Adding an SSL certificate to your website is crucial for establishing a secure connection and protecting sensitive data. GoDaddy, a popular domain registrar, and web hosting provider, offers a straightforward process for implementing SSL certificates.
To add an SSL certificate to your website on GoDaddy, follow these steps: log in to your GoDaddy account. Go to your website’s cPanel. Find the SSL/TLS Manager. Generate a certificate signing request (CSR). Purchase an SSL certificate. Install the SSL certificate using the CSR.
In this article, I will guide you through the steps required to add an SSL certificate to your website hosted on GoDaddy. By following these instructions, you can ensure that your website is encrypted and trustworthy, providing a safe browsing experience for your visitors.
8 Steps To Add SSL Certificate To Website GoDaddy:
As important as it is to link an SSL certificate to the GoDaddy website, it is necessary to know the process too. Here are the steps to add an SSL certificate to your website on GoDaddy:
Step 1: Log in to your GoDaddy account
Go to the GoDaddy website and log in using your credentials.
Step 2: Access your SSL Certificates
Once you are logged in, navigate to your account dashboard. Look for the “SSL Certificates” section, which might be under the “Security” or “Website” category. Click on it to proceed.
Step 3: Purchase an SSL certificate
If you don’t have an SSL certificate yet, you will need to purchase one. GoDaddy offers various options, so choose the one that suits your needs and budget. Add the SSL certificate to your cart and complete the payment process.
Step 4: Generate a Certificate Signing Request (CSR)
After purchasing the SSL certificate, you need to generate a Certificate Signing Request (CSR). This is a file containing your website’s details that will be used to issue the SSL certificate. GoDaddy provides tools to generate the CSR, so follow the instructions provided.
Step 5: Submit the CSR to GoDaddy
Once you have generated the CSR, you need to submit it to GoDaddy for processing. There should be an option to upload or paste the CSR in your GoDaddy account. Provide the CSR file or paste its contents in the designated field and submit it.
Step 6: Complete the SSL certificate installation
After submitting the CSR, GoDaddy will validate your information and issue the SSL certificate. Once it’s ready, you will receive an email notification with instructions on how to complete the installation. Follow the provided instructions to install the SSL certificate on your website.
Step 7: Update your website’s settings
Once the SSL certificate is installed, you need to update your website’s settings to enable HTTPS. This typically involves modifying your website’s configuration files or using a content management system (CMS) interface. Look for options related to SSL/TLS or HTTPS, and ensure that your website is set to use the newly installed certificate.
Step 8: Test and verify the SSL certificate
To ensure that your SSL certificate is working correctly, test your website by accessing it with the “https://” prefix. Verify that the website loads without any security warnings and that the SSL padlock icon is displayed in the browser’s address bar.
Renew and Manage SSL Certificates on Website GoDaddy:
Renewing and managing SSL certificates on GoDaddy involves the process of extending the validity of your existing SSL certificate or making changes to the certificate’s settings. Here is an explanation of renewing and managing SSL certificates on GoDaddy:
Renewing SSL Certificates:
. Keep track of the expiration date:
Monitor the expiration date of your SSL certificate to ensure uninterrupted security for your website. GoDaddy usually sends reminders when the certificate is nearing expiration.
. Access your SSL Certificates:
Log in to your GoDaddy account and navigate to the SSL Certificates section. Here, you will find a list of your active SSL certificates.
. Select the certificate for renewal:
Choose the SSL certificate you want to renew. You may have multiple certificates if you have secured multiple domains or subdomains.
. Renewal options:
GoDaddy provides options for renewing your SSL certificate. You can typically choose to renew for one year, two years, or more, depending on the available options and your preference. Select the desired renewal duration.
. Review and complete the renewal:
Before finalizing the renewal, review the order details, including the pricing. Once you are satisfied, proceed with the renewal process and complete the payment if necessary. GoDaddy will then renew your SSL certificate for the selected duration.
Managing SSL Certificates:
Access your SSL Certificates:
Log in to your GoDaddy account and navigate to the SSL Certificates section to view a list of your active SSL certificates.
. View certificate details:
Click on the SSL certificate you want to manage to access its details. Here, you can find information such as the certificate’s expiration date, common name, and the domains it secures.
. Make changes to the certificate:
Depending on your needs, you can make certain changes to your SSL certificate. For example, you can update the common name, add or remove domains, or modify the certificate’s settings.
. Follow the instructions:
If you need to make changes to your SSL certificate, GoDaddy will provide instructions on how to proceed. Follow the provided guidelines to update or modify your SSL certificate.
. Save and apply changes:
After making any necessary changes, save the modifications and apply them to the SSL certificate. GoDaddy will process the changes and update your certificate accordingly.
Troubleshoot SSL Certificate Issues on GoDaddy Websites:
Troubleshooting common SSL certificate issues on GoDaddy websites may involve identifying and resolving various issues that can arise during the installation or configuration process. Here is an explanation of some common SSL certificate issues and how to troubleshoot them on GoDaddy websites:
. Mixed content warnings:
Mixed content warnings occur when your website contains both secure (HTTPS) and insecure (HTTP) elements, such as images, scripts, or links. This can cause browsers to display security warnings.
To troubleshoot this issue, check your website’s source code and ensure that all resources are loaded securely using the HTTPS protocol. Update any HTTP references to HTTPS to resolve the mixed content warnings.
. Certificate not trusted or invalid:
If visitors encounter warnings that the SSL certificate is not trusted or invalid, it usually indicates an issue with the certificate’s installation or validation. Verify that the certificate is correctly installed on your GoDaddy website.
Check the certificate’s details, including the common name and expiration date, to ensure it matches your website’s domain and is valid. If the certificate is correct, but the warning persists, reach out to GoDaddy customer support for further assistance.
. Expired SSL certificate:
When an SSL certificate expires, browsers will display warnings to visitors, indicating that the connection may not be secure. To troubleshoot this issue, log in to your GoDaddy account and check the status of your SSL certificate.
If it has expired, renew the certificate and follow the renewal process outlined by GoDaddy. Once the renewed certificate is installed, the warnings should disappear.
. Certificate chain errors:
Certificate chain errors occur when the SSL certificate’s chain of trust is not properly configured. This can result in browsers displaying warnings about an untrusted or incomplete certificate chain. To troubleshoot this issue, verify that the SSL certificate chain is correctly installed.
GoDaddy provides intermediate certificates that need to be installed alongside the primary certificate. Make sure all necessary intermediate certificates are correctly configured in your web server’s SSL/TLS settings.
. Private key mismatch:
A private key mismatch can occur if the private key used during the SSL certificate installation does not match the one associated with your website. To troubleshoot this issue, ensure that you have the correct private key and that it matches the one provided during the CSR generation and certificate installation process.
If the private key does not match, you may need to reissue the SSL certificate and ensure the correct private key is used during installation.
. Server configuration issues:
In some cases, SSL certificate issues can be caused by misconfigured server settings. Check your server’s SSL/TLS configuration and ensure it is compatible with the SSL certificate you have installed. This includes verifying the correct protocol versions, cipher suites, and SSL/TLS settings recommended by GoDaddy or your SSL certificate provider.
FAQs
How Far In Advance Should I Renew My SSL Certificate On Godaddy?
It is recommended to renew your SSL certificate at least 30 days before it expires. This allows sufficient time for the renewal process and ensures uninterrupted security for your website.
What Happens If I Forget To Renew My SSL Certificate On Godaddy?
If you fail to renew your SSL certificate before it expires, your website will no longer have a valid SSL certificate, and visitors may see security warnings or be unable to access your site securely. It’s important to renew your certificate promptly to avoid any disruption in security.
Can I Change The Domain Name Associated With My SSL Certificate On Godaddy?
No, you cannot change the domain name associated with an SSL certificate. SSL certificates are issued specifically for the domain(s) you provide during the initial purchase. If you need an SSL certificate for a different domain, you will need to purchase a new certificate for that domain.
How Can I Update The Contact Information For My SSL Certificate On Godaddy?
To update the contact information associated with your SSL certificate, you need to update your account’s contact details. Log in to your GoDaddy account, go to the account settings or profile section, and update the relevant contact information. The updated information will then be used for all your SSL certificates.
How Can I Check The Status Of My SSL Certificate On Godaddy?
To check the status of your SSL certificate, log in to your GoDaddy account and navigate to the SSL Certificates section. There, you can view the details of your active SSL certificates, including their expiration dates. You can also check the status of your certificate by accessing your website and verifying if it loads securely with the HTTPS protocol and displays the SSL padlock icon.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, troubleshooting SSL certificate issues on GoDaddy websites requires a thorough examination of mixed content warnings, certificate validity, expiration, chain errors, private key mismatches, and server configuration.
By ensuring proper installation, addressing mixed content, renewing certificates promptly, validating chain configurations, and verifying private key accuracy, website owners can resolve common SSL issues and provide secure browsing experiences for their visitors. For complex issues, contacting GoDaddy’s customer support is advisable for expert assistance.
