URLs that can access your files.
6. In the **block direct access for the following extensions** text box, Type any additional extensions.
7. Select if you wish to **allow direct requests**.
8. In the **r****edirect the request to the following URL** text box, Enter a URL if you wish blocked users to see a different page.
9. Click **Submit**.

## ![How to enable hotlink protection in cPanel conor bradley digital agency](https://conorbradley.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/How-to-enable-hotlink-protection-in-cPanel-conor-bradley-digital-agency.png)

## How to disable hotlink protection in cPanel

To disable hotlink protection in cPanel, follow these steps:

1. Log in to cPanel.
    If you're unsure of how to log in to cPanel please [follow this article](https://conorbradley.co.uk/kb/how-to-access-cpanel/).
2. In the search bar type **Hotlink Protection** then click it.
3. Click **Disable**.

## ![How to disabel hotlink protection in cPanel conor bradley digital agency](https://conorbradley.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/How-to-disabel-hotlink-protection-in-cPanel-conor-bradley-digital-agency.png)

 

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