Activate a Let's Encrypt SSL certificate on your website

What is it?

SSL is a lock for the link between a visitor and your website. Let's Encrypt is a free, trusted company that issues SSL certificates. A certificate is a digital ID card for your site. After it is active, your address starts with https:// and shows a padlock.

Which tool your plan uses can differ. Ask Hostvento support if your plan has Let's Encrypt, AutoSSL or both.

Steps in cPanel

1. Log in to cPanel from your client area or welcome email link.
2. Look in the Security section. If you see Let's Encrypt SSL, open it. If not, open SSL/TLS Status.
3. If you see Let's Encrypt SSL, click Issue beside your domain. Check that the box for the www name is ticked as well. Click Issue again.
4. If you see SSL/TLS Status, tick your domain and click Run AutoSSL.
5. Wait a few minutes.
6. Refresh the page. Your domain should now show a valid certificate.

Make visitors use https

A certificate alone does not force the secure version. Do one of these:

1. In cPanel, open Domains and switch on Force HTTPS Redirect for your domain, if you see it.
2. Or add a redirect rule in .htaccess. Back the file up first.
3. In WordPress, open Settings then General. Change both addresses to start with https://.

Test it

1. Open a private browser window.
2. Go to http://yourdomain.com. It should change to https.
3. Check the padlock.

If it fails

• The domain must point to this hosting. Check your DNS settings. DNS is the internet's phone book.
• A redirect or firewall may block the check. Pause it and try again.
• Too many requests in a short time can pause issuing. Wait and try later.

Quick recap

• Use Let's Encrypt SSL or SSL/TLS Status in cPanel.

  

  

  

• Click Issue or Run AutoSSL.

  

• Then force https with a redirect.
• Test in a private window.