A RapidSSL certificate enables HTTPS for the names covered by your chosen product. Check the certificate's specifications and prepare the hosting server where it will be installed.
Prepare the request
Generate a CSR for the relevant domain and keep the corresponding private key. Check whether the product covers one name, several names or a defined set of names.
Validate the domain
Follow the validation method offered in your order: email, HTTP file or DNS record, depending on the available options. Use the values supplied for your certificate; an example cannot replace the actual token.
Install it in cPanel
- After issuance, obtain the certificate and supplied intermediate certificates.
- In cPanel, open SSL/TLS and the SSL site management feature, if available.
- Select the domain and provide the certificate, matching private key and required certificate chain.
- Install it and test HTTPS for the relevant names.
Check the certificate and website
Check the covered names, chain, expiration date and resources loaded over HTTPS. Domain validation alone does not verify a business's identity or the trustworthiness of the entire website.
Renewal and troubleshooting
Track the expiration date and follow the product's renewal procedure. If an error occurs, send support the domain and message without sharing the private key. Encryption should not be described as 'basic' merely because a certificate is inexpensive.
Interface illustrations
These screenshots show the versions used when the original article was written. Labels may differ in your current version; follow the written procedure and your account settings.
Related guides
Reference documentation:
Sources accessed on October 11, 2026. Available features depend on your hosting version and options.
