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Protecting your visitors’ data and building trust starts with a secure connection. Installing an SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate on your website encrypts traffic between your server and users, prevents “Not Secure” warnings in browsers, and boosts your SEO rankings. In this guide, we’ll show you how to install an SSL certificate in cPanel on Sternhost—step by step.

Why SSL Matters

• Data Encryption & Privacy
  SSL encrypts sensitive information (login details, payment data) to prevent eavesdropping.
• User Trust & Credibility
  Visitors expect the padlock icon and “https://” prefix on modern websites—sites without SSL risk losing conversions.
• SEO Benefits
  Google uses HTTPS as a ranking signal, so a secure site can improve your search visibility (source: Google Search Central).

Step 1: Choose Your SSL Certificate

Sternhost supports multiple SSL options:

• Free Let’s Encrypt SSL (auto‑renewed).
• Premium SSL Certificates (DV, OV, EV) with extended warranties and higher validation levels.

Learn more about our SSL offerings on the Sternhost SSL Plans page.

Step 2: Access cPanel’s SSL/TLS Manager

1. Log in to cPanel
   Go to sternhost.com/cpanel and enter your credentials.
2. Locate SSL/TLS
   Under the Security section, click SSL/TLS.

Step 3: Generate a CSR (Certificate Signing Request)

If you’re installing a premium SSL:

1. Click “Certificate Signing Requests (CSR)”
2. Fill in Domain Details
   • Domains: Your primary domain (e.g., example.com) and any subdomains.
   • Company Info: Organization name, department, city, and country.
   • Passphrase: Optional—adds extra security during CSR generation.
3. Generate and copy the CSR code.

🚩 Tip: Keep your private key secure—it’s created simultaneously and stored in cPanel.

Step 4: Purchase & Validate Your SSL

1. Go to the Sternhost Client Area
   Navigate to Services → SSL Certificates, select your purchased SSL, and paste the CSR.
2. Complete Domain Validation
   Depending on your SSL type, validation happens via email, HTTP file upload, or DNS record.
3. Receive Your SSL Certificate
   Once validated, you’ll receive a .crt file (certificate) and CA bundle from Sternhost via email.

Step 5: Install Your SSL Certificate

1. Return to cPanel’s SSL/TLS Manager
   Click Manage SSL sites under the Install and Manage SSL for your site (HTTPS) section.
2. Paste Your Certificate
   • Domain: Select your domain from the dropdown.
   • Certificate (CRT): Paste the contents of your .crt file.
   • Private Key (KEY): cPanel often auto‑loads this if you generated the CSR there. If not, paste your private key.
   • Certificate Authority Bundle (CABUNDLE): Paste the CA bundle provided by Sternhost.
3. Install Certificate
   Click Install Certificate. You should see a success message and your site will now serve HTTPS.

Step 6: Enable HTTP to HTTPS Redirect

To ensure all visitors use the secure URL:

1. Open File Manager in cPanel.
2. Edit .htaccess in your public_html folder (or site root).
3. Add Redirect Rule at the top:

   RewriteEngine On
   RewriteCond %{HTTPS} off
   RewriteRule ^(.*)$ https://%{HTTP_HOST}%{REQUEST_URI} [L,R=301]
   

4. Save and test by visiting http://yourdomain.com—it should redirect to https://yourdomain.com.

Troubleshooting & Best Practices

• Mixed Content Warnings
  If some resources (images, scripts) still load over HTTP, update their URLs to HTTPS or use protocol‑relative paths.
• Auto‑Renewal for Let’s Encrypt
  Sternhost’s free SSL auto‑renews every 90 days—ensure your domain remains pointed correctly.
• Check Your Installation
  Use an SSL checker like SSL Labs to verify your certificate chain, protocol support, and grades.

Additional Resources

• Sternhost Knowledgebase:
  For related topics, explore our SSL & Security Articles.
• Customer Support:
  Need help? Reach out 24/7 via the Sternhost Support Portal.

Conclusion

Installing an SSL certificate in cPanel on Sternhost is fast and straightforward, yet it offers tremendous benefits in security, trust, and SEO. By following this guide, you can secure your website within minutes and ensure your visitors always connect safely over HTTPS.

Ready to secure your site? Log in to your Sternhost cPanel and get started today!