Quick answer
Hotlink Protection restricts requests that embed selected file types from other sites. It depends on request information and is not a substitute for access control or copyright enforcement.
Applies to
For Interactive Online cPanel customers with permission to manage the selected service. The tool must be enabled on your plan. Open the correct service from the Client Area before changing anything. The preserved video shows an older interface.
Steps
- Open Security > Hotlink Protection and record the existing configuration.
- List your own permitted website URLs, including the versions and subdomains that legitimately display the files. Consider any CDN or separate content domain.
- Select the protected file extensions. Decide whether direct requests should be permitted and whether a redirect is needed; avoid redirecting to another protected file.
- Enable or save the configuration using the controls shown. Keep a copy of the previous settings.
Check the result
Check images on your own public pages and any legitimate external integration. Test an external embed separately; a direct URL test alone does not establish that hotlink filtering works.
Troubleshooting and support
If your own images break, check permitted domains, HTTPS URLs and CDN requests. Restore the previous setting while investigating.
If the problem continues, contact support from the account that owns the service. Include the domain, exact error, time and time zone, tool name, and a redacted screenshot. Keep passwords, private keys, cookies and private message content out of the ticket.
Video tutorial
The original video is preserved. Its interface or product version may differ from the written guidance above.
Related help
Official references
Written content reviewed November 1, 2026. Menu availability depends on the product version, permissions and service.
