How to Install a Free SSL Certificate via Let’s Encrypt on cPanel

Step 1: Login to cPanel

1. Open your browser and go to your cPanel login URL (typically something like http://yourdomain.com/cpanel).
2. Enter your username and password to log in to your cPanel account.

Step 2: Check if Let’s Encrypt is Available

Let’s Encrypt is commonly included with most cPanel accounts. If it’s available, you should see the Let’s Encrypt or SSL/TLS section in your cPanel dashboard.

• If Let’s Encrypt is available in cPanel, proceed with the next steps.
• If you don’t see Let’s Encrypt, your hosting provider may not offer it. In that case, you can contact your hosting support for assistance or use another SSL provider.

Step 3: Navigate to the SSL/TLS Section

1. In the cPanel dashboard, scroll down to the Security section.
2. Click on SSL/TLS to access the SSL management area.

Step 4: Find Let’s Encrypt

1. Inside the SSL/TLS section, look for Let’s Encrypt. You may see Manage SSL Sites or Free SSL options.
2. If you see Let’s Encrypt SSL, click on it. This is the option that allows you to generate and install free SSL certificates for your domains.

Step 5: Install Let’s Encrypt SSL Certificate

1. Choose the Domain:
   • Select the domain (main domain) or subdomain for which you want to install the SSL certificate.
   • You may see a list of all the domains and subdomains associated with your cPanel account. Choose the appropriate one.
2. Select the SSL Certificate for Installation:
   • After selecting the domain, you’ll see options to generate a free SSL certificate.
   • Let’s Encrypt will automatically generate the SSL certificate for your domain.
3. Click on “Install”:
   • After Let’s Encrypt generates the SSL certificate, click on the “Install” button next to your domain.
   • The SSL certificate will be installed automatically, securing your domain with HTTPS.

Step 6: Verify SSL Installation

Once the SSL certificate is installed, it’s important to verify if it’s working correctly.

1. Open your browser and type your domain name with https:// (e.g., https://yourdomain.com).
2. If the SSL certificate is installed successfully, you should see a padlock icon in the browser’s address bar.
   • This indicates that the website is secure and the SSL certificate is active.

Step 8: Check SSL Installation

To ensure everything is working:

1. Open your website using https:// in your browser (e.g., https://yourdomain.com).
2. Check for the padlock icon in the browser address bar, indicating that the SSL certificate is active and your website is secure.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

1. DNS Issues:
   • If you see an error saying “SSL certificate could not be installed”, ensure that your domain’s DNS settings are correctly pointed to the server where you’re installing the SSL.
   • Allow time for DNS propagation (up to 24-48 hours).
2. SSL Not Showing:
   • Sometimes, it might take a few minutes for the SSL certificate to become active. If the padlock doesn’t show immediately, try refreshing the page or clearing the browser cache.
3. Contact Support:
   • If you still face issues, contact your hosting support team. They can help resolve any problems related to SSL installation.

Conclusion

With Let’s Encrypt, installing a free SSL certificate via cPanel is a quick and easy process. It helps secure your website, boosting trust with visitors and improving your website’s SEO ranking. After the SSL is installed, your site will be accessible via HTTPS, ensuring data encryption and security.