Help Center

Registering a domain name with Katika Web Services is quick and straightforward. Your domain is your online identity, so choosing the right one matters. Here is how to get started:

Step 1: Search for Your Domain

Visit /domains and enter the domain name you want in the search bar. Our system will check availability across hundreds of top-level domains (TLDs) including .com, .net, .org, .co, .io, and many more. If your first choice is taken, we will suggest alternative TLDs and similar names.

Step 2: Add to Cart

Once you find an available domain, click the "Add to Cart" button. You can register your domain for 1, 2, or more years at a time. Longer registration periods often come with a discount and protect your domain from expiring unexpectedly.

Step 3: Checkout

Head to your cart to review your selection. During checkout, you can add optional extras like WHOIS privacy protection (which hides your personal contact information from public WHOIS lookups). Complete payment using a credit card, debit card, or other accepted payment methods.

Step 4: Domain is Live

After payment, your domain is registered immediately. You will receive a confirmation email with your domain details. You can then point your domain to hosting, set up DNS records, or configure email from your client area.

Web hosting is what makes your website accessible on the internet. Katika Web Services offers several hosting plans to suit every need, from personal blogs to high-traffic business sites.

Step 1: Choose a Plan

Visit /hosting-plans to compare our available plans. Each plan includes different levels of storage, bandwidth, email accounts, and features. For most new websites, our Starter or Business plan is a great choice. If you need more resources, consider our Premium or Enterprise tiers.

Step 2: Complete Your Purchase

Select your preferred billing cycle (monthly or annually) and add the plan to your cart. Annual billing offers significant savings. Complete payment through our secure checkout process.

Step 3: Receive Your Credentials

After purchase, you will receive a welcome email containing your cPanel login URL, username, and temporary password. cPanel is your hosting control panel where you manage everything from files to databases to email accounts.

Step 4: Upload Your Website

Log in to cPanel and use the File Manager to upload your website files to the public_html directory. Alternatively, you can use an FTP client like FileZilla for bulk uploads. If you want to use WordPress, you can install it in one click via Softaculous in cPanel.

Step 5: Point Your Domain

If your domain is registered elsewhere, update its nameservers to ns1.katikaws.com and ns2.katikaws.com. If you registered your domain with us, it is automatically configured.

Having a professional email address at your own domain (like info@yourdomain.com) builds trust and credibility. Katika Web Services makes it easy to create and manage email accounts.

Option 1: Via cPanel

1. Log in to your cPanel dashboard.
2. Navigate to the Email section and click Email Accounts.
3. Click Create and enter the desired email address (e.g., info, sales, support).
4. Set a strong password and choose a mailbox quota (storage limit).
5. Click Create Account and you are done.

Option 2: Katika Mail

For a streamlined webmail experience, visit /mail (Katika Mail). This is our built-in webmail interface that lets you access your email from any browser without installing software. Simply sign in using your full email address and password.

Accessing Your Email

Once created, you can access your email through webmail at yourdomain.com/webmail, or configure it in any email client (Outlook, Apple Mail, Gmail app, Thunderbird) using IMAP or POP3 settings. See our email setup articles for detailed instructions for each client.

cPanel is the industry-standard control panel for managing your web hosting account. It provides a graphical interface for managing files, databases, email, domains, and more.

Method 1: Direct URL

The most common way to access cPanel is by visiting your domain with port 2083:

https://yourdomain.com:2083

Log in using the username and password provided in your welcome email. If you have forgotten your password, you can reset it from the client area.

Method 2: Via Client Area

Log in to your Katika Web Services account, navigate to your active hosting services, and click the "Open cPanel" button. This method uses a secure token so you do not need to enter cPanel credentials separately.

What You Can Do in cPanel

• File Manager -- Upload, edit, and manage website files.
• Email Accounts -- Create, delete, and manage email addresses.
• Databases -- Create MySQL databases and manage them with phpMyAdmin.
• Domains -- Add addon domains, subdomains, and manage DNS.
• SSL/TLS -- Manage SSL certificates and force HTTPS.
• Softaculous -- One-click install for WordPress, Joomla, and 400+ other apps.
• Backups -- Generate and download full or partial backups of your account.

If you registered your domain with another registrar and want to use Katika Web Services hosting, you need to point your domain to our servers by updating its nameservers.

Our Nameservers

• ns1.katikaws.com
• ns2.katikaws.com

How to Update Nameservers

1. Log in to the registrar where your domain is currently registered (e.g., GoDaddy, Namecheap, Google Domains).
2. Find the domain management or DNS settings section.
3. Look for "Nameservers" and select "Custom" or "Use custom nameservers."
4. Replace the existing nameservers with ns1.katikaws.com and ns2.katikaws.com.
5. Save the changes.

Propagation Time

Nameserver changes typically take 1 to 24 hours to propagate worldwide, though most updates are visible within 2-4 hours. During propagation, some visitors may still see the old website or a placeholder page. This is normal and resolves on its own.

Alternative: Use A Records

If you prefer to keep your current nameservers and only point specific records, you can create an A record pointing to your hosting server IP address. Contact our support team for your server IP.

FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is one of the most reliable ways to upload website files to your hosting account, especially when dealing with many files or large directories.

Using FileZilla (Recommended)

1. Download and install FileZilla (free) from filezilla-project.org.
2. Open FileZilla and enter your connection details at the top:
   • Host: yourdomain.com (or your server IP)
   • Username: Your cPanel username
   • Password: Your cPanel password
   • Port: 21 (or 990 for FTPS)
3. Click Quickconnect. Accept the SSL certificate if prompted.
4. On the right panel (server side), navigate to the public_html folder.
5. On the left panel (your computer), navigate to your website files.
6. Drag files from left to right to upload. FileZilla will show transfer progress.

Using cPanel File Manager

If you prefer a browser-based approach, log in to cPanel and open File Manager. Navigate to public_html, click Upload, and select your files. This is convenient for small updates but less efficient for bulk uploads.

WordPress powers over 40% of all websites on the internet. Katika Web Services makes installing WordPress fast and simple with our one-click installer.

One-Click Install via Softaculous

1. Log in to cPanel and scroll down to the Software section.
2. Click on Softaculous Apps Installer.
3. Find WordPress (it is usually featured on the home screen) and click Install.
4. Configure the installation:
   • Choose Protocol: Select https:// for a secure site.
   • Choose Domain: Select the domain you want to install WordPress on.
   • In Directory: Leave blank to install at your main domain, or enter a folder name (e.g., "blog").
   • Site Name & Description: Enter your site title and tagline.
   • Admin Account: Set a username (avoid "admin"), password, and email.
5. Click Install. WordPress will be ready in under a minute.

Manual Install

For advanced users, you can download WordPress from wordpress.org, upload it via FTP, create a MySQL database in cPanel, and run the browser-based installer at yourdomain.com/wp-admin/install.php.

SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) encrypts data between your website and its visitors, protecting sensitive information like login credentials and payment details. It is also a ranking factor for search engines.

AutoSSL (Free -- Enabled by Default)

All Katika Web Services hosting accounts include free AutoSSL certificates powered by cPanel. AutoSSL automatically provisions and renews SSL certificates for all your domains and subdomains. After pointing your domain to our nameservers, AutoSSL typically issues a certificate within a few hours.

Checking SSL Status

In cPanel, navigate to Security > SSL/TLS Status to see which domains have active certificates. Green checkmarks indicate active SSL, while yellow or red icons indicate pending or missing certificates.

Forcing HTTPS

To ensure all visitors use the secure HTTPS version of your site:

1. In cPanel, go to Domains > Domains (or Force HTTPS Redirect).
2. Toggle the Force HTTPS Redirect switch to ON for your domain.

Alternatively, you can add the following to your .htaccess file:

RewriteEngine On
RewriteCond %{HTTPS} off
RewriteRule ^(.*)$ https://%{HTTP_HOST}%{REQUEST_URI} [L,R=301]

Different web applications may require specific PHP versions. Katika Web Services lets you choose and switch PHP versions on a per-domain basis through cPanel.

Using MultiPHP Manager

1. Log in to cPanel and navigate to the Software section.
2. Click MultiPHP Manager.
3. You will see a list of your domains with their current PHP version.
4. Check the box next to the domain you want to change.
5. Select the desired PHP version from the dropdown menu (e.g., PHP 8.1, 8.2, 8.3).
6. Click Apply.

PHP Configuration

To customize PHP settings (like upload_max_filesize, max_execution_time, or memory_limit), use MultiPHP INI Editor in cPanel. Select your domain and adjust the values as needed. Changes take effect immediately.

Which PHP Version Should I Use?

Always use the latest stable PHP version that your application supports. Newer versions offer better performance and security. WordPress, for example, recommends PHP 8.2 or later. Check your application's documentation for compatibility requirements before upgrading.

Each hosting plan at Katika Web Services comes with specific resource allocations. Understanding these limits helps you choose the right plan and avoid unexpected issues.

Key Resource Limits

• Storage (Disk Space): The total amount of space for your website files, emails, databases, and backups. Plans range from 10 GB (Starter) to unlimited (Enterprise). Monitor usage in cPanel under "Disk Usage."
• Bandwidth (Data Transfer): The amount of data transferred between your server and visitors each month. Higher-traffic sites need more bandwidth. If you consistently exceed your limit, consider upgrading.
• Domains: The number of separate websites (addon domains) you can host on a single account. The Starter plan typically supports 1 domain, while higher plans support 5, 10, or unlimited domains.
• Email Accounts: Each plan includes a set number of email accounts. Starter plans typically include 5-10 accounts, while premium plans offer unlimited email accounts.
• Databases: MySQL databases for dynamic websites and applications. Most plans include generous database allowances.

What Happens if I Exceed a Limit?

If you approach a resource limit, you will receive a notification. Exceeding storage limits may prevent new file uploads or email delivery. Exceeding bandwidth may result in temporary throttling. In both cases, upgrading your plan resolves the issue immediately.

How to Check Usage

Log in to cPanel and check the right-hand sidebar for a quick overview of your disk usage, bandwidth, email accounts, and database usage. For detailed breakdowns, use the Disk Usage tool.

Katika Mail is our built-in webmail interface that lets you read, compose, and manage your email from any web browser -- no software installation required.

How to Access Katika Mail

1. Open your browser and go to katikaws.com/mail.
2. Enter your full email address (e.g., you@yourdomain.com).
3. Enter your email password (the one you set when creating the email account in cPanel).
4. Click Sign In.

Features

Katika Mail provides a clean, modern interface with the following capabilities:

• Compose, reply, forward, and organize emails into folders.
• Search your inbox by sender, subject, or content.
• Manage contacts and create contact groups.
• Set up email filters and auto-responders.
• Attach files and view attachments inline.

Alternative Webmail Access

You can also access webmail directly at yourdomain.com/webmail or yourdomain.com:2096. These URLs provide access to Roundcube, Horde, or other webmail clients available on the server.

You can access your Katika-hosted email on your smartphone using the built-in Mail app. Here are the settings you need.

Email Server Settings

• Incoming Server (IMAP): mail.yourdomain.com
• IMAP Port: 993 (SSL/TLS)
• Outgoing Server (SMTP): mail.yourdomain.com
• SMTP Port: 465 (SSL/TLS)
• Username: Your full email address (e.g., you@yourdomain.com)
• Password: Your email account password
• Authentication: Normal password

iPhone / iPad Setup

1. Go to Settings > Mail > Accounts > Add Account.
2. Select Other > Add Mail Account.
3. Enter your name, email, password, and a description.
4. Select IMAP and enter the server settings above.
5. Tap Save. Your email will begin syncing.

Android Setup

1. Open the Gmail app (or your default Mail app).
2. Tap Add Account > Other.
3. Enter your full email address and tap Manual Setup.
4. Select IMAP and enter the server settings above.
5. Complete the setup wizard and your email will sync.

Microsoft Outlook is one of the most popular email clients for desktop. Here is how to add your Katika-hosted email account to Outlook.

Outlook for Windows

1. Open Outlook and go to File > Add Account.
2. Enter your full email address (e.g., you@yourdomain.com) and click Connect.
3. If auto-discover does not work, select Advanced options > Let me set up my account manually.
4. Choose IMAP as the account type.
5. Enter the incoming and outgoing server settings:
   • Incoming: mail.yourdomain.com, Port 993, Encryption SSL/TLS
   • Outgoing: mail.yourdomain.com, Port 465, Encryption SSL/TLS
6. Enter your password and click Connect.
7. Outlook will verify the settings and begin syncing your email.

Outlook for Mac

1. Open Outlook and go to Outlook > Preferences > Accounts.
2. Click the + button and select New Account.
3. Enter your email address and follow the prompts, using the same IMAP settings listed above if manual configuration is required.

If you are experiencing problems sending or receiving email, work through the following checks to identify and resolve the issue.

1. Check DNS Records

Incorrect DNS records are the most common cause of email issues. Verify the following:

• MX Records: Your domain must have MX (Mail Exchange) records pointing to our mail server. In cPanel, go to Zone Editor to verify.
• SPF Record: Ensures outgoing emails are authorized. Your SPF record should include v=spf1 +a +mx +ip4:YOUR_SERVER_IP ~all.
• DKIM Record: Digitally signs your emails to verify they have not been tampered with. Enable DKIM in cPanel under Email Deliverability.

2. Check Email Quota

If your mailbox is full, you will not receive new messages. Log in to cPanel > Email Accounts and check the quota usage for the affected account. Increase the quota or delete old emails to free space.

3. Check Spam Filters

Legitimate emails may be caught by spam filters. In cPanel, go to Spam Filters (Apache SpamAssassin) and review the settings. You can whitelist specific senders or adjust the spam threshold score.

4. Check Your Email Client Settings

Verify that your email client is using the correct server, port, and encryption settings (see our setup guides for iPhone, Android, and Outlook). An incorrect port or missing SSL setting is a frequent cause of connection failures.

5. Test with Webmail

If email works in webmail but not in your client, the issue is with your client configuration. If it does not work in webmail either, the issue is server-side -- contact our support team.

SPF, DKIM, and DMARC are email authentication protocols that protect your domain from spoofing, phishing, and unauthorized use. Together, they significantly improve your email deliverability and help keep your messages out of spam folders.

SPF (Sender Policy Framework)

SPF is a DNS TXT record that specifies which mail servers are authorized to send email on behalf of your domain. When a receiving server gets an email from your domain, it checks the SPF record to verify the sending server is listed. If it is not, the email may be rejected or marked as spam.

Example SPF record: v=spf1 +a +mx include:_spf.katikaws.com ~all

DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail)

DKIM adds a digital signature to every outgoing email. This signature is generated using a private key on the server and verified using a public key published in your DNS. It proves the email was genuinely sent from your domain and has not been altered in transit. Enable DKIM in cPanel under Email Deliverability.

DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance)

DMARC builds on SPF and DKIM by telling receiving servers what to do when an email fails authentication. You can set a policy of none (monitor only), quarantine (send to spam), or reject (block entirely). DMARC also sends you reports about authentication failures.

Example DMARC record: v=DMARC1; p=quarantine; rua=mailto:dmarc@yourdomain.com

Why They Matter

Without these records, spammers can forge emails that appear to come from your domain, damaging your reputation. Major email providers like Gmail, Outlook, and Yahoo now require proper authentication -- emails without SPF/DKIM are increasingly rejected outright.

Your domain name is your address on the internet. Choosing and registering the right domain is the first step to establishing your online presence.

How to Search

1. Visit katikaws.com/domains.
2. Enter the domain name you want in the search bar (e.g., "mybusiness").
3. Our system will instantly check availability across popular TLDs including .com, .net, .org, .co, .io, .shop, .tech, and many more.
4. Available domains are shown with their price. Unavailable domains show alternative suggestions.

Choosing the Right Domain

• Keep it short, memorable, and easy to spell.
• Avoid hyphens and numbers when possible.
• .com is the most recognized TLD, but newer extensions like .io or .tech are popular with startups.
• Consider registering multiple TLDs to protect your brand.

Completing Registration

Click "Add to Cart" on your chosen domain, then proceed to checkout. You will need to provide registrant contact information (name, address, email). If you enable WHOIS Privacy, this information will be hidden from public lookups. After payment, your domain is registered immediately.

If you already own a domain registered with another provider, you can transfer it to Katika Web Services to manage everything in one place. Transfers typically extend your registration by one year.

Before You Start

• Your domain must be at least 60 days old (ICANN requirement).
• Your domain must not have been transferred in the last 60 days.
• The domain must not be in a "locked" status.

Step-by-Step Transfer Process

1. Unlock your domain at your current registrar. Look for "Domain Lock" or "Transfer Lock" in your domain settings and disable it.
2. Get your authorization code (also called an EPP code or auth code). Your current registrar should provide this via their dashboard or upon request.
3. Initiate the transfer at Katika Web Services. Contact our support team or use the transfer tool in your client area. Provide the domain name and authorization code.
4. Approve the transfer. You will receive an email at the domain's admin contact email address asking you to approve the transfer. Click the approval link.
5. Wait for completion. Transfers typically complete within 5-7 days, though some finish in as little as a few hours.

Nameservers tell the internet where to find your website. Updating them is necessary when you move your website to a new hosting provider or want to use a third-party DNS service.

Katika Nameservers

If you are hosting with Katika Web Services, set your nameservers to:

• ns1.katikaws.com
• ns2.katikaws.com

How to Update (Domain Registered with Katika)

1. Log in to your Katika Web Services account.
2. Go to Domains in your client area.
3. Click on the domain you want to update.
4. Find the Nameservers section.
5. Enter the new nameserver addresses and save.

How to Update (Domain Registered Elsewhere)

Log in to your domain registrar's dashboard (GoDaddy, Namecheap, etc.) and look for the nameserver or DNS settings. Replace the current nameservers with the ones provided above. Each registrar has a slightly different interface, but the process is similar.

Propagation

After updating nameservers, allow 1 to 48 hours for DNS propagation. During this time, some visitors may be directed to the old server while others see the new one. This is normal and temporary.

When you register a domain, ICANN requires registrant contact information (name, address, email, phone) to be published in the WHOIS database. WHOIS Privacy (also called ID Protection or Domain Privacy) replaces your personal information with the privacy service's details.

Why Use WHOIS Privacy?

• Protect personal information: Your name, address, phone number, and email are hidden from public view.
• Reduce spam: Spammers and telemarketers often harvest WHOIS data. Privacy protection stops this.
• Prevent domain theft: With your information hidden, social engineering attacks targeting your domain are much harder.

How to Enable

WHOIS Privacy can be added during domain registration at checkout. Simply check the "WHOIS Privacy Protection" option before completing your purchase. If you already registered a domain without it, you can enable it afterward:

1. Log in to your Katika Web Services account.
2. Navigate to Domains in your client area.
3. Click on the domain you want to protect.
4. Find the WHOIS Privacy or ID Protection toggle and enable it.

What Gets Hidden?

With WHOIS Privacy enabled, anyone who looks up your domain in a WHOIS search will see the privacy service's generic contact information instead of your personal details. Your domain ownership is unchanged -- you still have full control.

Domains are registered for a set period (usually 1-10 years) and must be renewed before they expire. Letting a domain expire can result in your website going offline and, in the worst case, someone else registering your domain.

Auto-Renewal

We strongly recommend enabling auto-renewal for all your domains. When enabled, your domain is automatically renewed before its expiration date using the payment method on file. To enable it:

1. Log in to your account and go to Domains.
2. Click on the domain and find the Auto-Renew setting.
3. Toggle it ON.

What Happens When a Domain Expires?

Domain expiry follows a predictable timeline:

• Expiry Date: Your domain stops resolving. Website and email go offline.
• Grace Period (0-30 days): You can still renew at the normal price. The domain is not available for others to register.
• Redemption Period (30-60 days): You can still recover your domain, but at a significantly higher fee (typically $100+). This covers the registry's redemption cost.
• Pending Delete (5 days): The domain enters a deletion queue and will be released for public registration.
• Released: Anyone can register the domain. High-value domains are often snatched by automated bots within seconds.

Renewal Reminders

We send email reminders at 60 days, 30 days, 14 days, and 1 day before expiry. Make sure your account email address is up to date so you do not miss these notifications.

Creating an account with Katika Web Services is fast and simple. Your account gives you access to manage domains, hosting, billing, and support.

How to Sign Up

1. Visit katikaws.com/signup.
2. You can sign up using your email address or through a social login provider (Google, etc.).
3. If using email, enter your name, email address, and choose a strong password.
4. Verify your email address by clicking the confirmation link sent to your inbox.
5. Once verified, you are all set. You can start purchasing domains and hosting immediately.

Authentication

Katika Web Services uses Clerk for secure authentication. This means your credentials are handled by an industry-leading auth platform with features like:

• Two-factor authentication (2FA) for added security.
• Social sign-in (Google, GitHub, etc.) for convenience.
• Session management -- see and revoke active sessions from your profile.
• Password recovery via secure email link.

Managing Your Profile

After signing in, click your avatar in the top navigation to access your profile. From there you can update your name, email, password, enable 2FA, and manage connected social accounts.

Keeping your payment method up to date ensures uninterrupted service for your hosting, domains, and other subscriptions.

How to Update

1. Log in to your Katika Web Services account.
2. Navigate to the Account or Billing section in your client area.
3. Under Payment Methods, you will see your current card or payment method on file.
4. Click Update or Add New Payment Method.
5. Enter your new card details (number, expiry, CVC) and save.

Accepted Payment Methods

• Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover
• Debit cards with Visa/Mastercard branding

Failed Payments

If a payment fails (expired card, insufficient funds, etc.), you will receive an email notification. You have a short grace period to update your payment method before services are affected. Auto-renewal charges will be retried automatically over the next few days.

Every charge on your Katika Web Services account generates an invoice. Here is how to read and manage your invoices.

Accessing Invoices

1. Log in to your account and go to Billing > Invoices.
2. You will see a list of all invoices with their date, amount, and status.
3. Click any invoice to view the full details or download a PDF.

Invoice Line Items

Each invoice contains one or more line items. Common items include:

• Domain Registration/Renewal: The domain name and registration period (e.g., "example.com - 1 Year Registration").
• Hosting Plan: Your hosting plan name and billing period (e.g., "Business Hosting - Annual").
• Add-ons: WHOIS Privacy, extra storage, dedicated IP, etc.

Invoice Statuses

• Paid: Payment was successfully processed.
• Unpaid: Payment is due. Click "Pay Now" to complete payment.
• Overdue: Payment is past the due date. Update your payment method and pay as soon as possible to avoid service interruption.
• Cancelled: The invoice was cancelled (e.g., due to a refund or order cancellation).

We want you to be completely satisfied with our services. If things are not working out, here is how cancellations and refunds work.

30-Day Money-Back Guarantee

All new hosting plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you are not satisfied within the first 30 days of your hosting purchase, you can request a full refund. This applies to hosting fees only -- domain registrations, add-on services, and setup fees are non-refundable.

How to Cancel a Hosting Plan

1. Log in to your Katika Web Services account.
2. Navigate to Services or My Products in your client area.
3. Click on the hosting plan you wish to cancel.
4. Click Request Cancellation.
5. Select whether you want to cancel Immediately or at the End of Billing Period.
6. Provide a reason (optional but helpful) and confirm.

Domain Cancellations

Domain registrations are non-refundable, as registration fees are paid directly to the domain registry. If you no longer need a domain, you can disable auto-renewal and let it expire at the end of its registration period.

Refund Processing

Approved refunds are processed within 5-10 business days. The refund is credited back to the original payment method. You will receive a confirmation email once the refund is issued.