Getting SSL on shared hosting with free certificates, auto-renewal and https redirects

Review Hosting Bureau wrote this page for readers who need to secure their websites without paying recurring monthly fees. Shared hosting often provides free certificates, but many providers still charge for premium features like wildcard support or multi-domain coverage.

Shared hosting is a service where multiple websites reside on a single physical server.

Getting a free SSL certificate on shared hosting with SSL

You get a free SSL certificate by using shared hosting providers that automate issuance through Let’s Encrypt. These providers use cPanel or Plesk to manage the certificate lifecycle. The system automatically renews the certificate before it expires so you do not have to manually request a new one.

Auto-renewal keeps your security active without manual work

Auto-renewal is a process where the system automatically replaces an expiring certificate with a new one. It works by communicating with a certificate provider to update the security files on your server. This matters because it prevents your website from showing security warnings due to expired credentials.

An SSL certificate secures your website connection

An SSL certificate is a digital file that encrypts data sent between a user and a website. It works by creating a secure tunnel so that private information cannot be intercepted by others. You need this to show the padlock icon and ensure your visitors trust your site.

Check for Let's Encrypt options

Check your hosting dashboard to see if the provider includes a “Free SSL” or “Let’s Encrypt” option. Let’s Encrypt is a certificate authority that provides free digital certificates for websites. Most providers offer this as a standard feature for all accounts, but you can compare shared hosting pricing for all plans.

1. Log into your hosting control panel to locate the SSL settings area.
2. Select the domain name you want to secure for your ssl shared hosting.
3. Click the button to issue a new Let’s Encrypt certificate to verify the connection.
4. Check the certificate status to see if the green padlock icon appears in your browser.

SSL renewal failure steps

• Check the DNS records to ensure the A record points to the correct server IP.
• Verify that the web server is reachable on port 80 for the validation process.
• Check the account email for any notifications regarding a failed renewal attempt.

Handling failed auto-renewal of your SSL certificate

A failed renewal often occurs because the server cannot verify domain ownership. You can fix this by updating your DNS records or restarting the AutoSSL service. The Let’s Encrypt documentation on certificate issuance establishes the technical requirements for successful automated verification.

Does the free SSL certificate automatically renew before it expires?

The free SSL certificate automatically renews before it expires when the hosting provider uses a tool like Let’s Encrypt. Most shared hosting and ssl plans include these automated systems to prevent site downtime. You can use cPanel tools for files and email to check the certificate status and issue a new one before the current one lapses.

Validity period changes by 2028

Let’s Encrypt issues certificates that are currently valid for 90 days. The Let's Encrypt documentation on certificate issuance establishes that this authority provides the underlying protocol for these automated renewals. However, Let’s Encrypt will reduce the validity period of the certificates it issues from 90 days to 45 days by 2028.

Security levels of free SSL for business websites

Free certificates encrypt the connection between the visitor and the server. They provide the same encryption standard as paid certificates for standard web traffic. While these certificates lack the identity verification of Extended Validation (EV) certificates, they satisfy the requirements for the official WordPress server requirements.

Setting up a permanent HTTPS redirect on shared hosting

You set up a permanent HTTPS redirect by adding a specific configuration file to your server directory. This file instructs the web server to automatically forward all insecure HTTP requests to the secure HTTPS version of your site. Most shared hosts use either an .htaccess file or an Nginx configuration file to manage this rule.

Redirect configuration steps

1. Access your file manager or FTP client to locate the root directory of your website.
2. Create or edit the .htaccess file to include the rewrite rules for your specific domain.
3. Verify the syntax of the code to ensure the server can parse the instructions correctly.
4. Test the redirection by entering your site address into a browser to see if the URL changes to https.
5. Confirm the site works with web hosting with shared ssl by checking for a valid padlock icon.

Configuring your server for permanent HTTPS redirects

Apache servers use the .htaccess file to compile rewrite rules that redirect traffic. Nginx servers use a configuration file to define server blocks for different protocols. Choose the method that matches your hosting environment to ensure the server replicates the redirect for every visitor. You can audit your setup by checking the official Let’s Encrypt documentation on certificate issuance to understand how the certificate validates your domain.

Can I use a free SSL certificate with WordPress or Joomla on shared hosting?

You can use a free ssl with WordPress or Joomla on shared hosting. Most shared hosting providers include a free certificate to secure your site. This setup allows you to encrypt traffic without paying for a dedicated ssl or evaluating free shared hosting risks.

Support for WordPress and Joomla

WordPress requires a server that supports HTTPS for certain features, which the official WordPress server requirements establish as a standard for modern site functionality. Joomla shared hosting ssl configurations often rely on the same automated systems to secure the database connection. These systems redirect all web traffic from the insecure HTTP protocol to the secure HTTPS protocol.

Let's Encrypt certificate validity periods

Some hosts use Let’s Encrypt to issue these certificates. The default certificates are valid for 90 days according to Let’s Encrypt. Let’s Encrypt will reduce the validity period of the certificates it issues from 90 days to 45 days by 2028 according to Let’s Encrypt.

Validity periods for Let's Encrypt certificates

The default certificates are valid for 90 days according to Let’s Encrypt. Let’s Encrypt will reduce the validity period of certificates it issues from 90 days to 45 days by 2028 according to Let’s Encrypt.

Comparing free and dedicated SSL certificates on shared hosting

Free certificates validate ownership of a domain name. Dedicated certificates provide higher levels of identity verification for the organization. A DV certificate validates a domain, while OV and EV certificates authenticate the legal entity behind the site. Use a free certificate for blogs or small sites, but use dedicated certificates for corporate websites.

Certificate type comparison

Certificate type	Validation level	Verification scope	Shared hosting ssl
DV certificate	Validates domain ownership	Verifies public domain	Standard for shared hosting
OV certificate	Validates organization identity	Verifies business entity	Higher trust for business
EV certificate	Validates corporate existence	Verifies legal status	Maximum trust for enterprise
Free certificate	Validates domain ownership	Verifies public domain	Commonly used for blogs

Future changes to certificate validity periods

The default certificates are valid for 90 days. Let’s Encrypt will reduce the validity period of the certificates it issues from 90 days to 45 days by 2028, as established in the Let’s Encrypt documentation on certificate issuance.

Secure your website by choosing shared hosting with SSL and auto-renewal

Selecting a hosting provider with automated security depends on confirming that the infrastructure supports free certificates and automatic updates.

Implementation checklist

1. Identify your current domain name and hosting requirements. Write down your domain name and confirm you need a site that remains secure without manual intervention.
2. Verify that the host provides Let's Encrypt certificates. Ask your hosting provider if they offer Let's Encrypt. A positive response confirms you can get a certificate without a fee.
3. Confirm the provider handles automatic certificate renewals. Ask the host if they automate the renewal process. The result must be a confirmation that you do not have to manually renew the certificate.
4. Check that the host enforces https redirects. An HTTPS redirect is a rule that automatically sends visitors from an insecure http address to a secure https address. Ask the provider if they automatically redirect all http traffic to https. A positive response ensures all visitors land on a secure page.
5. Verify the certificate validity period. Check the host's documentation for the certificate duration. The default certificates are valid for 90 days.

Frequently asked questions