What this is and when you need it
DirectAdmin is the control panel that comes with your 3l3vate Hosting account. It is where you manage domains, email, files, databases, SSL certificates, backups, and most day-to-day hosting tasks — without using the command line.
If you have just signed up, or you are looking for “the place to log in to my hosting,” start here. Almost every other knowledgebase article assumes you can open DirectAdmin from the client area.
Prerequisites
- An active hosting package with 3l3vate Hosting (status Active, not suspended)
- Your client area login (email and password) for https://client.3l3vatehosting.co.za
- A modern browser (Chrome, Edge, Firefox, or Safari)
What DirectAdmin does for you
Think of DirectAdmin as the dashboard for your website hosting. Common tasks include:
- Adding domains, subdomains, and DNS records
- Creating email accounts and opening Webmail
- Uploading website files or managing them in File Manager
- Creating MySQL / MariaDB databases and users
- Requesting free SSL (Let’s Encrypt) certificates, if available on your plan
- Creating backups and restoring them
- Changing the PHP version for a domain, if available on your plan
DirectAdmin can appear in two skins: Evolution (modern layout — our default wording) and Classic (older multi-column text links). Menu names are similar.
If a label looks slightly different, use the Search box at the top of DirectAdmin and type a keyword such as email, ssl, or ftp.
How to open DirectAdmin from the client area (click path)
- Open https://client.3l3vatehosting.co.za in your browser.
- Sign in with the email address and password you used when you registered (or that we sent in your welcome email).
- From the client area home, open Services (sometimes labelled My Services).
- Click the row for your hosting package (not only the domain registration, if you have both).
- On the service detail page, look for a button or link such as Login to DirectAdmin, Hosting Control Panel, or SSO Login.
- Click that button. DirectAdmin should open in a new browser tab, already signed in (single sign-on / SSO).
[Screenshot 1: Client area → My Services → select hosting package]
[Screenshot 2: Service detail → Login to DirectAdmin button]
DirectAdmin Evolution home after SSO. DirectAdmin Evolution demo — your panel may look similar.
Expected result: You land on the DirectAdmin Evolution home screen with a left-hand menu (Account Manager, E-mail Manager, System Info & Files, and similar). You should not need to type a DirectAdmin password when SSO worked.
If you prefer a bookmark later, you can also open DirectAdmin via the server hostname URL in your welcome email (usually ending with :2222). For daily use, the client area SSO link is simpler and safer.
First look: Evolution layout
After SSO, spend thirty seconds finding these areas (Evolution labels):
| Area | Typical left-menu group | What you use it for |
|---|---|---|
| Domains / Domain Setup | Account Manager | Add domains, see document roots |
| DNS Management | Account Manager | A, CNAME, MX, TXT records |
| Email Accounts | E-mail Manager | Create mailboxes, open Webmail |
| File Manager | System Info & Files | Upload and edit site files |
| MySQL Management | Account Manager / Databases | Databases and users |
| SSL Certificates | Account Manager | Let’s Encrypt, if available on your plan |
| Create/Restore Backups | System Info & Files | Manual backups |
Classic alternative: If you see Classic, look for the same feature names as text links in the main columns, or switch skin under User Settings / Customise when both skins are enabled.
[Screenshot 3: DirectAdmin Evolution home with left menu and Search box]
Evolution vs Classic (brief note)
- Evolution: Left-hand or icon-based menu; Search is prominent; sections grouped (Account Manager, E-mail Manager, System Info & Files).
- Classic: Older multi-column layout with text links.
This knowledgebase favours Evolution wording. When Classic differs, search by meaning (Email Accounts, File Manager, and so on).
Safe habits from day one
- Prefer SSO from the client area instead of sharing the panel password in chat apps.
- Do not bookmark temporary SSO URLs that expire after a short time — bookmark the client area instead.
- Softaculous (one-click apps such as WordPress), advanced SSL options, and some backup tools appear if available on your plan. If a menu item is missing, check your plan or WhatsApp +27 66 222 1346.
- Keep your client area email address up to date so password resets and invoices reach you.
If something goes wrong
The SSO button does nothing or shows an error. Try another browser or an incognito/private window. Confirm the hosting service status is Active. Clear cookies only for the client area site if needed. If it still fails, WhatsApp +27 66 222 1346 or email info@3l3vatehosting.co.za.
I see a DirectAdmin login page asking for a username. Use the username from your welcome email (often a short user id or domain-related name), not your client area email — unless SSO was meant to skip this screen. Prefer returning via Login to DirectAdmin in the client area.
Wrong package opened. If you have reseller or multiple services, go back to My Services and open the correct hosting row before clicking SSO.
Can I give staff access to DirectAdmin? Prefer separate FTP or email accounts where possible. For full panel access, contact support so we can advise on safe options for your plan.
Related articles
- DirectAdmin login and password reset
- DirectAdmin overview tour
- Creating your first website
