This guide explains how to enable Node.js for your website and how to install npm modules inside your isolated Node.js container using SSH.
1. Enable Node.js for Your Website
- Log in to your hosting control panel.
- Go to Websites and select your domain.
- Open the Node.js App section.
- Click Create Node.js App.
- Configure:
- Port (autoβassigned or custom)
- Startup command (e.g.,
node app.js) - Node.js version (Stable recommended)
- Working directory (Home directory)
- Start mode (Automatic)
- Save your settings.
Your website now has its own isolated Node.js container. The log panel will show the startup process.
2. Access Your Node.js Container via SSH
To install npm modules, you must log in directly to your website’s container. This is done through the SSH settings shown in your control panel.
Step 1: Open the SSH Access Panel
In your website dashboard, go to:
Websites → Advanced → SSH Key Manager / SSH Password Authentication
Option A: Log in using an SSH Key (recommended)
- Click Upload Public Key in the SSH Key Manager.
- Add your SSH public key.
- Use the SSH command shown in the panel to connect:
Option B: Log in using SSH Password Authentication
- Enable SSH password authentication.
- Copy the SSH login command shown in the panel.
- Use your SSH password to log in:
Once logged in, you are inside your website’s Node.js container, as shown in the screenshot.
3. Navigate to Your Application Directory
Your Node.js application files are located in your container’s home directory:
ls -la
You should see files such as:
app.jspackage.jsonpackage-lock.jsonnode_modules(if already installed)public_html
If your app is inside a subfolder:
cd foldername
4. Install npm Modules
All npm installations must be done inside your container.
Install all dependencies from package.json
npm install
Install a specific module
npm install express
Install multiple modules
npm install express axios dotenv
5. Restarting Your Node.js Application
To restart your app:
Delete the Node.js app and create a new one.
Steps:
- Go to Websites → Node.js App.
- Click Delete App.
- Create the app again with the same settings.
This forces to rebuild and restart the container with your latest code and modules.
6. Common Issues & Fixes
Error: Cannot find module 'express'
Modules were not installed inside the container.
npm install express
App not updating after changes
Delete and recreate the Node.js app in the control panel.