How to install SSL certificates? Print

How to Install SSL Certificates

Once your SSL certificate has been issued by the Certificate Authority (CA) and you have received your files via email, you are ready for the final step: Installation.

If you are using Nixzoehost Hosting, the easiest way to manage this is through cPanel. This process links your certificate files to your domain, enabling the secure https:// protocol and the green padlock icon.

Step 1: Gather Your Certificate Files

When your SSL is issued, you will typically receive a ZIP file containing:

• The Primary Certificate (.crt): This is your specific domain's certificate.

• The CA-Bundle (.ca-bundle): These are the intermediate certificates that link your SSL to the "Root" authority.

• The Private Key: This was generated on your server during the CSR stage. If you generated it in cPanel, it is already waiting for you on the server.

Step 2: Access the SSL/TLS Manager

1. Log in to your cPanel dashboard.

2. Scroll down to the Security section and click on SSL/TLS.

3. Under the "Install and Manage SSL for your site (HTTPS)" heading, click Manage SSL sites.

Step 3: Upload and Install

1. Select Your Domain: From the "Domain" dropdown menu, choose the domain name you are securing.

2. Autofill by Domain: Click the Autofill by Domain button. If you generated your CSR in this cPanel account, the system will automatically pull your Private Key into the text box.

3. Paste the Certificate (CRT): Open your .crt file in a text editor (like Notepad), copy the entire block of text, and paste it into the Certificate: (CRT) box.

4. Paste the CA Bundle: Open the .ca-bundle file, copy the text, and paste it into the Certificate Authority Bundle: (CABUNDLE) box.

5. Click Install Certificate: Scroll to the bottom and click the Install Certificate button.

Step 4: Verify the Installation

Once you see the success message, you should test the site:

• Open an Incognito Window: This prevents your browser from showing you a cached (non-secure) version of the site.

• Type your URL with HTTPS: Visit https://yourdomain.com.

• Check the Padlock: Click the lock icon in the address bar. It should say "Connection is secure" and "Certificate is valid."

How to Install SSL Certificates

Once your SSL certificate has been issued by the Certificate Authority (CA) and you have received your files via email, you are ready for the final step: Installation.

If you are using Nixzoehost Hosting, the easiest way to manage this is through cPanel. This process links your certificate files to your domain, enabling the secure https:// protocol and the green padlock icon.

Step 1: Gather Your Certificate Files

When your SSL is issued, you will typically receive a ZIP file containing:

• The Primary Certificate (.crt): This is your specific domain's certificate.

• The CA-Bundle (.ca-bundle): These are the intermediate certificates that link your SSL to the "Root" authority.

• The Private Key: This was generated on your server during the CSR stage. If you generated it in cPanel, it is already waiting for you on the server.

Step 2: Access the SSL/TLS Manager

1. Log in to your cPanel dashboard.

2. Scroll down to the Security section and click on SSL/TLS.

3. Under the "Install and Manage SSL for your site (HTTPS)" heading, click Manage SSL sites.

Step 3: Upload and Install

1. Select Your Domain: From the "Domain" dropdown menu, choose the domain name you are securing.

2. Autofill by Domain: Click the Autofill by Domain button. If you generated your CSR in this cPanel account, the system will automatically pull your Private Key into the text box.

3. Paste the Certificate (CRT): Open your .crt file in a text editor (like Notepad), copy the entire block of text, and paste it into the Certificate: (CRT) box.

4. Paste the CA Bundle: Open the .ca-bundle file, copy the text, and paste it into the Certificate Authority Bundle: (CABUNDLE) box.

5. Click Install Certificate: Scroll to the bottom and click the Install Certificate button.

Step 4: Verify the Installation

Once you see the success message, you should test the site:

• Open an Incognito Window: This prevents your browser from showing you a cached (non-secure) version of the site.

• Type your URL with HTTPS: Visit https://yourdomain.com.

• Check the Padlock: Click the lock icon in the address bar. It should say "Connection is secure" and "Certificate is valid."

Common Installation Issues

Pro-Tip: Let Us Do It For You

Don't want to handle the code yourself? Nixzoehost offers a professional SSL Installation Service. Our technicians will handle the files, the installation, and the HTTPS redirection for you. Check our [SSL Installation Service] guide for details.