Even if you have root access to your server through the WHM web interface, root access via SSH does not need to be enabled by default.
To enable root access through an SSH client (e.g., PuTTY, Terminal, or the SSH command-line tool), follow these steps:
Step 1: Log in to WHM
Log in to your WHM panel.
Step 2: Add User to the Wheel Group
Navigate to Security > Manage Wheel Group Users and ensure your user is included in the Wheel group (this group determines who can use the su command).
Step 3: Switch to Root User via SSH
You should now be able to log in with the user assigned to the Wheel group via SSH. Once logged in, you can switch to the root user by running the following command:
su -
Make sure you use the correct username that is part of the Wheel group when connecting via SSH.
Enabling root access via SSH can increase security risks. Be sure to use strong passwords or SSH keys, and restrict access as much as possible.