A free SSL certificate encrypts traffic between your visitors and your site, removes the "Not Secure" warning, and is required for modern browsers and SEO. On cPanel shared hosting, you can install one in minutes using Let's Encrypt through AutoSSL.
Install SSL via AutoSSL
- Log in to cPanel.
- Under the Security section, open SSL/TLS Status.
- Tick the domain (and any subdomains) you want to secure.
- Click Run AutoSSL.
- Wait a few minutes, then refresh. A green padlock icon means the certificate is active.
AutoSSL automatically requests and installs a Let's Encrypt certificate, so there is nothing to paste or upload.
Install SSL Manually
If AutoSSL is unavailable, use the manual tool:
- In cPanel, open SSL/TLS, then Manage SSL sites.
- Choose the domain from the dropdown.
- Paste the certificate, private key, and CA bundle into the boxes.
- Click Install Certificate.
Verify the Certificate
After installation, confirm everything works:
- Visit your site using
https://and check for the padlock. - View the certificate details in the browser to confirm the domain and issuer.
- Use an external SSL checker to confirm the chain is complete.
Common Issues
| Problem | Likely Cause | | --- | --- | | AutoSSL fails to issue | DNS not pointing to the server | | Padlock missing | Domain not yet validated | | Warning persists | Mixed content on the page |
If the domain is brand new, allow DNS to propagate fully before running AutoSSL. Certificates renew automatically every 90 days, so once installed you rarely need to touch it again.
For help, contact support on WhatsApp at +254 796 358081 or via the /contact page.