How to configure an SSL certificate

SSL certificate configuration links your certificate to your domain and server through a validation method. Until you complete it, the certificate cannot be installed or activated on your hosting account.

To configure an SSL certificate, you choose a server type and enter your certificate signing request (CSR), then pick a validation method. The certificate is ready to install once the certificate authority has confirmed your domain.

Before you begin

You need an active SSL certificate purchased through your account.
You must generate a certificate signing request before starting configuration.
You need access to the client area.

How do I open the certificate configurator?

You reach the configurator from the service page of your certificate in the client area. The first step is to log in.

The client area login page, with Email Address and Password fields, a green LOGIN button and a Forgot Password link.

The client area login page with its Email Address and Password fields.

Log in to your client area. Go to the client area login page, enter your Email Address and Password, and click LOGIN.
Open your services. In the top bar, click Services, then My Services. The page lists every service on your account.
Select your SSL certificate. Find the SSL certificate you want to configure and click Manage. This opens the service page for that certificate.
Start the configuration. On the certificate’s service page, use the button that configures the certificate. The configurator opens.

The Manage Services page listing an SSL Standard Certificate with its price, next due date and an Active status.

Manage services area showing SSL certificates in the list.

How do I configure the certificate details?

The configurator asks for your server type and your CSR, and for a contact for the order. Those details link the certificate to your hosting environment.

The Configure SSL Certificate page, with a Web Server Type menu and a CSR box under Server Information, above the Administrative Contact Information fields.

The certificate configurator with the server type, CSR and contact fields.

Choose your server type. Use the Web Server Type menu to choose the server type that matches your control panel.
Enter your CSR. Paste the certificate signing request you generated earlier into the CSR field. The request carries your domain and organisation details.
Provide contact information. In the administrative contact section, enter your name, organisation name and job title, then your email address, postal address and phone number. Job Title is required if you enter an organisation name.
Choose a validation method. On the next page, choose how the certificate authority checks that you control the domain.
Continue. Click the continue button. The certificate authority then processes your configuration and sends validation instructions.

The validation page lists the methods available for your certificate. Approval by email is offered, and where the certificate supports them you may also see HTTP-based (file) or DNS validation. If you choose email, pick the address that should receive the approval request.

The Certificate Approver Email step, offering HTTP based validation or an approver email address, above a Click to Continue button.

Validation method options on the second step of the configurator.

What happens after I configure the certificate?

Your SSL certificate is now configured with your server type and contact details, and with the validation method you chose. The certificate authority sends the validation instructions to complete the process.

Check your email inbox for the validation message if you chose email validation. Once validation is complete, you can install your SSL certificate on your hosting account. If validation stalls, contact our support team.