Installing a free SSL certificate on your HostGator server is a straightforward process, and it’s a great way to secure your website. HostGator provides free SSL certificates through Let’s Encrypt. Here’s how to install one:
Step 1: Access Your HostGator cPanel
- Log in to your HostGator account.
- In your dashboard, find and click on the “cPanel” link. This will take you to your cPanel control panel.
Step 2: Locate the SSL/TLS Manager
- In cPanel, scroll down to the “Security” section.
- Find and click on the “SSL/TLS Manager” icon.
Step 3: Generate a New SSL Certificate
- In the SSL/TLS Manager, you’ll see several options. Click on “Let’s Encrypt.”
- On the next page, select the domain for which you want to install the SSL certificate from the drop-down menu. If you have multiple domains, select the one you want to secure.
- Next, choose any additional settings you’d like. Most users can leave these at their default values.
- Finally, click the “Issue” button.
Step 4: Install the SSL Certificate
- After issuing the certificate, you’ll see a success message. To install it, go back to the SSL/TLS Manager main page.
- Click on “Manage SSL Sites.”
- In the “Install an SSL Website” section, select the domain from the drop-down menu that corresponds to the certificate you just generated.
- The certificate and private key fields will automatically populate. You don’t need to make any changes here.
- Scroll down to the bottom of the page and click the “Install Certificate” button.
Step 5: Confirm Installation
- Once the installation is complete, you’ll receive a confirmation message.
- To verify that your SSL certificate is active, open a web browser and visit your website using “https://” instead of “http://”. You should see a padlock icon or a similar indicator in the address bar, signifying that your website is secure.
That’s it! You’ve successfully installed a free SSL certificate from Let’s Encrypt on your HostGator server. Your website should now be accessible over HTTPS, providing encryption and security for your visitors’ data. Make sure to periodically renew your SSL certificate to ensure uninterrupted security. HostGator usually renews Let’s Encrypt certificates automatically, but it’s a good practice to check from time to time.