How to install an SSL certificate in cPanel
Do you want to know how to install an SSL certificate in cPanel for your website? But what exactly is an SSL certificate?
You must have noticed that some website URLs start with HTTP, while some start with HTTPS. The ‘s’ in the latter simply states that the website’s connection is secure, and any data you share with that website is safe. So, the ‘s’ in https signifies SSL or Secure Sockets Layer.
Companies that require users to share personal information like email address, phone numbers, payment information, etc. should have SSL certificates on their website. So, if you want to learn how to install SSL certificate cPanel, then you are in the right place. So, let’s get started!
8 Steps to install an SSL certificate in cPanel
Before we jump into the SSL installation steps via cPanel, you must have a CSR code or Certificate Signing Request. Once you have received the SSL Certificate files from the Certificate Authority or downloaded the files from your account, you need to follow these installation steps.
Step 1
The first step is to log in to your cPanel account. Then head over to the ‘Security’ section and select ‘SSL/TLS Manager’ from the menu.
Step 2
Now an SSL/TLS page opens on your screen. Here, under ‘Certificates CRT,’ click on ‘Generate, view, upload or delete SSL certificates.’ If you cannot view this option, you must contact your web host provider as you might not have the necessary admin rights for SSL installation.
Step 3
This step can be done in 2 ways. The first way is to copy the content of the .crt that you received from the CA. And then paste it in the text box. The second method is to click on the ‘choose file’ option and then locate the .crt file you previously saved.
If you have done the first method, then click on the ‘Save Certificate.’ And if you have chosen the file in the second method, you must click on the ‘Upload Certificate.’
Step 4
Once done, go back to the SSL/TLS page, and under the ‘Install and Manage SSL for your site (HTTPS)’ option, click on ‘Manage SSL Sites.’ From the domain dropdown list that appears, select the domain you wish to secure.
However, keep in mind that if you use a shared hosting plan, this option might not be available. Like we said above, you must contact your hosting provider for assistance.
Step 5
Once done, cPanel will fetch the corresponding SSL Certificate and the Private Key for your domain. If autofill doesn’t function, you can also manually enter all the details.
In the Certificate or CRT block, you must paste the certificate file’s contents, including the header and the footer. Whereas in the Private Key or Key block, paste the Private key.
Step 6
The Certificate Authority Bundle or CABUNDLE block is optional; we do not recommend leaving it blank. If the CABUNDLE is left blank, it may result in an SSL security warning across mobile devices and older browsers. You can easily find the CABUNDLE files in your emails. Ensure that you copy and paste the root and intermediate certificates in the CABUNDLE block.
Step 7
Now that all the essential details have been entered click on ‘Install Certificate.’ You will be notified if the installation has been successful. You must then restart your server.
Step 8
This is the final step and is very crucial because you must test your configuration. To do so, browse the HTTPS version of your site and ensure that the SSL padlock exists. Click on that and inspect your certificate details. This will tell you if the SSL was installed properly.
Conclusion
Maintaining an online presence is not an easy task. You must take the right steps and ensure that your website offers top-quality security. If you are looking for a free domain name and SSL certificate, we highly recommend using Bluehost as your hosting service provider. Have you registered with Bluehost yet? Let us know in the comments below.
