What is AutoSSL?
AutoSSL is a free feature in cPanel that automatically provisions and renews SSL certificates for your domains. It is powered by either Let's Encrypt or cPanel's own free SSL provider (Sectigo). Unlike manually purchasing and installing an SSL certificate, AutoSSL handles everything for you — no cost, no manual configuration, and automatic renewals every 90 days.
How AutoSSL Differs from Manual SSL
- Cost: AutoSSL is free, whereas manual certificates are paid.
- Setup: AutoSSL provisions automatically; manual SSL requires generating a CSR, purchasing, and installing.
- Renewal: AutoSSL renews automatically before expiry; manual certificates must be renewed manually.
- Validation: AutoSSL uses HTTP-01 or DNS-01 validation; manual SSL may require email or DV/OV/EV validation.
How to Enable AutoSSL and Install an SSL Certificate
Step 1: Ensure Your Domain Points to the Server
Before AutoSSL can issue a certificate, your domain's DNS must be correctly configured. The domain's A record must point to your hosting server's IP address. You can verify this using ping yourdomain.com or any DNS lookup tool.
Step 2: Log in to cPanel
Log in to your cPanel account. You can access it via:
- Your hosting dashboard at allanuxweb.com
- Direct URL:
https://yourserver:2083
Step 3: Navigate to SSL/TLS Status
In cPanel, scroll to the Security section and click on SSL/TLS Status. This page shows all domains on your account and their current SSL status.
Step 4: Check Your AutoSSL Status
On the SSL/TLS Status page, you will see a list of your domains. If AutoSSL is enabled on the server, domains without an SSL certificate will show a status such as "Not SSL" or "AutoSSL has not checked this website".
Step 5: Run AutoSSL
If your hosting provider has AutoSSL enabled at the server level, it will automatically check and issue certificates periodically (typically daily). However, you can trigger it manually:
- Click the Run AutoSSL button on the SSL/TLS Status page (if available).
- Alternatively, navigate to SSL/TLS → Manage SSL Sites to check individual domain status.
Step 6: Verify the Certificate
Once AutoSSL completes, return to SSL/TLS Status. Your domain should now show a lock icon with "SSL Host is Active". You can also visit your site in a browser — the address bar will display a padlock and https://.
Important Notes
- Automatic Renewal: AutoSSL certificates are valid for 90 days. cPanel automatically renews them before they expire, so you don't need to do anything.
- DNS Requirement: The domain must resolve to the server's IP address for AutoSSL to validate and issue the certificate.
- Server-Level Feature: AutoSSL is enabled at the server level by your hosting provider. If you don't see the option, contact Allanux Web support.
- Subdomains: AutoSSL can cover subdomains (e.g.,
blog.yourdomain.com) as long as they also resolve to the server. - Wildcard Certificates: Standard AutoSSL does not issue wildcard certificates. Each subdomain requires its own certificate.
- Rate Limits: Let's Encrypt has rate limits. If AutoSSL fails repeatedly, you may need to wait before retrying.
Troubleshooting
AutoSSL Failed to Issue a Certificate
- DNS not propagated: Ensure your domain's A record points to the correct server IP. DNS changes can take up to 24–48 hours to propagate.
- Domain not added: The domain must be properly added to your cPanel account via Addon Domains or Alias (Parked Domains).
- Firewall blocking: Port 80 (HTTP) must be open for the ACME challenge. Check with your hosting provider if validation fails.
- Exceeded rate limits: Let's Encrypt allows a maximum of 50 certificates per registered domain per week. Wait and retry.
- Previous failed validation: Check the AutoSSL log in cPanel under SSL/TLS → SSL/TLS Status → click View Log (if available), or ask your hosting provider.
How to Check SSL Status
- In cPanel: Go to SSL/TLS Status to see all domains and their certificate status.
- In your browser: Visit
https://yourdomain.com— the padlock icon indicates a valid SSL certificate. - Online tools: Use SSL Labs SSL Check for a detailed report on your certificate's configuration and security rating.
If you continue to experience issues with AutoSSL, please open a support ticket and our team will assist you.
