SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is a security technology that encrypts the connection between your website and your visitors' browsers. It helps protect sensitive information, improves website security, and allows your website to use HTTPS instead of HTTP.
At SIRSTEVEHQ, SSL activation depends on the type of SSL certificate you are using and the hosting solution connected to your domain.
We support both:
- Free SSL certificates that are automatically issued through supported hosting environments.
- Paid SSL certificates that require manual installation after purchase and validation.
How Is Free SSL Enabled on SIRSTEVEHQ Hosting?
For most hosting services, free SSL is automatically installed once:
- Your domain is pointing to your SIRSTEVEHQ hosting account.
- Your nameservers have been updated correctly.
- DNS propagation has been completed.
Once your domain successfully points to our hosting platform, our system will automatically detect the domain and issue the SSL certificate.
Please allow sufficient time for DNS propagation before expecting SSL to become active.
DNS changes can take up to 24 to 48 hours to fully propagate worldwide.
Free SSL on Shared Hosting
For the following hosting services, SSL is automatically installed after your domain points to our servers:
- cPanel Hosting
- DirectAdmin Hosting
- Plesk Hosting
- Windows Hosting
Once DNS propagation has been completed, the SSL certificate will be automatically generated and installed.
Free SSL on SIRSTEVEHQ CP Hosting
For hosting services powered by SIRSTEVEHQ CP, you need to manually activate free SSL from your control panel.
This applies to:
- Cloud Hosting
- WordPress Hosting
- Unmanaged VPS
- SIRSTEVEHQ Cloud
- AWS Hosting
- Google Cloud Hosting
To activate SSL:
- Log in to your SIRSTEVEHQ CP.
- Navigate to the SSL/Security section.
- Select your domain.
- Activate or enable SSL.
- Allow approximately 30 minutes for the SSL certificate to be processed and applied.
Once activation is complete, your website should become accessible securely through HTTPS.
How Do I Install a Paid SSL Certificate?
Paid SSL certificates are different from free SSL certificates and require manual installation.
If you purchase a paid SSL certificate, you will need to complete the SSL validation process and manually install the certificate on your hosting account.
The installation process usually involves:
- Purchasing your preferred SSL certificate.
- Completing the domain validation process.
- Receiving your SSL certificate files from the certificate provider.
- Installing the certificate on your hosting control panel or server.
- Installing the required intermediate certificate (CA Bundle).
- Testing the SSL installation.
Installing a Paid SSL on cPanel Hosting
To install a paid SSL certificate on cPanel:
- Log in to your cPanel account.
- Navigate to SSL/TLS Manager.
- Select Install and Manage SSL for your site (HTTPS).
- Enter your:
- Certificate (CRT)
- Private Key (KEY)
- Certificate Authority Bundle (CABUNDLE)
- Click Install Certificate.
Once the certificate has been installed successfully, your domain will begin using the paid SSL certificate.
Installing a Paid SSL on DirectAdmin Hosting
To install a paid SSL certificate on DirectAdmin:
- Log in to DirectAdmin.
- Navigate to Account Manager → SSL Certificates.
- Select the option to paste your certificate.
- Add your:
- Certificate
- Private Key
- CA Certificate
- Save the changes.
Your SSL certificate will then be installed on your domain.
Installing a Paid SSL on Plesk Hosting
To install a paid SSL certificate on Plesk:
- Log in to your Plesk control panel.
- Go to Websites & Domains.
- Select SSL/TLS Certificates.
- Upload your certificate files.
- Assign the certificate to your domain.
Once installation is complete, your website will be secured with the paid SSL certificate.
Installing a Paid SSL on SIRSTEVEHQ Cloud Servers
For the following services:
- Unmanaged VPS
- SIRSTEVEHQ Cloud
- AWS Hosting
- Google Cloud Hosting
SSL installation depends on your server configuration and web server software.
You may need to manually configure SSL for:
- Apache
- Nginx
- LiteSpeed
- Other supported web server environments
Customers managing their own cloud servers are responsible for server-level SSL configuration unless they are using a managed service.
Why Is My SSL Not Showing Yet?
If your SSL certificate is not active, check the following:
1. DNS Has Not Fully Propagated
Your domain must correctly point to your SIRSTEVEHQ hosting account before SSL can be issued.
If you recently changed your nameservers or DNS records, allow up to 24 to 48 hours for DNS propagation.
2. Your Domain Is Not Pointing to SIRSTEVEHQ
SSL cannot be activated if your domain is still connected to another hosting provider.
Confirm that:
- Your nameservers are correct.
- Your DNS records point to the correct server.
- Your domain has been added to your hosting account.
3. SSL Has Not Been Activated in SIRSTEVEHQ CP
For SIRSTEVEHQ CP hosting solutions, free SSL must be manually activated from your control panel.
After activation, allow approximately 30 minutes for the certificate to become active.
4. Paid SSL Certificate Has Not Been Installed Correctly
For paid SSL certificates, ensure that:
- The certificate matches your domain.
- The private key is correct.
- The CA Bundle is installed.
- The certificate has been assigned to the correct domain.
How Do I Confirm My SSL Is Working?
Once SSL is active:
- Your website URL should start with https://.
- Your browser should display a padlock icon.
- Visitors should see that the connection is secure.
You can also use SSL testing tools to verify your certificate installation and configuration.
Do I Need to Renew My SSL Certificate?
Yes.
Paid SSL certificates have an expiry period and must be renewed before they expire.
Free SSL certificates are automatically renewed where supported, provided that:
- Your hosting account remains active.
- Your domain continues to point to your hosting service.
- All SSL validation requirements are met.
Need Help Installing or Activating SSL?
If you need assistance with SSL activation or installation, please open a Support Ticket through your Client Area.
When contacting us, include:
- Your domain name.
- Your hosting plan.
- The type of SSL certificate (free or paid).
- The SSL provider, if using a paid SSL certificate.
- Any error messages displayed.
Our Support Team will review your hosting environment and guide you through the appropriate SSL activation or installation process.
