How to View the Error Log in cPanel

To view the error log in cPanel, you can quickly find what’s causing website issues like PHP errors, missing files, permission problems, or 500 errors. It helps you monitor and diagnose errors in real time so you can fix problems faster and keep your site running smoothly.

Follow the guide: 

Here’s a quick guided step to help you find your website’s error log in cPanel: 

1. Log in to your cPanel account. 
   Use your login credentials to access your dashboard.

   
   

2. Go to the “Metrics” section. 
   Scroll down until you find the Metrics category.

   
   

3. Click on “Errors.” 
   This option opens the cPanel error log viewer.

   
   

4. View the latest log entries. 
   You’ll see a list of recent errors – usually the most recent 300 lines. Each entry includes a timestamp, error type (like 404 or 500), and file path information. 

   
   

5. Analyze the log output. 
   Look for recurring issues, specific file paths, or PHP-related warnings. You can also use “Ctrl + F” (Windows) or “Command + F” (Mac) to search for keywords such as fatal errors or permission denied.

Understanding Common Error Log Entries 

When checking your error logs, you may see messages like: 

• File does not exist – The requested file or page can’t be found (often due to a broken link). 

• Permission denied – The server doesn’t have the required access to a file or directory. 

• Fatal error – A major PHP problem that stops a script from running. 

• Warning / Notice – Minor issues that suggest coding or configuration adjustments are needed. 

• 404 / 500 errors – 404 means a page isn’t found, while 500 signals an internal server error. 

Even if they seem technical, these logs make it easier to pinpoint what went wrong and where. 

Knowing how to check the error log in cPanel helps you quickly identify issues and keep your website running smoothly. And if you ever need help, bodhost’s 24/7 support team is always available to troubleshoot and fix problems for you.

Read more about our article: How to Make cPanel / WHM Servers More Secure