Knowledge Base

SSL Certificate Issues

If your SSL certificate isn't working properly, you may see browser warnings or your site showing as "Not Secure."

Common SSL Issues

1. Certificate Not Installed

Verify SSL is installed in DirectAdmin:

1. Go to SSL Certificates
2. Check if a certificate is shown for your domain
3. If not, click Free & automatic certificate from Let's Encrypt

2. Mixed Content Warnings

Your site loads some resources over HTTP instead of HTTPS:

• Check browser console (F12) for mixed content errors
• Update hardcoded http:// URLs to https:// or //
• WordPress: Update Site URL and Home URL to https://
• Use Search Replace DB tool for database URLs

3. Certificate Expired

Let's Encrypt certificates auto-renew, but if renewal failed:

1. Delete the existing certificate in DirectAdmin
2. Re-issue a new Let's Encrypt certificate
3. Check that domain DNS points to our servers

4. Wrong Domain on Certificate

Certificate must match the exact domain:

• www.domain.com ≠ domain.com (need both)
• Issue new certificate including all domain variations

5. Too Many Redirects

Usually caused by conflicting redirect rules:

• Check .htaccess for duplicate HTTPS redirects
• Check WordPress plugins for SSL redirect settings
• Only have ONE place forcing HTTPS

Force HTTPS

Add to .htaccess (once certificate is working):

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

WordPress HTTPS

1. Go to Settings → General
2. Change both URLs to https://yourdomain.com
3. Install "Really Simple SSL" plugin for easy fixes