
Securing your website with SSL encryption is crucial in today’s digital landscape. Without an SSL certificate, your visitors may encounter security warnings, and search engines could penalize your site. DirectAdmin simplifies SSL installation for both beginners and experienced users. In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn how to set up an SSL certificate on DirectAdmin with detailed steps and practical tips.
What Is an SSL certificate and why is it important?
An SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate encrypts the data exchanged between a user’s browser and a website’s server, ensuring confidentiality and security. This encryption prevents hackers from intercepting sensitive information like passwords, credit card details, and personal data.
Key Benefits of SSL
- Enhanced Security: Protects user data and builds trust.
- SEO Advantages: Google ranks SSL-enabled websites higher.
- Compliance: Meets regulatory requirements like GDPR.
- Trust Indicator: Displays a secure padlock icon in browsers.
Prerequisites for setting up SSL in DirectAdmin
Before diving into the setup process, ensure you have the following:
- Access to DirectAdmin: Your hosting control panel credentials.
- Domain Ownership: A registered domain name linked to your hosting account.
- SSL Certificate: Either a free Let’s Encrypt certificate or a premium SSL from a trusted provider.
- Web Hosting with SSL Support: Ensure your hosting plan includes SSL compatibility.
Understanding SSL options in DirectAdmin
DirectAdmin offers two primary ways to set up SSL certificates:
- Let’s Encrypt Free SSL: A cost-effective, automated option ideal for personal and small business websites.
- Third-Party SSL Certificate: For advanced users or businesses requiring extended validation (EV) or wildcard certificates.
Step 1: Accessing the DirectAdmin control panel
To begin, log in to your DirectAdmin control panel:
- Open Your Browser: Navigate to
https://yourdomain.com:2222
. - Enter Credentials: Input your username and password provided by your hosting provider.
- Access the Dashboard: Once logged in, you’ll see the DirectAdmin dashboard with various configuration options.

Step 2: Navigating to the SSL management section
Once inside the control panel:
- Locate the Account Manager section.
- Click on SSL Certificates.
This will redirect you to the SSL management page, where you can configure SSL for your domain.

Step 3: Choosing your SSL option
On the SSL management page, you’ll be presented with three options:
- Use a Let’s Encrypt Certificate: Automatically issue and renew free SSL certificates.
- Create a Certificate Request: Generate a CSR (Certificate Signing Request) for third-party certificates.
- Paste a Pre-Issued Certificate: Install an SSL certificate you’ve purchased from another provider.
Choose the appropriate option based on your requirements.
Step 4: Setting up Let’s Encrypt SSL
To install a Let’s Encrypt SSL certificate:
- Select Let’s Encrypt: From the SSL Certificates page, choose “Free & Automatic Certificate from Let’s Encrypt.”
- Enter Your Domain Name: Specify the domain or subdomain you want to secure.
- Enable Wildcard SSL (Optional): If you want to secure all subdomains, tick the Wildcard option.
- Request Certificate: Click the Save button to initiate the installation.
DirectAdmin will communicate with Let’s Encrypt to validate your domain and issue the certificate.

Step 5: Installing a third-party SSL certificate
For advanced users or those using a premium SSL certificate:
- Generate a CSR:
- Go to SSL Certificates.
- Select Create a Certificate Request.
- Fill in your details (e.g., domain name, company information).
- Copy the generated CSR.

- Purchase and issue the certificate: Use the CSR to buy your SSL certificate from a trusted provider.
- Install the certificate:
- Return to the SSL Certificates page.
- Paste the issued certificate and any intermediate certificates into the respective fields.
- Click Save.

Step 6: Verifying SSL installation
After installing the certificate:
- Visit your website using
https://
. - Check the browser’s address bar for the padlock icon.
- Use online tools like SSL Labs to test your SSL configuration.

Troubleshooting common SSL issues
Here’s how to resolve common errors:
- Mixed Content Warnings: Update all website links to use HTTPS.
- Invalid Certificate: Ensure the certificate is correctly installed and not expired.
- Let’s Encrypt Fails to Issue: Verify domain DNS settings and ensure your server supports ACME protocol.
FAQs
- How long does it take to set up an SSL certificate?
- Setting up an SSL certificate in DirectAdmin usually takes 5–10 minutes, depending on the method chosen.
- Can I use Let’s Encrypt for multiple domains?
- Yes, Let’s Encrypt supports multiple domains and wildcard certificates for subdomains.
- What happens if my SSL certificate expires?
- Visitors may encounter security warnings. Use auto-renewal options to prevent expiration.
- Do I need technical knowledge to install SSL on DirectAdmin?
- Not necessarily. This guide simplifies the process for beginners.
- Can I switch from Let’s Encrypt to a paid certificate later?
- Yes, you can replace Let’s Encrypt SSL with a third-party certificate anytime.
- Why is my website still showing “Not Secure” after SSL setup?
- Clear your browser cache and ensure all website links use HTTPS.
Conclusion
Securing your website with an SSL certificate is essential for protecting user data, improving SEO rankings, and building trust. DirectAdmin provides an intuitive interface to streamline SSL setup, whether you prefer Let’s Encrypt or a premium certificate. Follow this step-by-step guide to configure SSL on your domain quickly and confidently.