An SSL certificate secures the connection between your website and visitors. In this guide, we explain how to install SSL in DirectAdmin.

Why SSL is important

SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) encrypts data between browser and server. Benefits:

  • Security: Data cannot be intercepted
  • Trust: Green padlock in browser
  • SEO: Google prefers HTTPS sites
  • Required: Many features only work with HTTPS

HTTP vs HTTPS

Aspect HTTP HTTPS
Encryption No Yes
Browser "Not secure" Green padlock
SEO Lower Higher
Required for Basic sites Forms, logins, webshops

Let's Encrypt SSL (Free)

Let's Encrypt offers free SSL certificates that are automatically renewed.

Step 1: Navigate to SSL Certificates

  1. Log in to DirectAdmin
  2. Go to SSL Certificates in the menu
  3. You'll see SSL options for your domain

Step 2: Activate Let's Encrypt

  1. Click Free & automatic certificate from Let's Encrypt
  2. Check your domain (e.g., yoursite.com)
  3. Also check www.yoursite.com
  4. Click Save

Step 3: Wait for installation

  • The certificate will be installed within a few minutes
  • You'll receive a confirmation
  • The certificate is automatically renewed every 90 days

Force HTTPS

After SSL installation, you must redirect visitors to HTTPS.

Via .htaccess

Add to your .htaccess file:

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

Via DirectAdmin

  1. Go to Domain Setup or Force SSL Redirect
  2. Enable Force SSL with https redirect
  3. Click Save

WordPress HTTPS setup

  1. Go to Settings → General
  2. Change WordPress Address (URL) to https://
  3. Change Site Address (URL) to https://
  4. Click Save Changes

Or use a plugin like Really Simple SSL.

Installing custom SSL certificate

For a purchased certificate (e.g., from Comodo, DigiCert):

Step 1: Generate CSR

  1. Go to SSL Certificates in DirectAdmin
  2. Click Create a Certificate Request
  3. Fill in the details:
    • Common Name: yoursite.com
    • Organization, City, State, Country
  4. Copy the CSR

Step 2: Request certificate

  1. Go to your SSL provider
  2. Paste the CSR
  3. Verify domain ownership
  4. Download the certificate

Step 3: Install certificate

  1. Go to SSL Certificates in DirectAdmin
  2. Click Paste a pre-generated certificate
  3. Paste the certificate
  4. Paste the CA Bundle (intermediate certificates)
  5. Click Save

Troubleshooting SSL problems

Mixed Content warnings

Your site loads HTTP resources on an HTTPS page.

Solution:

  1. Find HTTP links in your content
  2. Replace http:// with https:// or //
  3. Use a plugin like Better Search Replace

SSL certificate expiring

Let's Encrypt renews automatically. If this fails:

  1. Check if the website is accessible
  2. Check if DNS is correct
  3. Renew manually via DirectAdmin

"Not secure" despite SSL

  • Mixed content (see above)
  • SSL not active for www or non-www
  • Browser cache - try incognito

ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR

  • Wait 5-10 minutes after installation
  • Clear browser cache
  • Try different browser

Wildcard SSL

A wildcard certificate (*.yoursite.com) covers all subdomains:

  • blog.yoursite.com
  • shop.yoursite.com
  • etc.

Contact support for wildcard SSL configuration.

Tips

  1. Always force HTTPS after SSL installation
  2. Check regularly if SSL is still valid
  3. Update links to HTTPS in content
  4. Test with ssllabs.com

Need help?

We're here for you! Running into issues or have questions? Our support team is happy to help you personally. Drop us a message through the ticket system - we usually respond within a few hours and love helping you find the best solution.