How to Install an SSL Certificate on Your Hosting Account

If you want your website to be trusted by visitors and ranked favourably by search engines, one of the most important steps you can take is to install an SSL certificate. SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificates encrypt the data exchanged between your website and its visitors, ensuring sensitive information such as passwords, payment details, and personal data remains protected. In this guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about how to install an SSL certificate on your hosting account, step by step.

What Is an SSL Certificate and Why Do You Need One?

An SSL certificate is a small data file that digitally binds a cryptographic key to your organisation’s details. When installed on a web server, it activates the padlock icon and the HTTPS protocol, allowing secure connections from a web server to a browser. Without one, your website will display a “Not Secure” warning in most modern browsers, which can significantly damage visitor trust and your search engine rankings.

Google has confirmed that HTTPS is a ranking signal, meaning websites with a valid SSL certificate are more likely to appear higher in search results. Whether you run a personal blog, an e-commerce store, or a corporate website, installing an SSL certificate is no longer optional — it is essential.

Types of SSL Certificates Available

Before you install an SSL certificate, it is worth understanding the different types available so you can choose the right one for your needs.

Domain Validated (DV) SSL Certificates

These are the most basic type of SSL certificate and are issued after the certificate authority verifies that you own the domain. They are quick to obtain and are suitable for blogs and small websites that do not process sensitive user data.

Organisation Validated (OV) SSL Certificates

OV certificates require the certificate authority to verify not only domain ownership but also some basic details about your organisation. These are better suited to business websites that want to demonstrate a higher level of authenticity.

Extended Validation (EV) SSL Certificates

EV certificates offer the highest level of validation and display your company name in the browser address bar. They are commonly used by banks, large e-commerce platforms, and other organisations that handle highly sensitive data.

Wildcard and Multi-Domain SSL Certificates

Wildcard certificates cover a domain and all its subdomains, while multi-domain certificates (also known as SAN certificates) allow you to secure multiple different domain names with a single certificate. These are ideal for businesses managing several websites or subdomains.

How to Install an SSL Certificate on Your Hosting Account

The exact process to install an SSL certificate will vary depending on your hosting provider and control panel, but the general steps remain largely consistent. Below, we cover the most common method using cPanel, which is one of the most widely used hosting control panels in the UK and worldwide.

Step 1: Purchase or Obtain Your SSL Certificate

You can obtain an SSL certificate from a number of sources. Many hosting providers offer free SSL certificates through Let’s Encrypt, which can often be activated with just a few clicks. Alternatively, you can purchase a premium certificate from a trusted certificate authority (CA) such as DigiCert, Comodo, or Sectigo. For most small to medium-sized websites, a free Let’s Encrypt certificate is perfectly sufficient.

Step 2: Generate a Certificate Signing Request (CSR)

If you are installing a paid SSL certificate, you will typically need to generate a Certificate Signing Request (CSR) from your hosting control panel. In cPanel, navigate to Security and then SSL/TLS. Under the CSR section, click Generate, view, or delete SSL certificate signing requests. Fill in your domain name, organisation details, and location, then click Generate. You will be provided with a CSR code that you will need to submit to your certificate authority.

Step 3: Validate Your Domain or Organisation

Once you have submitted your CSR to the certificate authority, you will need to complete the validation process. For DV certificates, this usually involves clicking a link sent to your domain’s registered email address or adding a specific DNS record to your domain. OV and EV certificates require additional documentation and may take longer to process.

Step 4: Download Your SSL Certificate Files

After validation is complete, your certificate authority will send you the SSL certificate files. These typically include the primary certificate file (.crt), an intermediate certificate (also known as a CA bundle), and your private key (which was generated alongside your CSR). Keep these files safe, as you will need them for the installation.

Step 5: Install the SSL Certificate in cPanel

Log in to your cPanel account and go to Security, then SSL/TLS. Click on Manage SSL Sites under the Install and Manage SSL section. Select the domain you wish to secure from the dropdown menu. Paste your certificate code into the Certificate (CRT) field, your private key into the Private Key field, and your CA bundle into the Certificate Authority Bundle field. Once all fields are completed, click Install Certificate. Your SSL certificate should now be active on your domain.

Step 6: Force HTTPS Across Your Website

Installing the certificate is only part of the process. You also need to ensure all traffic is redirected from HTTP to HTTPS. This can be done by adding a redirect rule to your .htaccess file if you are using an Apache server. Add the following lines at the top of your .htaccess file:

RewriteEngine On
RewriteCond %{HTTPS} off
RewriteRule ^(.*)$ https://%{HTTP_HOST}%{REQUEST_URI} [L,R=301]

Many content management systems such as WordPress also have plugins or built-in settings that make it easy to enforce HTTPS sitewide.

Troubleshooting Common SSL Installation Issues

Even after you install an SSL certificate correctly, you may occasionally encounter issues. Here are a few common problems and how to resolve them.

Mixed Content Warnings

A mixed content warning occurs when your HTTPS page loads some resources (such as images, scripts, or stylesheets) over HTTP. To fix this, update all internal links and resource URLs to use HTTPS. Plugins like Really Simple SSL for WordPress can help automate this process.

Certificate Not Trusted

If your browser shows a certificate not trusted error, it may be because the intermediate certificate was not installed correctly. Ensure you have included the full CA bundle during installation.

Certificate Expiry

SSL certificates expire and must be renewed regularly. Most paid certificates are valid for one year, while Let’s Encrypt certificates renew every 90 days (usually automatically). Set a reminder to check your certificate expiry date to avoid your site showing security warnings.

Additional Tips for Managing Your SSL Certificate

Once you have successfully installed your SSL certificate, there are a few best practices to keep in mind. Regularly audit your website to ensure all pages are loading over HTTPS. Monitor your certificate’s expiry date and set up automatic renewal where possible. Consider using a security-focused hosting provider that makes SSL management straightforward and stress-free.

For more helpful guides on managing your hosting account and improving your website’s security, be sure to visit the DA Manager blog, where you will find a wealth of resources covering everything from domain management to advanced hosting configurations.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to install an SSL certificate is one of the most valuable skills any website owner can have. Not only does it protect your visitors’ data, but it also boosts your credibility, improves your search engine rankings, and ensures your site meets modern web security standards. Whether you opt for a free Let’s Encrypt certificate or a premium EV certificate, the process is straightforward once you understand the steps involved. Take the time to set it up correctly, keep it renewed, and your website will be in a far stronger position both technically and in the eyes of your audience.

This article was originally published in 9 June 2026. It was most recently updated in June 9, 2026 by isaiah