Overview
This article explains how to add an admin user to your Dedicated server. This user is different from a normal SFTP or Shell (SSH) user in that it is able to run sudo commands on the server, allowing more control over customizing system configurations or installing software.
Important note about custom Admin user changes
Any custom changes to the server made by the admin user will be overwritten whenever an Apache config is run. Since the Dedicated server is still managed by DreamHost, this can happen when adding hosting to a domain or adding an SSL certificate because a server config is run when these types of services are added.
If you make any custom changes, make sure to clearly note what they were so you can quickly fix anything that was overwritten.
Managing admin users
The following sections describe how to make changes to admin users on a Dedicated server.
Adding an admin user
To add an admin user:
- Navigate to SFTP Users & Files page in your panel.
- On the top right, click the Create User button.
- A Create User panel appears to the right.
- Enter the following:
- Username — A user name for the new user.
- Server — Select the Dedicated server from the dropdown.
- Password — You can either enter your own password or click the Generate strong password button to allow the panel to create it for you.
- Secure Shell Access (SSH) — Toggle this option and select a Shell type.
- Make this an admin user — Toggle this option.
- Admin User Terms of Use — Read the terms of use, then check the check box titled I have read and agreed to the terms of use.
- Click the Create User button.
- The user then appears on the SFTP Users & Files page, noted by an icon.
Assigning an admin user to a domain
When an admin user is created, it is not assigned to a specific domain. This is because the purpose of the admin user is to log directly into the server to run sudo commands. If you attempt to add the admin user to a domain on the Dedicated server, the following error displays:
Changes cannot be made.
Admin users cannot be assigned to a website.
If you need to assign an existing admin user to a domain, you must first revoke admin privileges as described below.
Revoking admin user privileges
To revoke admin user privileges:
- Navigate to SFTP Users & Files page in your panel.
- Hover over the icon to the right of your admin user.
- A pop-out appears.
- Click the toggle button to remove admin privileges.
FAQs
What if my old admin user is assigned to a domain?
Domains that already have an admin user assigned to them will continue to function normally with the same user.
What if I change my old admin user assigned to a domain?
If the old admin user assigned to a domain is changed, it cannot be assigned again in the future, unless admin access is first revoked.
Can I change a non-admin user to an admin user?
No. A user already assigned to a domain cannot be changed into a Dedicated admin user. A new admin user must be created.