SSL Certificate Management Print

Getting SSL Working on Your Site

SSL certificates encrypt the connection between your visitors and your website. That little padlock icon next to your domain? That's SSL at work. Here's how to handle it on YourCheapHost.

Installing Free SSL (AutoSSL)

We include free SSL certificates from Let's Encrypt on all our hosting plans. Most of the time, it installs itself.

1. Log into your cPanel.
2. Under Security, click SSL/TLS Status.
3. You'll see a list of your domains. Select all the ones you want to secure.
4. Click Run AutoSSL.
5. Wait a minute or two - cPanel talks to Let's Encrypt and installs the certificate automatically.

That's it. If AutoSSL doesn't run (rare, but happens with some domain configurations), you can also go to SSL/TLS > Generate, View, Upload or Delete SSL Certificates and request one manually.

Checking If SSL Is Active

Easy ways to check:

• Visit your site with https:// (like https://yourdomain.com). If you see the padlock, you're good.
• Use an online SSL checker - just Google "SSL checker" and type in your domain. It shows the certificate details and expiration date.
• Check in cPanel - go to SSL/TLS > View SSL Certificate and select your domain to see the details.
• Check if your site loads without a "Not Secure" warning in the browser bar.

What If Your Site Still Shows HTTP Instead of HTTPS?

• You might need to add a redirect rule so visitors automatically go to the HTTPS version. In cPanel, go to Domains > Redirects, set up a Permanent (301) redirect from http://yourdomain.com to https://yourdomain.com.
• Or use the Force HTTPS Redirect toggle in cPanel under Domains > Domains.

SSL Renewal - It's Automatic

Our AutoSSL renews your Let's Encrypt certificates automatically. They expire every 90 days, and cPanel renews them in the background - you don't need to lift a finger. Just make sure:

• Your domain is pointed to our nameservers (or the DNS records are set up to verify ownership).
• Your site is actually loading (the renewal check hits your domain).

If AutoSSL fails to renew, you'll get an email notification. In that case, go back to SSL/TLS Status in cPanel and run AutoSSL manually.

What About Paid SSL Certificates?

Free Let's Encrypt certs work perfectly for most sites. If you need an EV (Extended Validation) or Wildcard certificate for enterprise or subdomain coverage, contact our sales team - we can sell you one. Otherwise, stick with AutoSSL. Free works.