How can I install SSL certificates for my domain?
How to install SSL certificates for your domain, including Let's Encrypt, in DirectAdmin.
By Yvan Watchman Updated
DirectAdmin supports Let's Encrypt for free SSL certificates. You can enable and manage them from the control panel. First check that your domain already points to our server, or the request will fail.
First: does your domain point to our server?
Let's Encrypt checks that your domain points to the server where you request the certificate. Does your domain still point to another server, or hasn't a DNS change come through yet? Then the request fails.
- Check that your domain uses the nameservers
ns1.planetnode.cloudandns0.xyphen-it.nl, or that its A record points to your hosting's IP address. See How can I manage DNS settings for my domain? - Did you just change something? Wait until the change has come through, then try again.
Let's Encrypt (recommended)
- Log in to DirectAdmin via the link in your welcome email, or go to my.planetnode.net, open your webhosting product, and click the login button
- Go to Account Manager → SSL Certificates
- Under Let's Encrypt, select your domain
- Enable Use a signed certificate and optionally Include www
- Click Save or Issue
Tip
Let's Encrypt certificates auto-renew. No manual renewal is needed.
SSL for subdomains
A subdomain, such as shop.yourdomain.com, also needs a certificate. Include the subdomain when you request the certificate. The same applies to the subdomain: it must already point to our server.
Wildcard certificates
A wildcard certificate for *.yourdomain.com covers only one level. It works for shop.yourdomain.com, but not for test.shop.yourdomain.com.
Uploading your own certificate
- Go to Account Manager → SSL Certificates
- Choose the domain
- Paste your certificate, private key, and CA bundle (if applicable)
- Click Save
Using Cloudflare?
Set the SSL/TLS mode in Cloudflare to Full (strict). With Flexible, WordPress gets stuck in a redirect loop. See I manage my DNS at Cloudflare: which records and SSL setting do I need?
Verifying SSL
After installation, your site should load over https://. You can check certificate details in your browser or with tools like SSL Labs.
Additional resources
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