How to Install a Free Let's Encrypt SSL Certificate

Let's Encrypt is a free, trusted certificate authority that issues SSL certificates automatically. dotCanada uses AutoSSL powered by Let's Encrypt to keep your domains secured without any manual effort or cost.

How AutoSSL Works

When you add a domain to your cPanel account, AutoSSL automatically detects it and issues an SSL certificate within minutes - provided your domain's DNS is pointed to dotCanada's servers. Certificates are renewed automatically every 90 days, so you never need to worry about expiry.

Checking Your SSL Status

1. Log in to cPanel and go to the Security section.
2. Click SSL/TLS Status.
3. You will see a list of all your domains with their current SSL certificate status:
   • A green padlock icon means the domain is secured.
   • A yellow or red icon indicates the certificate is pending, expired, or failed to issue.

Forcing AutoSSL to Issue a Certificate

If a domain shows as unsecured and you believe everything is set up correctly:

1. On the SSL/TLS Status page, select the unsecured domain using the checkbox.
2. Click Run AutoSSL.
3. Wait a few minutes and refresh the page to check the updated status.

Common Reasons a Certificate May Fail

• The domain's DNS is not yet pointed to dotCanada's servers - AutoSSL requires domain validation via HTTP.
• The domain has an .htaccess redirect that blocks the verification process.
• The domain was just added and DNS propagation has not completed.

If AutoSSL continues to fail after DNS has propagated, contact our support team and we will investigate.