How to Install a SSL Certificate, it may sound complicated, but it is relatively straightforward, and Domains.co.za makes the process as easy as possible so you can keep your site and visitors’ data safe. At Domains.co.za, we know how important it is for your website to be trusted, secure, and fully protected with HTTPS. Installing an SSL certificate ensures that every connection to your site is encrypted, safeguarding your users’ data and strengthening your website’s credibility.
Whether you manage your hosting through cPanel, WHM, or another platform, the installation process is straightforward. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you complete the setup smoothly.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
How to Install a SSL Certificate in cPanel
1. Login to your Domains.co.za account.
2. Open the Manage Services drop-down and select your hosting plan.
3. Click Manage next to the relevant domain.
4. Select Login to Control Panel to access cPanel.
5. Navigate to SSL/TLS and then click Manage SSL Sites.
6. Choose the domain where you wish to install the SSL.
7. Paste the Certificate (CRT), Private Key, and CA Bundle into the required fields.
8. Click Install Certificate.
9. Confirm that your site loads securely using https://.
How to Install a SSL Certificate in WHM
If you’re managing a server through WHM (for example, a VPS or Dedicated Server):
1. Purchase an SSL certificate from Domains.co.za or use the free SSL included in some hosting packages.
2. Generate a Certificate Signing Request (CSR) on your server. This contains your domain details and key pair.
3. Submit the CSR to your Certificate Authority (CA) and complete Domain Control Validation (DCV).
4. Once issued, upload your SSL certificate files via cPanel’s SSL/TLS Manager or the WHM SSL interface.
5. Update your virtual hosts or server configuration to point to the new certificate (if required).
6. Test your SSL using tools like SSL Labs or simply load your domain over HTTPS.
7. Ensure your website settings and internal resources now load over HTTPS to avoid mixed-content warnings.
Domains.co.za automatically installs certificates purchased directly through us on most hosting environments, making setup even easier.
How to Install a SSL Certificate on Other Hosting Platforms
If you’re using a different control panel or custom hosting setup:
- Use the platform’s built-in SSL management interface.
- Or contact Domains.co.za Support for step-by-step assistance.
NOTE:
If you have an ISP, they will generate the CSR file on request. To view the demonstrations for generating CSRs and installing certificates, please click on the links below:
YouTube Guide to Install Free SSL Certificate
VIDEO:How to Install a Free SSL Certificate
Additional Information
- Backup Keys: Always store a copy of your private key securely.
- Propagation: SSL activation may take a few minutes across global servers.
- HTTPS Test: Enter https://yourdomain.co.za to verify installation.
- Browser Warnings: Fix mixed-content errors by ensuring all resources load via HTTPS.
- Support: The Domains.co.za support team can assist with installation, configuration, and validation.
- Maintenance: Renew your SSL early to prevent downtime or browser security alerts.
Various Server Installations
| Apache Server | Ubuntu Server with Apache2 |
| Microsoft Exchange 2016 | Microsoft IIS – IIS 6 |
| Microsoft IIS – IIS 7 | Microsoft IIS – IIS 8/8.5 |
| Microsoft IIS – IIS 10 | Tomcat Server |
Generate CSR Demos
Login to Domains.co.za Account
1. Go to the Domains.co.za website Account Login page.
2. Enter your Email and Password and click the Sign In button.
3. You will see the Domains.co.za Dashboard, displaying the Manage Account menu on the left and your Account Information, Account Overview and Open Support Tickets on the right.
