How to Install Let’s Encrypt SSL Using cPanel
You don’t have to break the bank to install SSL certificates. Thanks to Let’s Encrypt, you can secure your website for free. As such, in this article, we’re going to show you how to install Let’s Encrypt SSL by using cPanel.
What is Let’s Encrypt SSL?
SSL, or Secure Sockets Layer, is a web protocol that protects data transfers so it can’t be accessed by third parties.
An SSL certificate can be obtained from a certificate authority (CA). There are many options out there, but we recommend getting one from Let’s Encrypt— an open-source CA that provides free SSL certificates.
What’s great, most hosting providers offer Let’s Encrypt installation from cPanel, so you don’t have to upload the certificate manually.
While Let’s Encrypt doesn’t cost you anything, it requires you to revalidate the certificate once every 90 days, which might be a problem for some people.
Therefore, if you are looking for a hassle-free SSL installation, you can take a look at Hostinger’s affordable SSL that’s valid for a lifetime.
How to Install an SSL Certificate from Let’s Encrypt in cPanel
- Open your cPanel by accessing http://yourdomain.com:2083 or http://yourdomain.com/cpanel
- Head over to the Security section and click on the Let’s Encrypt SSL icon.
If you cannot find the Let’s Encrypt SSL menu, you should contact your hosting provider for an immediate solution. - Under the Issue a new certificate section, click the +Issue button for the domain you want to secure.
- Tick the options for your domain name (non-www and www) and mail server (mail.domainname.com). Next, choose http-01 as the validation method.
- Once everything is done, hit Issue.
If you cannot find the Let’s Encrypt SSL menu, you should contact your hosting provider for an immediate solution.
If the installation is successful, you’ll get the following message:
The SSL certificate is now installed onto the domain “yourdomain.com” using the IP address. Apache is restarting in the background.
After a few seconds, your website is accessible through https://. Good job!
Conclusion
Using SSL protocol is a must for every website owner. It does not only protect you from online attacks but also makes your site more trusted.
To achieve that, you don’t always have to buy an SSL certificate. Take a look at Let’s Encrypt, which offers the same level of protection for free.
In this tutorial, you have learned how to install Let’s Encrypt SSL certificate using cPanel. The only thing you need to do is to open cPanel, go to Let’s Encrypt menu, and issue an SSL certificate on your preferred domain.
It’s easy, right? Now let’s try to do that and enjoy a more secure website!
Edvinas is a professional mentor and trainer of customer support agents. When he's not teaching the secrets of providing exceptional service, he likes to travel the world and play basketball.
Comments
November 07 2018
Does this method still work?
November 07 2018
Hello, Gene. The following method still works, however, Hostinger no longer provides cPanel hosting (which is what this tutorial is about). But we do offer lifetime SSL certificates for a one-time setup fee. Also, if you're specifically looking for cPanel hosting, we have it available on our sister project Hosting24. The steps described in this tutorial would work there ;)