{"id":99831,"date":"2023-12-12T06:47:24","date_gmt":"2023-12-12T06:47:24","guid":{"rendered":"\/tutorials\/?p=99831"},"modified":"2025-12-22T15:49:01","modified_gmt":"2025-12-22T15:49:01","slug":"how-to-get-ssl-certificate","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"\/tutorials\/how-to-get-ssl-certificate","title":{"rendered":"How to Get an SSL Certificate: Installing a Free Lifetime SSL Certificate at Hostinger"},"content":{"rendered":"

Securing websites with SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is essential for protecting customers’ sensitive data during online activities such as browsing, form submissions, and financial transactions.<\/p>

SSL certificates encrypt the data flow between a user’s browser and the web server, safeguarding personal and financial information.<\/p>

The benefits of SSL extend beyond data protection, it also enhances search engine rankings, as platforms like Google favor SSL-secured websites, boosting visibility and organic traffic.<\/p>

This guide will cover installing a free Hostinger SSL certificate on your website, along with alternative SSL acquisition methods and solutions for common SSL issues.<\/p>

Download website launch checklist<\/a><\/p>

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How to Get an SSL Certificate Using hPanel<\/h2>

First, let’s discuss how to get an SSL certificate for free to strengthen your web hosting security<\/a>. Hostinger offers users a free SSL certificate for web hosting, cloud hosting, and Hostinger Website Builder plans.<\/p>

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Pro Tip<\/h4>\n

Read our guide to choose the right web hosting plan<\/a> for you at Hostinger.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/p>

Our system automatically performs an SSL certificate setup, providing encryption to your website as soon as it’s added to your hosting plan.<\/p>

The automated process eliminates the need for manual installation or renewals. We handle it all for you, ensuring peace of mind.<\/p>

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If the free SSL certificate<\/a> renewal or installation does not happen automatically, you can manually obtain SSL for a website through hPanel by following these easy steps:<\/p>

1. Verify Domain and Access hPanel<\/h3>

Ensure that your domain is added to your Hostinger hosting plan. If you’re planning to use a subdomain<\/a>, create and add it to your hosting plan from hPanel.<\/p>

Here’s how to do it:<\/p>

Perform Domain Verification<\/strong><\/p>

Log in to your hPanel<\/a>, navigate to the Domains<\/strong> section, and scroll down to the My domains<\/strong> tab. Here, you’ll find a list of all your domains, including those purchased through Hostinger and any external domains added to your hosting plan.<\/p>

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Create a Subdomain<\/strong><\/p>

If you plan to use a subdomain for your website, follow these steps on hPanel:<\/p>

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  1. Navigate to the Websites<\/strong> section.<\/li>\n<\/ol>
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    1. Click Manage<\/strong> next to the website for which you intend to create a subdomain.<\/li>\n<\/ol>
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      1. Next, click on Domains<\/strong> → Subdomains <\/strong>on the left sidebar.<\/li>\n<\/ol>
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        1. In the Create a New Subdomain<\/strong> section, enter the desired name for your subdomain.<\/li>\n<\/ol>
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          1. You have the option to create a custom folder for the subdomain. However, we recommended keeping the default directory for ease of management.<\/li>\n<\/ol>
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            \"Checkbox<\/a><\/figure><\/div>
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            1. Once you’ve entered the subdomain name and decided on the directory, click Create<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>

              You can repeat these steps to create multiple subdomains for your website.<\/p>

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              Pro Tip<\/h4>\n

              To secure multiple domains or subdomains with SSL, you can use a Wildcard Certificate. Head to our other tutorial to learn more about the different types of SSL certificates<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/p>

              2. Navigate to Website Settings<\/h3>

              Go to the Websites<\/strong> section in hPanel. Here, you’ll find a list of all the sites hosted under your account. This area allows you to manage various aspects of your website, including editing the website design and managing the hosting.<\/p>

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              3. Select the Website to Install SSL<\/h3>

              Locate the website for which you want to conduct manual SSL certificate installation and click Manage.<\/strong> This action will take you to the site’s hPanel dashboard.<\/p>

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              \"Hostinger<\/a><\/figure><\/div>

              4. Initiate SSL Installation<\/h3>

              From the dashboard, go to the Security <\/strong>tab and <\/strong>click on SSL <\/strong>on the left sidebar. Here, select the primary domain name from the dropdown list and click on Install SSL<\/strong>. This will manually install your free SSL certificate.<\/p>

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              There will be a pop-up notification informing you that the certificate is being installed.<\/p>

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              \"SSL<\/a><\/figure><\/div>

              5. Check for SSL Options<\/h3>

              If you don’t see the Import SSL<\/strong> or Install SSL<\/strong> options, it is likely that you already have an SSL certificate installed on that domain. The section will show you the certificate details instead, including its SSL type, date of creation, date of expiry, and status.<\/p>

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              6. Verify SSL Status<\/h3>

              If you get a free SSL certificate for your website, it’s crucial to ensure that it’s properly installed and functioning. The activation time frame of an SSL certificate depends on various factors, including the type of hosting plan you have and the specific Certificate Authority (CA) used.<\/p>

              To ensure your website’s encrypted connection is working correctly, check these factors:<\/p>