How to Install Free SSL on DirectAdmin

Securing your website with an SSL certificate is essential to ensure encrypted communication between your server and visitors. DirectAdmin makes it easy to install a free SSL certificate using Let’s Encrypt. Below is a step-by-step guide.

Objectives

  • Enable HTTPS on your website

  • Install and configure free SSL (Let’s Encrypt) via DirectAdmin

  • Ensure automatic renewal

Steps to Install Free SSL on DirectAdmin

1. Log in to DirectAdmin

  • Open your browser and go to your hosting DirectAdmin panel (e.g. http://da1.doveserver.com:2222/).

  • Enter your username and password to access the dashboard.

2. Go to SSL Certificates Section

  • From the DirectAdmin dashboard, navigate to:
    Account Manager → SSL Certificates

3. Select “Free & Automatic Certificate from Let’s Encrypt”

  • You will see several SSL options.

  • Choose: “Free & automatic certificate from Let’s Encrypt” or use best match certificate.

4. Choose Your Domain(s)

  • Select the domain you want to secure with SSL.

  • If needed, also check additional options like:

    • www.domain.com

    • mail.domain.com (useful for secure webmail)

  • Ensure all required subdomains are selected.

5. Request SSL Certificate

  • Scroll down and click Save / Issue Certificate.

  • DirectAdmin will now request and install the Let’s Encrypt SSL certificate for your domain.

6. Verify Installation

  • After a few moments, the system should confirm the SSL was successfully installed.

  • Test by visiting your site at:
    https://yourdomain.com

  • If the browser shows a padlock, SSL is working correctly.

7. Force HTTPS (Optional but Recommended)

To ensure all traffic is redirected to the secure version:

  • Go to Domain Setup in DirectAdmin.

  • Enable Force SSL with HTTPS redirect.

8. Automatic Renewal

  • Let’s Encrypt SSL certificates are valid for 90 days.

  • DirectAdmin is configured to automatically renew them before expiry.

  • No manual action is needed once enabled.

Common Issues & Fixes

  • DNS not pointing correctly: Ensure your domain’s DNS is pointing to the server before requesting SSL.

  • Firewall/Port blocking: Make sure port 80 (HTTP) is open for Let’s Encrypt verification.

  • Email subdomain not included: Manually select mail.domain.com during setup if you need secure email.

With DirectAdmin’s built-in Let’s Encrypt integration, installing a free SSL certificate takes just a few clicks. This not only secures your website but also improves SEO ranking and builds trust with visitors.

Watch the video below for detail: