How To Enable and Disable Hotlink Protection
This article explains how to enable Hotlink Protection in cPanel. It provides instructions for configuring the feature and explains how it restricts direct linking to files hosted on your website.
Hotlink Protection is an option in cPanel that protects your resources' bandwidth consumption. When set up properly, it prevents third-party sites from using your bandwidth when serving your website files. These website files could be images from your website that they link to their website. Follow the steps below on how to enable and disable it in cPanel.
Enabling Hotlink Protection
Follow the steps below on how to enable Hotlink Protection in cPanel.
- Log in to cPanel.
- Under Security, click Hotlink Protection.
- Click the Enable button if you want to enable Hotlink Protection with its default settings. This button only shows if Hotlink Protection is currently disabled. If you want to modify the settings, skip this step and proceed to Step 4.
- List the sites and URLs that you want to exempt from Hotlink Protection in the box provided.
- Enter the file extensions that you want to block from direct access in the box provided.
TIP: Specify the file extensions that consume most bandwidth, e.g., images, videos and applications.
Check the box to Allow direct requests if necessary and enter the URL in the box below if it needs to redirect to another URL.
- Click Submit.
The page redirects to the summary of the changes made. These changes take effect instantly.
Disabling Hotlink Protection
Follow the steps below on how to enable Hotlink Protection in cPanel.
- Log in to cPanel.
- Under Security, click Hotlink Protection.
- Click Disable.
The page redirects you to the summary of the changes made.
Feel free to contact our Singapore or Australia Support Team if you have further questions.