If you have a shared hosting account with cPanel and want to run a Next.js website on your own domain, this guide will help you do it step by step.
I created this guide for beginners, so even if you have never deployed a Next.js project before, you should be able to follow along.
===========Quick Summary (For Experienced Developers)========
If you're already familiar with Next.js and cPanel, here's the short version:
✅ Build the project on your local computer npm run build
✅ Remove unnecessary files before uploading node_modules, .git, .next/cache
✅ Create a Node.js Application in cPanel
✅ Upload your project files
✅ Run: npm install
✅ Configure startup file (app.js or server.js)
✅ Restart the Node.js application
✅ Open your domain and test
If you need detailed instructions, continue reading below.
=================================================================
Why Deploy Next.js on Shared Hosting?
Many developers use platforms like Vercel for Next.js hosting. However, some clients already have shared hosting and don't want to purchase a VPS or additional hosting.
If your hosting provider supports Node.js in cPanel, you can run a Next.js application directly from your hosting account.
Note: Shared hosting is usually slower than VPS or cloud hosting. It works best for small projects, personal websites, staging environments, or low-traffic applications.
Requirements
Before starting, make sure you have:
- A Next.js project
- cPanel access
- Node.js Application feature enabled
- A domain or subdomain connected to your hosting account
Step 1: Build Your Next.js Project Locally
Do not build the project on shared hosting.
Open your terminal and run:
npm run build
This creates an optimized production build.
Step 2: Clean the Project Before Uploading
Uploading unnecessary files makes deployment slower.
You can safely remove:
node_modules
.git
.next/cache
Keep these folders:
.next
public
src
app
pages
package.json
This reduces upload size significantly.
Step 3: Create a Node.js Application in cPanel
Login to cPanel.
Navigate to: Software -> Setup Node.js App
Click: Create Application
Choose:
- Node.js version (latest available)
- Domain or subdomain
- Application root directory
Save the application.
After creation, cPanel will generate the startup environment for your app.
Step 4: Upload Your Project Files
Open: cPanel → File Manager
Upload your project as a ZIP file.
After uploading:
- Extract the ZIP.
- Move files into the application root directory.
- Verify that package.json is visible.
Your structure should look similar to:
my-app/
├── .next/
├── public/
├── package.json
├── app.js
Step 5: Install Dependencies
Return to the Node.js Application page.
Install project dependencies: npm install
Wait until installation completes.
Do NOT run: npm run dev
The development server should never be used in production.
Step 6: Configure the Startup File
Your hosting provider may require a startup file such as:
app.js or server.js
This file starts the Next.js application and handles incoming requests.
If your hosting provider automatically creates an app.js file, update it according to your hosting requirements.
Step 7: Restart the Application
After uploading files and installing dependencies:
- Stop the application
- Start it again
or click: Restart inside cPanel.
Step 8: Test Your Website
Open your domain in a browser.
If everything is configured correctly, your Next.js application should load successfully.
Example: https://yourdomain.com
=========================== ## Common Problems ====================
- Website Shows 500 Error
Check:
- package.json exists
- dependencies installed
- startup file path is correct
- Build Not Found Error
Make sure you ran: npm run build
before uploading.
The .next folder must be uploaded.
- Node.js Option Missing in cPanel
Some shared hosting plans do not support Node.js.
Contact your hosting provider and ask whether Node.js Applications are available.
Final Thoughts
Deploying Next.js on cPanel is possible when your hosting provider supports Node.js. While shared hosting is not the ideal environment for large Next.js applications, it works well for testing, personal projects, small business websites, and staging environments.
If your project starts receiving significant traffic, consider moving to a VPS Hosting or a platform designed specifically for Next.js hosting.
Happy Deploying!