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Once your SSL certificate is issued, install it on your server so browsers connect over HTTPS. This guide covers installation in cPanel, on shared hosting, and on custom VPS servers.

Files you’ll receive

Your Certificate Authority sends three main files:
  • Certificate (.crt) — your primary SSL certificate
  • CA bundle / intermediate (.ca-bundle or .crt) — chain of trust
  • Private key (.key) — the key you generated during CSR creation

Install SSL in cPanel

1

Open SSL/TLS Manager

In cPanel, open SSL/TLS > Manage SSL sites.
2

Select your domain

Choose the domain you want to secure from the dropdown.
3

Paste your certificate

Paste the contents of the .crt file into the Certificate field.
4

Paste your private key

Paste your private key into the Private Key field.
5

Paste the CA bundle

Paste the CA bundle into the Certificate Authority Bundle field.
6

Install

Click Install Certificate. cPanel confirms when installation is complete.

Install on a custom server

Nginx

Reload Nginx: systemctl reload nginx

Apache

Restart Apache: systemctl restart apache2 or systemctl restart httpd

Force HTTPS

After installation, redirect all HTTP traffic to HTTPS.

In cPanel

1

Open Domains

In cPanel, open Domains and find your domain.
2

Toggle Force HTTPS Redirect

Enable the Force HTTPS Redirect toggle.

With .htaccess (Apache)

In Nginx

Verify installation

Browser check

Visit https://yourdomain.com and confirm the padlock icon.

SSL Labs test

Run ssllabs.com/ssltest for a full grade.

Mixed content

Fix any HTTP resources loaded on HTTPS pages.

Renewal reminder

Set a calendar reminder before expiration.
Never share your private key. If it’s exposed, [reissue your certificate](/SSL & Website Security/contact-2-2-3-2) with a new key.
Install trouble? Contact support@enrolweb.com.