How to install a free SSL certificate with Let's Encrypt
Get HTTPS on any self-hosted site for free with Let's Encrypt — via your host's one-click installer, cPanel, or certbot for VPS users.
- A domain pointing at the server
- Either cPanel access OR SSH access to a Linux server
Step by step
- 01
Check if your host already includes it
SiteGround, Hostinger, DreamHost, Cloudways and most modern hosts install Let's Encrypt automatically. Check your hosting dashboard for 'SSL' — it may already be on.
- 02
cPanel method
cPanel → SSL/TLS Status → tick all domains → Run AutoSSL. Wait 5-15 min. Refresh — the lock should appear.
- 03
VPS method — install certbot
SSH in. Ubuntu: 'sudo apt install certbot python3-certbot-nginx' (or -apache). Run 'sudo certbot --nginx -d yourdomain.com -d www.yourdomain.com'. Follow the prompts.
- 04
Force HTTPS
Without a redirect, your site is reachable on both http and https — a duplicate-content issue. In WordPress, install Really Simple SSL. In Nginx, add a 301 redirect from :80 to :443.
- 05
Set up auto-renewal
Let's Encrypt certs last 90 days. Certbot installs a renewal cron automatically. Test it: 'sudo certbot renew --dry-run'.
- 06
Verify with SSL Labs
ssllabs.com/ssltest → enter your domain. Aim for an A or A+ grade. Anything lower means a misconfiguration to fix.
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