These step-by-step instructions will walk you through the process of installing an SSL certificate on cPanel, specifically using the Paper-Lantern Theme (Modern). If you have multiple servers or devices, remember to install the certificate on each one that requires secure connections. If you haven't generated your certificate or completed the validation process yet,
What You'll Need
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Your server certificate:
- This certificate is received from the Certificate Authority (CA) for your domain. Check your email for its delivery or download it from your Account Dashboard by clicking on your order.
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Your intermediate certificates:
- These files help devices connecting to your server identify the issuing CA. If your certificate came in a ZIP folder, it should include the Intermediate certificate(s) or CA Bundle. If not, download the appropriate CA Bundle for your certificate.
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Your private key:
- This file should be on your server or in your possession if you used a free generator tool to create your Certificate Signing Request (CSR). On certain platforms like Microsoft IIS, the private key might not be immediately visible to you, but the server is keeping track of it.
Installation Instructions
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Log in to cPanel:
- Access your cPanel account by visiting https://domain.com:2083. If you encounter a "Your connection is not private" error, proceed past it. Enter your Username/Password and click Log in.
Note: Older versions like X3 Theme-Classic may have a different appearance but should maintain the same concept and category structure.
- Access your cPanel account by visiting https://domain.com:2083. If you encounter a "Your connection is not private" error, proceed past it. Enter your Username/Password and click Log in.
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Navigate to the SSL/TLS Manager:
- Scroll down to the Security section on your cPanel homepage, then select the SSL/TLS button.
Tip: You can also use the Search Feature at the top right of the cPanel home page by searching for "SSL."
- Scroll down to the Security section on your cPanel homepage, then select the SSL/TLS button.
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Click "Install Certificate":
- Once you have the correct certificate files in the designated text boxes, click the blue "Install Certificate" button.
Congratulations! Your SSL certificate is now installed. To verify your work, visit your website in your browser at https://yourdomain.tld. Check the certificate/site information to ensure that HTTPS/SSL is functioning correctly. Keep in mind that you might need to restart your server for the changes to take effect.
Note 1: Enabling Server Name Indication (SNI) for Mail Services is not mandatory. SNI should only be used if multiple hostnames are served over HTTPS from the same IP address.
Note 2: You or your web host may need to restart the Apache server before the certificate becomes operational.
