Beginner
How to configure an SSL certificate on Cloudways
Quick Answer
Cloudways offers free Let's Encrypt SSL as default: select it in Application Settings > SSL Certificate, enter raw domain (e.g. example.com), save, and wait 2-5 minutes. Enable HTTPS redirection afterward. For custom SSL, upload cert, key, and chain via dashboard.
Prerequisites
- Active Cloudways account with deployed application
- Domain name pointed to Cloudways server
- Admin email for notifications (optional)
- For custom SSL: CSR, private key, and cert files
1
Log in and select server
Log in to your Cloudways account. From the top menu, go to the Servers tab and select the server hosting your application[1][4].
2
Choose your application
Click on your specific application from the list to enter the Application Management or Access Details area[1][4].
3
Locate SSL Certificate section
Scroll to the SSL Certificate section in the application settings page[1][4].
4
Select Let's Encrypt
From the SSL Certificate dropdown, choose Let's Encrypt, the free default option provided by Cloudways[1][4].
Tip
Recommended for most users; auto-renews every 90 days.
5
Enter domain and email
Input your raw domain name without 'https://' or 'www.' (e.g.
example.com). Optionally add an email for renewal notifications[1][4].Tip
Ensure domain DNS points to Cloudways server first.
6
Install certificate
Click Save Changes or Install Certificate. Wait 2-5 minutes for provisioning and domain validation[1][4].
7
Verify installation
Visit
https://yourdomain.com in a browser; confirm the secure padlock icon appears[1][4].Tip
Test with
curl -I https://yourdomain.com if needed.8
Enable HTTPS redirection
In Application Settings, toggle Enable HTTPS or Force HTTPS to On for automatic redirection[4].
9
Upload custom SSL (if needed)
Select Upload Custom SSL, paste Primary Certificate and Private Key. Append chain cert after primary like:
-----BEGIN CERTIFICATE-----
MAIN CERT DATA
-----END CERTIFICATE-----
-----BEGIN CERTIFICATE-----
CHAIN DATA
-----END CERTIFICATE-----Tip
Generate CSR externally first for paid certs.
10
Add domain if missing
If domain not added, go to Domain Management > Add Domain and set as Primary (TTL: Automatic)[4].
Troubleshooting
Installation fails during validation
Verify domain DNS points to Cloudways; add CNAME _acme-challenge with value from dashboard (e.g. phstack-XXXX.cloudwaysapps.com, low TTL)[2].
No secure padlock after install
Wait 5 minutes for propagation; clear browser cache or test in incognito. Confirm HTTPS toggle is enabled[1][4].
Custom SSL upload errors
Ensure cert/key formats match (BEGIN/END tags intact); append chain directly after primary cert without extra lines[2][3].
HTTPS not redirecting
Toggle Force HTTPS On in Application Settings; restart Varnish cache if using CDN[4].
Renewal notifications missing
Provide valid email during setup; check spam folder for Let's Encrypt alerts[4].
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