Knowledgebase

Installing an SSL Certificate in cPanel (Firstserv Guide)

Firstserv provides free SSL certificates via AutoSSL on all shared hosting plans. In most cases, SSL is issued automatically and no manual setup is required.

However, if you choose to use a third-party SSL certificate, you will need to generate a CSR (Certificate Signing Request) and install the certificate manually.

Step 1: Generate a CSR (Certificate Signing Request)

Access SSL/TLS Settings

1. Log in to cPanel
2. Go to:

   Security → SSL/TLS
   

3. Click:

   Generate, view, or delete SSL certificate signing requests
   

Complete the Form

• Enter your domain (e.g. example.com, www.example.com, or sub.example.com)
• Fill in the required details (organisation, location, etc.)

👉 Make sure the domain matches exactly what your SSL certificate will cover

Generate the CSR

• Click Generate
• Copy the generated CSR code

✅ You’ll need this when purchasing your SSL from your chosen provider

Step 2: Install Your SSL Certificate

Once your SSL has been issued by your provider:

Install via cPanel

1. Return to:

   Security → SSL/TLS
   

2. Click:

   Manage SSL Sites
   

3. Select your domain from the dropdown

Enter Certificate Details

• Paste your certificate into the:

  Certificate (CRT)
  

  field

• Click Autofill by Certificate

✅ This will automatically populate the remaining fields (CABUNDLE, private key)

Complete Installation

• Click Install Certificate

✅ Your SSL certificate is now active

Enforcing HTTPS (SSL Redirect)

By default, your site may still load via:

http://yourdomain.com

To force HTTPS, you can add a redirect.

Option: Use .htaccess Redirect

Add the following to your .htaccess file:

✅ This ensures all visitors are redirected to the secure version of your site

Important Notes

• ✅ AutoSSL is available and recommended for most users
• ✅ Third-party SSLs require manual setup
• ✅ Ensure your domain DNS points to your hosting before installing SSL
• ✅ Changes take effect immediately

Summary

• Firstserv includes free SSL via AutoSSL
• For third-party SSLs:
  1. Generate a CSR in cPanel
  2. Purchase the certificate
  3. Install it via Manage SSL Sites
• Use .htaccess to enforce HTTPS

Need Help?

If you’re unsure whether you need a custom SSL or need help installing one, the Firstserv support team is happy to assist.