How to Install SSL Certificate on cPanel?

Steps to Install SSL Certificate on cPanel:

SSL certificates are essential for any website as it helps to encrypt data, secure the transfer of sensitive information & validate the website’s identity. The steps to Install an SSL certificate on cPanel are entirely technical, and if you follow our guide, you can install the certificate in minutes.

The Prerequisites for Installing an SSL Certificate on cPanel

1. An active subscription to the cPanel hosting service.
2. A valid SSL certificate from a trusted CA (Certera, Sectigo/Comodo)
3. Access and control of your domain name
4. An understanding of what a CSR is and how to generate it.
5. A secure connection (HTTPS) from your server to the end user’s browser
6. Knowledge of how to use File Transfer Protocol (FTP) software.
7. Appropriate file permissions for uploading the certificate files.

If you have not generated the CSR, use our guide on Generating CSR in cPanel.

Step 1: Log in to cPanel

The first step is to log into the cPanel account; you can do it through a web browser using the credentials provided by the hosting provider. After log-in to your account, search “Security” & click on it. Under Security, go to SSL/TLS Manager.

Step 2: Select “Manage SSL Sites”

• Under the SSL/TLS Manager, select “Manage SSL Sites.” This option helps you to install an SSL certificate on your website.
• Select the domain name and click on “Run AutoSSL.
• Now, choose the “upload a new Certificate” option in the drop-down menu.
• Select the desired domain name from the Domain drop-down menu to install your SSL certificate.

Step 3: Copy/Paste your Certificate Files

Once you select the preferred domain, please copy and paste the relevant certificate files into their correct text boxes for a quick and efficient setup; with this step, the SSL certificate will be applied to the domain, verifying your website’s identity and ensuring a secure connection for users. Essentially, you will find three text boxes:

• Certificate (CRT): The Certificate issued to your domain, granting you exclusive server access.
• Private Key (KEY): It allows encrypted communication between your server and the visitor’s browser.
• Certificate Authority Bundle: This bundle contains information about all Certificate Authorities who have signed your SSL Certificate.

Step 4: Verify and Install SSL

• After Copying/Pasting all three files into their respective boxes, click the “Verify” button at the bottom of the page. Make sure to review the proper installation of these files.
• After verifying, click on “Install Certificate” to complete the SSL installation.
• Finally, the SSL Certificate installed on cPanel, and your website will now work with HTTPS.

Troubleshooting Tips

Facing errors when installing the SSL on cPanel is common, you should user our expert tips to troubleshoot the errors.

• Make sure that you have copied & pasted all three files into their correct text boxes
• Ensure that your private key matches the public key of your certificate
• Check to see if your server supports TLS 1.2 protocol
• Check the proper SSL Installation with our SSL Checker Tool

cPanel FAQs:

Q1: How do I replace an SSL certificate in cPanel?

Here are the steps to replace an SSL Certificate in cPanel

• Buy a new SSL Certificate.
• Now, Log-in to your cPanel account & select “SSL/TLS Manager”.
• Click on “Certificates” and select “Generate or Replace an Existing CSR”.
• Enter the requested information and click “Generate” button
• Click on “Install and Manage SSL for your site (HTTPS)” to install the new SSL certificate.
• Once the installation is complete, you will need to restart cPanel to activate the new certificate.

Q2: Can I install a free SSL certificate on cPanel?

Yes, it is possible to install a free SSL certificate on cPanel. Some web hosting providers may offer free SSL certificates as part of their service. Some open-source Certificate Authorities (CAs) provide free SSL certificates for personal use. In cPanel, the installation process for free SSL is the same as paid certificate, though you have to ensure that the browser recognizes the CA before proceeding. Remember that free SSL certificates do not provide the same level of security as paid ones and should only used for non-critical websites.

Q3: How do I remove the old SSL certificate in cPanel?

Follow these steps to remove old SSL certificate in cPanel

• Login to your cPanel account and select “SSL/TLS Manager”
• Click on “Certificates” and select “Remove an Existing Certificate”
• Select the SSL certificate you want to remove and click “Remove Certificate”.
• The old SSL certificate will now be removed from the server.
• Restart cPanel to activate any changes made to your SSL certificates.

Q4: Where are SSL certificate files stored in cPanel?

SSL certificate files are mainly stored in the “/etc/ssl” directory on cPanel servers. This location can vary depending on the web hosting provider and the type of server being used. Some web hosts may use a different path to store the SSL certificate files. If unsure, contact your web host for more information about where SSL certificate files are stored on their servers.

Q5: How do I know if my SSL Certificate is valid?

After installing your certificate, go to the “SSL/TLS Status” page in cPanel & select your domain. If the certificate is active, it will display “Certificate Active” message, and if not, try re-installing the certificate or contact your hosting provider for assistance.