Files whose names begin with a dot are hidden by default. These include several of the most important files on your account: .htaccess, .htpasswd, .user.ini, .env and .maintenance.
TURNING THEM ON
- Open File Manager in cPanel.
- Click Settings at the top right.
- Tick "Show Hidden Files (dotfiles)".
- Click Save.
The list refreshes and the hidden files appear.
WHEN YOU NEED THIS
Editing .htaccess to add redirects, fix 404 errors or block a file. Deleting a stuck .maintenance file that leaves WordPress showing "Briefly unavailable for scheduled maintenance". Checking for a .user.ini that is overriding your PHP settings. Finding a .env file left exposed by a Laravel deployment.
A WORD OF CAUTION
Hidden files are hidden because they control how the server behaves, not because they are unimportant. Download a copy before editing .htaccess. An invalid line there produces a 500 Internal Server Error across the entire site instantly.
If you break .htaccess and lose access, rename it to .htaccess-old to disable it, then rebuild it.
