Installing an SSL Certificate on cPanel/Plesk

Before You Begin

Installing an SSL certificate requires that you already have a certificate issued by a certificate authority, generated from a CSR created on the same server where you are installing it. If you have not yet completed that step, see Generating a CSR (Certificate Signing Request) first.

You will typically receive your issued certificate as one or more files from your certificate authority, sometimes including a separate intermediate or bundle certificate in addition to your primary certificate file.

Installing in cPanel

Navigate to the Security section and select SSL/TLS. Look for an option to install an SSL certificate on a domain. Paste in your certificate text, along with the private key generated during your CSR process, and the intermediate certificate bundle if one was provided. cPanel will typically detect and match the correct private key automatically if it was generated on the same account. Confirm the installation, and cPanel will apply the certificate to the selected domain.

Installing in Plesk

Navigate to Websites and Domains, select the relevant domain, and look for SSL/TLS Certificates. Choose the option to upload an existing certificate, then provide your certificate file, private key, and any intermediate certificate provided. Once uploaded, assign the certificate to your domain and confirm the installation.

Verifying Installation Was Successful

After installing your certificate, visit your website using https rather than http, and confirm the padlock icon appears in your browser's address bar without any warning. You can also use a free online SSL checker tool to confirm your certificate, including any intermediate certificates, is installed correctly and complete.

Common Installation Issues

A mismatch error typically means the certificate being installed does not match the private key on the server, often because it was generated from a different CSR than the one actually submitted. A missing intermediate certificate can cause some browsers to show warnings even though the certificate itself is valid, so confirm any provided intermediate or bundle file was included during installation.

Setting Up Automatic Renewal Reminders

Once your certificate is successfully installed, it is worth noting its expiration date and setting a reminder well before that date arrives. See SSL Certificate Renewal: Avoiding Expiration Downtime for guidance on managing renewals without risking downtime.