How to Enable and Manage Bluehost Directory Privacy

Protecting sensitive data is a top priority for website owners. Bluehost Directory Privacy is a powerful feature that allows you to password-protect specific folders on your website, ensuring only authorized users can access or modify their contents. This added layer of security helps prevent data breaches and enhances your website’s overall integrity.

• Enable Directory Privacy Protection
• Remove Directory Privacy Protection
• Summary

Enable Directory Privacy Protection

1. Log in to the Bluehost Account Manager.
2. Click Websites in the left menu.

   
    

   • If you have only one website, you will be redirected straight to its Overview panel.
   • If you have multiple websites, all of them will be listed. Click on Settings to access the website's Overview panel.

     
      

3. Navigate to the Files & Access tab and click MANAGE in the Directory Privacy section.

   
    

4. Click ADD PRIVACY.

   
    

5. In the Add Privacy pop-up window:

   
    

   • Select the website and directory you want to protect.
      
   • Create a Username (must be at least 5 characters long and can only contain lowercase letters, numbers, periods(.), underscores(_), and dashes (-). For example: demo_user123).
      
   • Create a Password (must be 8 characters or longer and contain one of each of the following: number, special (#,?, !, @,$,%, ^, &, *, -), uppercase and lowercase).
      
6. Once you have set up your username and password, click the ADD button below.

Now, accessing the directory will require login credentials.

Remove Directory Privacy Protection

1. Log in to the Bluehost Account Manager.
2. Click Websites in the left menu.

   
    

   • If you have only one website, you will be redirected straight to its Overview panel.
   • If you have multiple websites, all of them will be listed. Click on Settings to access the website's Overview panel.

     
      

3. Go to the Files & Access tab in the top menu and click the MANAGE button in the Directory Privacy section.
4. Locate the protected directory and click the vertical ellipsis (⋮).

   
    

5. Select Remove Protection.

   
    

6. Confirm the action by clicking REMOVE in the pop-up.

   
    

A confirmation banner will appear once the protection is removed.

Summary

Bluehost Directory Privacy feature is an essential tool for safeguarding your website’s sensitive data. Whether you're enabling or removing protection, the process is simple and user-friendly. By securing your directories, you not only prevent unauthorized access but also reinforce your website’s credibility and trustworthiness. For anyone serious about website security, enabling Bluehost Directory Privacy is a smart and necessary step.