How to Purchase and Activate an SSL Certificate
Purchasing and activating an SSL certificate allows your website to use HTTPS and helps protect data transmitted between your visitors and your server. The exact activation process may vary depending on the SSL product and validation method.
Follow the steps below to purchase and activate an SSL certificate through ApnCloud.
1. Log In to the ApnCloud Client Area
Sign in to your ApnCloud Client Area using your registered email address and password.
From the Client Area, open the section where available products or SSL certificate services can be ordered.
2. Choose an SSL Certificate
Select the SSL certificate that matches your requirements.
Depending on the available product, an SSL certificate may support:
- A single domain
- A domain and its www version
- Multiple domains
- Wildcard subdomains
- Other supported domain configurations
Review the product coverage and requirements carefully before ordering.
3. Review the SSL Product Details
Before completing your purchase, check the product details.
Review information such as:
- Supported domain coverage
- Validation type
- Billing term
- Renewal requirements
- Any additional product requirements
Choose the SSL certificate that is suitable for your website or service.
4. Complete Your Order
Add the SSL certificate to your order and proceed to checkout.
Confirm your billing information, select an available payment method, and complete the payment.
After successful payment, the SSL order should become available in your ApnCloud Client Area.
5. Open Your SSL Certificate Service
After purchasing the certificate, open the SSL service from your Client Area.
Depending on the SSL product and integration, you may need to complete additional configuration before the certificate can be issued.
6. Enter the Domain Information
Enter the exact domain name that you want to secure.
For example:
yourdomain.comMake sure the domain is entered correctly because the certificate will be issued for the selected domain or supported domain names.
7. Generate or Provide a CSR
Some SSL certificates require a Certificate Signing Request (CSR).
The CSR is normally generated from the server or hosting environment where the SSL certificate will be installed.
When generating a CSR, you may need to provide information such as:
- Domain name
- Organization information, when required
- Location information, when required
- Email or administrative information
Keep the private key generated with the CSR secure. Never share your private key publicly.
8. Choose a Domain Validation Method
The certificate authority must normally confirm that you control the domain before issuing the certificate.
Available validation methods may include:
- DNS validation
- Email validation
- HTTP or file-based validation
Select an available validation method and follow the instructions provided for your SSL order.
9. Complete DNS Validation
If you choose DNS validation, you may be asked to create a specific DNS record.
Copy the DNS record exactly as provided and add it to the active DNS zone for your domain.
After saving the record, allow time for DNS changes to become visible before retrying validation.
10. Complete Email Validation
If email validation is available, the certificate authority may send a verification message to an approved domain-related email address.
Open the verification email and follow the confirmation instructions.
Make sure you have access to the selected validation email address before choosing this method.
11. Complete HTTP or File Validation
Some SSL products may support HTTP or file-based domain validation.
In this case, you may need to upload a specific validation file to the location provided in the instructions.
Do not rename or modify the validation file unless instructed.
12. Wait for SSL Issuance
After domain validation is completed successfully, the certificate authority can process and issue the SSL certificate.
The time required may vary depending on the certificate product and validation type.
Check your Client Area and registered email address for status updates.
13. Download or Access the Issued Certificate
Once the SSL certificate is issued, the certificate files or installation information should become available through the relevant management area or delivery method.
You may receive:
- SSL certificate file
- Certificate chain or intermediate certificate
- Installation instructions
- Other certificate information
Keep these files secure.
14. Install the SSL Certificate
After issuance, install the certificate on the hosting account or server where your website is hosted.
The exact installation process depends on your hosting control panel, web server, or server configuration.
15. Test HTTPS
After the certificate is installed, open your website using:
https://yourdomain.comConfirm that the website loads securely and the certificate is valid for the correct domain.
Common Activation Problems
If your SSL certificate cannot be activated or issued, check the following:
- The domain name was entered correctly
- The domain is active
- The domain points to the correct server
- The validation DNS record is correct
- The validation email address is accessible
- The HTTP validation file is in the correct location
- The CSR information is correct
Important SSL Tips
- Verify your domain before starting the activation process
- Use the exact validation values provided
- Keep your private key secure
- Do not share your private key in a support ticket
- Check your website after SSL installation
- Keep track of the certificate renewal date
Need Help?
If you experience a problem purchasing, activating, validating, or issuing an SSL certificate, please open a Support Ticket from your ApnCloud Client Area.
Include your domain name, SSL product, and a clear description of the issue. Never include your private key or account password in a support ticket.
