SSL certificates help secure your website and protect information sent between your website and visitors.
This guide explains how to enable a free Let’s Encrypt SSL certificate using DirectAdmin.
What Is SSL?
An SSL certificate secures your website using HTTPS encryption.
Instead of: http://yourdomain.co.za
your website will use: https://yourdomain.co.za
SSL certificates help:
- Protect login information
- Secure website traffic
- Improve visitor trust
- Improve SEO rankings
- Remove browser security warnings
Before You Start
Before enabling SSL, make sure:
- Your domain is active
- Your domain points to your HostworX hosting account
- DNS changes have fully propagated
- You can log into DirectAdmin
If you have not logged in yet, please see:
- How to Log Into DirectAdmin
Important Note About DNS
Let’s Encrypt validates ownership of your domain before issuing the SSL certificate.
If your domain is not pointing to the correct hosting server, the SSL request may fail.
How to Enable SSL Using Let’s Encrypt
Step 1 — Log Into DirectAdmin
Open your browser and visit: https://cp.yourdomain.co.za (Replace yourdomain.co.za with your own domain name)Enter your username and password.
Step 2 — Open SSL Certificates
From the DirectAdmin dashboard:
Click: Account Manager
Then click: SSL Certificates
Step 3 — Select Let’s Encrypt
Choose:
Next to common name there is a checkbox called wildcard, check this
Step 4 — Select Your Domain Names
Select the domains and subdomains you want to secure. (if you have domains aliased you need to select all the options, all the domains need to be active to register or renew letsencrypt certificates. unselect domains no longer active.
Common selections include:
- yourdomain.co.za
(Replace yourdomain.co.za with your own domain name) - www.yourdomain.co.za
You may also include:
- mail.yourdomain.co.za
- webmail.yourdomain.co.za
if required.
Step 5 — Save the SSL Configuration
Click: Save
DirectAdmin will now request and install the SSL certificate automatically.
Step 6 — Test HTTPS
After installation, test your website by visiting:
https://yourdomain.co.za (Replace yourdomain.co.za with your own domain name)You should now see:
- a secure padlock icon
- HTTPS enabled
- no browser security warning
Recommended Additional Settings
Force HTTPS Redirect
We recommend enabling automatic HTTPS redirects so visitors always use the secure version of your website.
Some hosting accounts may include a:
- Force SSL Redirect
- Force HTTPS
option inside DirectAdmin.
Common SSL Errors
Certificate Request Failed
Possible causes include:
- DNS not pointing correctly
- domain not active
- firewall restrictions
- temporary Let’s Encrypt limits
Wait for DNS propagation and try again later if needed.
Browser Still Shows Not Secure
Try:
- clearing browser cache
- forcing HTTPS
- checking mixed-content issues
- ensuring SSL installed correctly
Mixed Content Warnings
This happens when a website still loads:
- images
- scripts
- CSS files
using insecure HTTP links.
Update website links to HTTPS where necessary.
SSL Works on One Domain but Not Another
Ensure:
- all domains/subdomains were selected
- DNS records point correctly
- SSL installed for each hostname
Helpful Tips
Let’s Encrypt Is Free
Most HostworX hosting accounts support free SSL certificates through Let’s Encrypt.
SSL Certificates Renew Automatically
Automatic renewal usually happens in the background without manual action.
HTTPS Improves SEO
Modern search engines prefer secure HTTPS websites.
SSL can help improve website trust and search engine rankings.
Security Tips
- Always use HTTPS
- Keep WordPress and plugins updated
- Use strong passwords
- Remove outdated software
- Keep regular backups
