Optimize Hosting and Free up Disk Space
The amount of space available on the server for storing the content of your website is called Disk Space. Your website's content includes your images, databases, videos, files, website pages, emails, etc. You can control how your disk space is organized from the File Manager. Your website's files, including your logo, photos, blog posts, JavaScript, PHP, and CSS files, will be stored in this area, and your disk space will contain all publicly accessible information and files required to run your website.
Once you reach the disk usage limit, your site could be impacted by reduced performance since it loses the ability to expand or manage temporary data files necessary for site operation. This could result in your website not functioning correctly or loading at all, inability to receive mail, and more.
This article will serve as a guide to help you check each:
Disk Space
The disk usage can be accessed from the Files section of your cPanel account. To learn more, please see Disk Space and Bandwidth Usage.
MySQL Databases
MySQL Database usage can also be checked from within the Disk Usage page.
- From the Disk Usage page, scroll down to find MySQL listed under Location, and click here.
- You will be redirected to the MySQL Databases page. There will be a list of all databases on your account under Current Databases, along with their sizes.
- Take note of any files of a larger size.
Inode Usage
An inode is a data structure used to keep information about a file on your hosting account. You can check this in the Statistics section of cPanel. To learn more, please see Inode Limits.
Preventing Disk Usage Issues
Delete Unnecessary Files and Folders
Remove any file or folder that is no longer needed for your website(s). You should only store files actively being used by your website(s). If you are nearing your disk space limit, free up some space using the File Manager or via FTP.
Delete CMS Installations
Delete any installations that you are not using anymore. Please see Softaculous to learn more.
Delete Old Backups
Many WordPress backup plugins save backups to your hosting account by default. Check the plugin's settings to see if you can designate the backups to be stored in a third-party file storage or locally on your computer.
You should save any backups on your hosting account to your local computer and then remove them from the server.
Deleting Inactive Plugins and Themes
If using WordPress, deactivate and/or delete any plugins and themes that are not currently in use. Please see How to Disable/Delete Themes and Plugins in WordPress to learn more.
Pro-tip: It is recommended not to use backup plugins as the backups these plugins create are being stored in the File Manager and can lead to compromised files, data loss, and full space.
Delete Unused Media
Review all media files and remove items that are no longer needed for your website.
Delete Email Folders
If you show high inode usage and you use cPanel webmail, clean your email folders, including junk/spam and trash. Each email is a file that counts towards the inode usage for your account. You may also consider switching to professional email, such as Cloud Email or Google Workspace, as these do not utilize an inode in your File Manager.
If you need further assistance, feel free to contact us via Chat or Phone:
- Chat Support - While on our website, you should see a CHAT bubble in the bottom right-hand corner of the page. Click anywhere on the bubble to begin a chat session.
- Phone Support -
- US: 888-401-4678
- International: +1 801-765-9400
You may also refer to our Knowledge Base articles to help answer common questions and guide you through various setup, configuration, and troubleshooting steps.