How to Install an SSL Certificate Print

How to Install an SSL Certificate

After your SSL certificate has been issued, it must be installed on the hosting account or server where your website is hosted. A correct SSL installation allows your website to use HTTPS and helps secure data transmitted between the website and its visitors.

The exact installation process may vary depending on your hosting control panel, web server, and SSL certificate type.

1. Make Sure Your SSL Certificate Is Issued

Before starting the installation, confirm that your SSL certificate has been successfully issued.

You may need the following:

• SSL certificate
• Private key
• Certificate chain or intermediate certificate
• Domain name

Keep your private key secure. Never share it publicly or include it in a support ticket.

2. Confirm the Domain Points to the Correct Server

Make sure your domain is pointing to the server where the SSL certificate will be installed.

Check that:

• The domain is active
• The DNS records are correct
• The A record points to the correct server IP
• The website is accessible from the server

If the domain points to a different server, the SSL installation may not work as expected.

3. Log In to Your Hosting Control Panel

Log in to the hosting control panel or server management interface where your domain is hosted.

Depending on your hosting environment, look for an option such as:

• SSL Certificates
• SSL Management
• SSL/TLS Certificates
• Domain SSL
• Security

4. Select the Correct Domain

Choose the domain where you want to install the certificate.

For example:

yourdomain.com

Make sure you select the exact domain covered by the SSL certificate.

5. Enter the SSL Certificate

Copy the SSL certificate provided after issuance and paste it into the certificate field.

The certificate normally contains content similar to:

-----BEGIN CERTIFICATE-----
Certificate Data
-----END CERTIFICATE-----

Copy the complete certificate without removing the beginning or ending lines.

6. Enter the Private Key

Enter the private key associated with the CSR used for the SSL certificate.

The private key normally looks similar to:

-----BEGIN PRIVATE KEY-----
Private Key Data
-----END PRIVATE KEY-----

The private key must match the certificate. If the wrong private key is used, the installation will fail.

Never share your private key with anyone.

7. Add the Certificate Chain

If your SSL provider supplies a certificate chain or intermediate certificate, add it to the appropriate field.

The certificate chain helps browsers verify the relationship between your SSL certificate and the issuing certificate authority.

An incomplete certificate chain may cause SSL warnings on some devices or browsers.

8. Save or Install the Certificate

After entering the required certificate information, click Install, Save, or the relevant confirmation button.

Wait for the control panel or server to complete the installation.

9. Open Your Website Using HTTPS

After the installation is complete, open your website using:

https://yourdomain.com

Make sure the website loads successfully over HTTPS.

10. Check the Certificate Details

Verify that the installed certificate:

• Matches your domain
• Is currently valid
• Has not expired
• Uses the correct certificate chain
• Is installed on the correct server

11. Redirect HTTP to HTTPS

After SSL is working correctly, you may want your website visitors to automatically use HTTPS.

This can usually be configured through your website application, hosting control panel, or web server.

Test the redirect carefully to make sure your website does not enter a redirect loop.

12. Check for Mixed Content

If the SSL certificate is valid but the browser still shows a security warning, your website may contain mixed content.

Mixed content occurs when an HTTPS page loads some files over HTTP.

Check resources such as:

• Images
• CSS files
• JavaScript files
• Fonts
• External resources

Update insecure resource URLs to HTTPS where appropriate.

13. Test Both Domain Versions

Test the versions of your domain that are covered by your certificate.

For example:

https://yourdomain.com
https://www.yourdomain.com

If your certificate does not cover a particular hostname, visitors may receive a certificate warning.

Common SSL Installation Problems

If the SSL certificate does not work after installation, check:

• The certificate was issued for the correct domain
• The private key matches the certificate
• The certificate chain is installed correctly
• The domain points to the correct server
• The SSL certificate has not expired
• HTTPS is enabled for the domain
• The web server configuration is correct

Important SSL Security Tips

• Keep your private key confidential
• Do not send private keys through support tickets or public messages
• Install SSL only on the correct server
• Use HTTPS consistently across your website
• Monitor the certificate expiration date
• Renew or replace the certificate before it expires

Need Help?

If you are unable to install your SSL certificate or HTTPS is not working correctly, please open a Support Ticket from your ApnCloud Client Area.

Include your domain name, SSL product, hosting type, and any error message you receive. Never include your private key or account password in a support ticket.