Logging into cPanel File Manager and finding your files missing can be unsettling. However, this issue is usually caused by simple settings or configuration errors that are easy to fix. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the common reasons for this problem and provide step-by-step solutions to help you locate and access your files.
Table of Contents
Hidden Files Are Not Displayed
Many essential files in your hosting account, like .htaccess or other configuration files, are considered “hidden files.” These files start with a dot (.) and are not displayed by default in cPanel File Manager.
How to Fix It:
- Log in to your cPanel and open File Manager.
- Look for the Settings button in the top-right corner of the screen and click on it.
- In the pop-up window, check the box labeled Show Hidden Files (dotfiles).
- Click Save to apply the changes.
Once enabled, you should be able to see all the hidden files in your directory.
You’re Looking in the Wrong Directory
cPanel File Manager typically opens in your home directory, but your website files are stored in the public_html folder or other subdirectories. If you’re in the wrong directory, your files will appear to be missing.
How to Fix It:
- Use the folder navigation on the left-hand side of File Manager to locate the public_html directory.
- If your website uses subdomains or subfolders, you may need to explore further to find the right location.
- To make things easier in the future, click Settings in File Manager and set your desired directory (e.g.,
public_html) as the default opening location.
Files Have Been Deleted or Moved
If you or someone else working on your website accidentally deleted or moved files, they won’t appear in their original location. However, cPanel stores deleted files in a trash folder temporarily, giving you a chance to recover them.
How to Fix It:
- Scroll down the folder list in File Manager and look for a directory named .trash.
- Open the
.trashfolder and check if your missing files are there. - To restore them, right-click the file or folder and choose Restore.
If you can’t find the files in the trash, check with your hosting provider about restoring backups. Most hosts maintain regular backups that can be used to recover deleted files.
File Permissions Are Incorrect
File permissions determine who can view or modify files in your account. If permissions are set incorrectly, it can prevent files from appearing in File Manager or make them inaccessible.
How to Fix It:
- In File Manager, locate the Permissions column.
- For directories, ensure the permissions are set to 755 (readable, writable, and executable by the owner).
- For files, set the permissions to 644 (readable and writable by the owner, and readable by others).
- To change permissions, right-click on the file or folder, select Change Permissions, and update the values.
If the issue persists, the ownership of the files may be incorrect. Contact your hosting provider to reset file ownership.
Filters or Search Settings Are Hiding Files
File Manager allows you to filter files by name or extension. If a filter is applied, it might hide files that don’t match the criteria.
How to Fix It:
- Check the search bar or filter settings at the top of File Manager.
- Clear any filters or search terms to display all files in the directory.
Once the filters are removed, all files should be visible again.
Browser or Cache Issues
Sometimes, the problem isn’t with cPanel but with your browser. Cached data or compatibility issues can cause File Manager to load incorrectly.
How to Fix It:
- Clear your browser cache and cookies.
- Try accessing File Manager using a different browser or incognito mode.
- Ensure your internet connection is stable, as interruptions can affect how files load in File Manager.
Server or Hosting Problems
In rare cases, server-related issues can prevent your files from displaying properly. This could be due to corruption, disk errors, or temporary server downtime.
How to Fix It:
- If you’ve tried all the steps above and still can’t see your files, contact your hosting provider’s support team.
- Provide them with details of the issue, including any error messages you’ve encountered.
- Ask them to check for server-side problems or restore your files from a backup if needed.
Final Thoughts
Not being able to see your files in cPanel File Manager can feel alarming, but the issue is usually easy to diagnose and fix. Whether it’s enabling hidden files, navigating to the correct directory, or adjusting permissions, these steps should help you resolve the problem quickly.
If you’re still stuck, your hosting provider’s support team is your best ally. They can help identify and resolve issues that require server-level expertise.