How do I request a Let's Encrypt certificate and enable it for a domain in cPanel?

Follow these steps to get a free Let's Encrypt SSL Certificate to request and activate on a domain via cPanel:

Step 1: Log in to cPanel

1. Open your browser and go to the cPanel login page. This is usually found on https://jouwdomein.nl/cpanel or via a link from your hosting provider.
2. Log in with your cPanel username and password.

Step 2: Go to the SSL/TLS section

1. Search the cPanel dashboard for the section Security.
2. Click "SSL/TLS Status' or "SSL/TLS'.

Step 3: Open the Let's Encrypt SSL Tool

1. In some cPanel installations there is a separate section called "Let's Encrypt SSL" or "AutoSSL'Look for this in the cPanel dashboard.
2. Click on the right tool to start the process.

Step 4: Select the domain

1. A list of your domains will appear. Select the domain (and any subdomains such as www or mail) for which you want to set the SSL certificate.
2. Check if the domain refers correctly to your server. You can test this via a DNS check or by viewing the domain settings in cPanel.

Step 5: Request the certificate

1. Click on the button Installing certificate or "Run AutoSSL' (depending on the interface).
2. The tool now requests a Let's Encrypt SSL certificate and validates the domain. This process usually takes a few seconds to a few minutes.

Step 6: Confirm the installation

1. Once the process is complete, you will receive a notification that the certificate has been successfully installed.
2. Check that the certificate is active by going to the part "SSL/TLS Status' go. Here you see a green lock or a notification that the certificate is active.

Step 7: Force HTTPS (optional)

1. To ensure that your website is always loaded via a secure connection, you can use a HTTPS Redirect set:
   • Go to the .htaccess file from your website via the File Manager in cPanel.
   • Add the following lines to your .htaccess file:
     perl

     Copy code

     RewriteEngine On RewriteCond %{HTTPS} off RewriteRule ^(.*)$ https://%{HTTP_HOST}%{Reference_URI} [L,R=301]

2. Some cPanel installations have an option to automatically force HTTPS into the "Domain Management"- Section.

Step 8: Check your website

1. Visit your website and check that a green lock is visible in the address bar of your browser.
2. Use a tool like SSL Labs to test and validate your SSL configuration.

Trouble?
If you have any problems, check:

• Whether your domain is correctly referring to your server (DNS settings).
• Whether there are no old certificates causing conflicts.
• Whether your Let's Encrypt hosting package supports.

With these steps your website is safe and equipped with a free Let's Encrypt SSL certificate! ????