How to Install a Free SSL Certificate Easily

A Free SSL Certificate lets you secure your website instantly - without paying a dime . It helps prevent browser warnings, ensures safe connections, and shows the trusted padlock icon next to your domain name.

If you’re just getting started with SSLs or want to test HTTPS functionality, ZeroSSL offers a free 90-day SSL certificate that gives you a trusted connection for your website.

Why You Need SSL​

SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) or its modern version TLS encrypts the communication between your browser and the web server.
This is critical when handling:

• Credit card data on checkout pages
• Login and registration forms
• Sensitive user information

Remember: SSL doesn’t protect your website from attacks, but it secures data transmission - keeping your visitors safe.

---

Types of SSL Certificates​

There are three main types of SSL certificates, each offering different levels of validation:

Domain Validated (DV)​

• Confirms you own the domain.
• Visitors see a padlock icon but no company name.

Organization Validated (OV)​

• Verifies that your organization is registered and legitimate.
• Clicking the padlock shows your business name.

Extended Validation (EV)​

• Requires extensive documentation.
• Displays your organization’s name in the address bar (though modern browsers hide this by default).

---

Step-by-Step Guide to Installing a Free SSL​

This tutorial assumes you’re using cPanel-based shared hosting and have full control of your server.

Step 1 - Sign Up on ZeroSSL​

Go to ZeroSSL.com and add your domain under New Certificate.

Step 2 - Choose Certificate Validity​

Select 90-day free validity (or 1-year for paid plans).

Step 3 - Generate CSR Automatically​

ZeroSSL will create contact info and a CSR. You can edit this if needed.

Step 4 - Select the Free Plan​

Choose the Free Plan ($0/month) - it allows up to 3 certificates with 90-day validity each.

---

Step 5 - Domain Verification​

You’ll need to verify domain ownership using one of these methods:

• Email verification
• DNS (CNAME) record
• File upload

Most users choose email verification.
You’ll receive a verification link - click it and paste the provided key.

If you get a CAA DNS record error, add these records in your DNS panel:

site.com. 3600 IN CAA 0 issue "sectigo.com"
site.com. 3600 IN CAA 0 issuewild "sectigo.com"

---

Step 6 - Verify Your Domain​

Follow the link in your email to confirm ownership. Once verified, your SSL certificate will be issued.

Step 7 - Download and Install​

Click Install Certificate and download the .zip file.
Then, in your cPanel → Security → SSL/TLS Manager, paste the contents into:

• CRT (Certificate)
• Private Key
• CABUNDLE (Intermediate Certificate)

Restart Apache (if needed) and confirm that HTTPS is active on your site .

---

Test Your SSL Certificate​

Visit your website at https://example.com - no warnings should appear.
Then, test it at SSL Labs Test for a full security report.

Check with multiple browsers (like Firefox and Chrome) to ensure all certificates are correctly installed.

---

Final Thoughts​

Free SSL certificates like those from ZeroSSL, Let’s Encrypt, and SSLforFree are perfect for beginners, small projects, or testing secure connections. They’re quick to set up, trusted globally, and keep your visitors safe with the HTTPS symbol.
Keep renewing every 90 days to maintain your secure status and enjoy a trusted web experience for everyone .