How to Install SSL Certificate on Plesk

A comprehensive guide to installing and configuring SSL certificates using the Plesk control panel.

Table of Contents

Prerequisites

Before installing an SSL certificate in Plesk, ensure you have:

  • Access to Plesk control panel
  • Administrator or domain owner privileges
  • Domain name configured in Plesk
  • SSL certificate files:
    • Certificate file (.crt)
    • Private key file (.key)
    • Certificate chain file (if applicable)
Note: These instructions work for all recent versions of Plesk.

Obtaining SSL Certificate

You can obtain an SSL certificate through several methods in Plesk:

Certificate Options
  • Let's Encrypt: Free certificates through Plesk's built-in integration
  • Commercial CA: Purchase through Plesk's SSL certificate catalog
  • Custom Certificate: Install your own certificate from any provider

Installing SSL Certificate

Follow these steps to install your SSL certificate in Plesk:

  1. Log in to Plesk control panel
  2. Navigate to Websites & Domains
  3. Select the domain for SSL installation
  4. Click on SSL/TLS Certificates
  5. Choose "Add SSL/TLS Certificate"
  6. Select method:
    • Upload custom certificate files
    • Generate CSR and install certificate
    • Get from Let's Encrypt

Configuring SSL in Plesk

Configure SSL settings for your domain:

SSL Configuration Steps
  1. Go to Hosting Settings
  2. Enable "SSL/TLS support"
  3. Choose certificate from the dropdown
  4. Configure SSL/TLS options:
    • SSL/TLS versions
    • Cipher suites
    • HSTS settings
  5. Apply changes
Important: Backup your settings before making changes.

Testing Configuration

Verify your SSL installation:

  1. Check SSL status in Plesk:
    • Certificate validity
    • Expiration date
    • SSL/TLS settings
  2. Test website security:
    • Visit https://yourdomain.com
    • Verify certificate details in browser
    • Use SSL testing tools (e.g., SSLLabs)

Troubleshooting

  • Certificate not working: Check SSL/TLS support is enabled
  • Invalid certificate: Verify certificate chain order
  • SSL errors: Check domain DNS settings
  • Mixed content: Update internal links to HTTPS

Best Practices

  • Security:
    • Use modern SSL/TLS protocols
    • Enable HSTS when possible
    • Regular security monitoring
  • Maintenance:
    • Monitor certificate expiration
    • Keep Plesk updated
    • Regular security audits

Let's Encrypt Integration

Use Plesk's built-in Let's Encrypt support:

Let's Encrypt Setup
  1. Enable Let's Encrypt extension in Plesk
  2. Go to SSL/TLS Certificates
  3. Click "Get it free"
  4. Configure settings:
    • Domain validation
    • Auto-renewal options
    • Additional domains
Tip: Let's Encrypt certificates automatically renew before expiration.

Certellix is an independent service. We are not affiliated with any commercial certificate authority.

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