How to Install a Free SSL Certificate on YesDomain via DirectAdmin

What is an SSL Certificate?

SSL certificates are essential for ensuring secure communication between your website and its visitors. It encrypts data transferred between the server and the browser, ensuring privacy and security. Google has also made it clear that SSL certificates are a ranking factor for SEO.

Steps to Install SSL Certificate on YesDomain via DirectAdmin

Step 1: Login to DirectAdmin

• Open your browser and navigate to your DirectAdmin login page (typically something like http://yourdomain.com:2222).
• Enter your username and password to access the control panel.

Step 2: Navigate to SSL Certificates Section

• Once logged in, find the “SSL Certificates” section. This can typically be found in the Advanced Features or Security tab.

Step 3: Choose Free SSL Certificate

1. In the SSL Certificates section, you will have an option to either Create a New SSL Certificate or Use a Free SSL Provider like Let’s Encrypt or ZeroSSL.
2. Select “Free SSL Certificates”. These are provided by Let’s Encrypt and ZeroSSL, and they are automatically renewed.

Step 4: Select Domains for SSL Installation

• You’ll be asked to select the domain and subdomains for which you want to install the SSL certificate.
  • Choose the main domain and any subdomains (e.g., www) that you want to secure with SSL.
  • Make sure to check the box for each domain/subdomain you want the SSL certificate to cover.

Step 5: Request SSL Certificate

1. Once the domains are selected, click on the “Save” or “Install” button at the bottom.
2. DirectAdmin will now communicate with the Let’s Encrypt or ZeroSSL servers to generate the certificate for your selected domains.
3. The SSL certificate will be automatically installed for the domain(s) selected.

Step 6: Verify SSL Installation

• After the SSL certificate has been successfully installed, visit your website using HTTPS (e.g., https://yourdomain.com).
• Look for a padlock symbol next to the URL in the browser. This indicates that the connection is secure, and the SSL certificate is active.

Common Issues with SSL Installation

If you face any of the following issues, here are some solutions:

1. DNS Issues:
   • If you see the error “No domains pointing to this server to generate the certificate for,” it means your domain’s DNS settings are not properly configured to point to your hosting server.
   • Ensure your DNS settings and nameservers are correct.
   • Wait for DNS propagation to complete (it may take up to 24-48 hours).
2. SSL Certificate Generation Error:
   • If the SSL certificate isn’t generated, contact the support team of YesDomain or your hosting provider for further assistance.

Conclusion

Installing a free SSL certificate through DirectAdmin is simple and quick, ensuring that your website is secured with SSL encryption. If you face any challenges, you can always reach out to the support team for assistance.