Extended Intermediate

How to configure an SSL certificate

By Angus Published 17 November 2021 Updated 8 October 2026 3 min read
Quick answer

In the client area, open the certificate from Manage Services, click View Certificate Details and then Configure Certificate. Choose your server type, such as cPanel or Plesk, and paste in your certificate signing request (CSR). Add your contact details, pick email or HTTP validation and click Submit. Installation can go ahead once the certificate authority has confirmed your domain through that validation step.

Difficulty Intermediate

SSL certificate configuration links your certificate to your domain and server through a validation method. Without completing this step, your certificate cannot be installed or activated on your hosting account.

You will select a server type, enter your certificate signing request (CSR) and choose a validation method. Once configured, your certificate is ready for installation.

Before you begin

Access the certificate configurator

The certificate configurator is accessed through your client area. You need to navigate to your SSL certificate details before you can begin configuration.

  1. Log in to your client area.
    Visit unlimitedwebhosting.co.uk/client/login and enter your credentials.
Unlimited Web Hosting client area login page showing email and password fields
Client area login page.
  1. Open the manage services area.
    Click Manage Services from the main navigation. This displays all active services on your account.
  2. Select your SSL certificate.
    Locate the SSL certificate you want to configure and click on it. This opens the certificate management page.
Client area manage services page displaying active SSL certificates and hosting services
Manage services area showing SSL certificates.
  1. View certificate details.
    Click the green View Certificate Details button. This displays configuration options and certificate information.
  2. Start configuration.
    Click Configure Certificate to open the configurator. You can now enter your certificate details.

Configure certificate details

The configurator requires your server type, CSR code and contact information. These details verify your identity and link the certificate to your hosting environment.

  1. Select your server type.
    Use the dropdown menu to choose your control panel. Most accounts use either Plesk or cPanel.
  2. Enter your CSR code.
    Paste the certificate signing request you generated earlier into the CSR field. This code contains your domain and organisation details.
  3. Provide contact information.
    Fill in your name, address and contact number. Use the international dialling code format: +44 for UK numbers or +1 for US numbers.
SSL certificate configurator showing server type dropdown, CSR field and contact information form
Certificate configurator with server and contact details.
  1. Choose a validation method.
    Select either Email Validation or HTTP Validation. Email validation sends a confirmation link to an admin address on your domain. We recommend email validation because it completes faster and works regardless of your site’s current configuration.
SSL validation method selection showing email validation and HTTP validation options
Validation method options.
  1. Submit the configuration.
    Click Submit to save your settings. The certificate authority will now process your configuration and send validation instructions.

Wrapping up

Your SSL certificate is now configured with your server details and validation method. You entered your CSR code, provided contact information and selected how you want to verify domain ownership. The certificate authority will send validation instructions to complete the process.

Check your email inbox for the validation message if you selected email validation. Once you complete validation, you can install your SSL certificate on your hosting account. Our SSL certificates include configuration support throughout the setup process.

If you run into any trouble, get in touch and our team will be happy to help.

Plans and tools mentioned in this guide

SSL Certificates

Paid certificates with warranty cover.

From £24.99/yr

View SSL Certificates

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