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Installing a free SSL certificate (Let's Encrypt)

Last updated 8/1/2026 by Alfie Web Solutions

SSL is what gives your site the padlock icon and https:// in the address bar. It's required by modern browsers for anything involving forms, logins, or payments, and it also helps with search engine rankings. All Alfie Web Solutions hosting plans support free SSL via Let's Encrypt.

Installing the certificate

  1. Log in to DirectAdmin.
  2. Click SSL Certificates.
  3. Select Free & automatic certificate from Let's Encrypt.
  4. Tick the domain(s) you want covered - normally both yourdomain.com and www.yourdomain.com.
  5. Click Save.

DirectAdmin will request and install the certificate automatically - this usually takes under a minute, occasionally a few minutes if the domain's DNS was changed recently.

Forcing your site to use HTTPS

Having the certificate installed doesn't automatically redirect visitors from http:// to https:// - you'll usually need one of:

  • A "Force HTTPS" / "Redirect to HTTPS" toggle, if your DirectAdmin theme or website software (e.g. WordPress via a plugin) offers one, or
  • A small redirect rule added to the .htaccess file in your public_html folder (submit a ticket under Web Hosting and we're happy to add this for you if you're not comfortable editing it yourself).

Renewals

Let's Encrypt certificates are valid for 90 days, but DirectAdmin automatically renews them before they expire - there is nothing you need to do. If you ever see a certificate expiry warning in a browser, submit a ticket straight away so we can check what went wrong.

Troubleshooting

  • "Not Secure" warning after installing: clear your browser cache or try a private/incognito window - browsers sometimes cache the old certificate state.
  • Mixed content warning (padlock shows but with a warning): some content on the page (images, scripts) is still being loaded over plain http:// - this is common after adding SSL to an older site and usually needs a "search and replace" of http:// links in your website's database (WordPress "Really Simple SSL" plugin handles this automatically).