How to Install a Free SSL Certificate on Your Website

Installing Your Free SSL Certificate

All Braysons Host plans include a free Let's Encrypt SSL certificate. Here is how to activate it.

Step 1 — Ensure Your Domain Points to Our Servers

Your domain's nameservers must be pointing to Braysons Host before SSL can be issued. Check this in your domain registrar's control panel.

Step 2 — Install SSL via cPanel

1. Log into cPanel
2. Scroll to the Security section
3. Click SSL/TLS Status
4. Find your domain in the list
5. Click Run AutoSSL — the certificate will be issued within 5 minutes

Step 3 — Force HTTPS Redirects

After SSL is installed, redirect all HTTP traffic to HTTPS:

Option A — via cPanel (easiest):

1. Go to Domains → Domains
2. Toggle Force HTTPS Redirect to ON for your domain

Option B — via .htaccess:

Add this to your public_html/.htaccess file:

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

Verifying SSL is Active

Visit your site with https:// — you should see a padlock icon in the browser address bar. You can also check at ssllabs.com/ssltest.

SSL Not Installing?

Common causes:

• Domain nameservers not yet propagated (wait 24–48 hours after domain registration)
• CAA DNS record blocking Let's Encrypt — contact support to resolve
• Subdomain not added to cPanel under Domains → Subdomains