How to Install an SSL Certificate in cPanel (AutoSSL & Manual)

Every DozeHost cPanel account includes free AutoSSL (powered by Sectigo/Let’s Encrypt), which issues and renews a domain-validated certificate automatically. Most customers never need to touch this manually — but here’s how both paths work.

Checking AutoSSL status

Go to Security > SSL/TLS Status in cPanel. Domains with a green padlock already have a valid certificate. If a domain shows as unsecured, click Run AutoSSL to trigger issuance immediately instead of waiting for the next automatic pass.

Why AutoSSL might fail

AutoSSL validates domain ownership over HTTP, so it can fail if:

• The domain’s DNS doesn’t point to this server yet.
• A firewall or redirect rule is blocking the validation request.
• The domain was only added minutes ago and hasn’t propagated.

Re-running AutoSSL after fixing DNS usually resolves it within a few minutes.

Installing a certificate you purchased elsewhere

1. Generate a Certificate Signing Request (CSR) under SSL/TLS > Generate a Certificate Signing Request, or use the one your certificate authority issued.
2. Once your CA issues the certificate, go to SSL/TLS > Install and Manage SSL for your site.
3. Paste the certificate, its private key, and the CA bundle (intermediate certificates) into the matching fields.
4. Click Install — cPanel validates the key/certificate pair automatically and will warn you if something doesn’t match.

Forcing HTTPS

Once a certificate is active, enable Domains > SSL/TLS Status > Force HTTPS Redirect (or add a redirect rule in .htaccess) so visitors are never served the unencrypted version of your site.