Secure your website with SSL to enable HTTPS, protect visitor data, and improve trust and browser security.

This guide explains how to install an SSL certificate in cPanel.

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What is SSL? #

SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) encrypts communication between your website and visitors.

After installation:

✅ Website loads with https://
✅ Browser shows a secure connection
✅ Data is encrypted
✅ Better user trust and compatibility

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Before You Start #

Make sure:

• Your domain is connected to the correct hosting account
• DNS / nameservers are properly configured
• Website is active on GenShift hosting
• You have an SSL certificate available (Free or Premium)

Some hosting plans may automatically provision SSL.

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Method 1 — Install Free SSL (Recommended) #

Most websites can use AutoSSL.

Step 1 — Login to cPanel #

Open your hosting control panel.

Step 2 — Open SSL/TLS Status #

Inside cPanel:

Security → SSL/TLS Status

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Step 3 — Select Your Domain #

Choose the domain(s) you want to secure.

Example:

example.com
www.example.com

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Step 4 — Run AutoSSL #

Click:

Run AutoSSL

Wait several minutes while validation completes.

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Step 5 — Verify Installation #

Visit:

https://yourdomain.com

If successful:

• Browser shows secure connection
• HTTPS becomes active

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Method 2 — Install Custom SSL Certificate #

Use this if you purchased an SSL certificate.

Step 1 — Open SSL/TLS #

Navigate:

Security → SSL/TLS

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Step 2 — Open Manage SSL Sites #

Select:

Manage SSL Sites

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Step 3 — Enter SSL Details #

Paste:

• Certificate (CRT)
• Private Key (KEY)
• Certificate Authority Bundle (CABUNDLE)

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Step 4 — Install Certificate #

Click:

Install Certificate

Wait until installation completes.

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Force HTTPS (Recommended) #

After SSL installation:

Open:

Domains → Force HTTPS Redirect

Enable:

HTTPS Redirect → ON

This automatically redirects visitors from:

http://yourdomain.com

to:

https://yourdomain.com

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Verify SSL #

Check:

• Website loads on HTTPS
• No browser warnings
• Mixed content errors resolved

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Common Issues #

SSL Not Issuing #

Possible causes:

• Incorrect DNS
• Recent nameserver change
• Domain not pointing to hosting

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Website Still Shows Not Secure #

Possible causes:

• Browser cache
• Mixed HTTP content
• HTTPS redirect disabled

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AutoSSL Failed #

Try:

• Wait 15–30 minutes
• Re-run AutoSSL
• Confirm DNS records

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Frequently Asked Questions #

Is SSL free? #

Many websites can use AutoSSL at no extra cost.

Will SSL affect SEO? #

HTTPS helps provide a secure browsing experience.

Do I need SSL for email? #

SSL is recommended for secure connections.

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Category: cPanel & Control Panel
Article: SSL Install
Estimated Time: 5–10 Minutes
Last Updated: May 2026