Beginner
How to set up an SSL certificate on Hostinger
Quick Answer
Log into hPanel, go to Websites → Manage → Security → SSL, select domain/subdomain and click Install SSL for free Let's Encrypt certificate (auto-renews). For custom SSL, uninstall free one first, then Import SSL and paste certificate, private key, and CA bundle contents. Enable Force HTTPS and verify via browser padlock.
Prerequisites
- Domain added to Hostinger Web/Cloud hosting plan and DNS pointing to Hostinger nameservers
- Access to hPanel at hpanel.hostinger.com
- For custom SSL: Downloaded ZIP files with certificate.crt, private.key, and ca_bundle.crt
- Subdomains created in hPanel if needed
- Not using Hostinger Website Builder (no custom SSL support)
1
Verify domain setup
Ensure your domain or subdomain is added to your Hostinger hosting plan and points to Hostinger nameservers like
cdns1.main-hosting.eu and cdns2.main-hosting.eu. In hPanel, go to Domains → My domains to verify. For subdomains, navigate to Websites → Manage → Domains → Subdomains, enter name, choose directory, and click Create. This step is automatic if domain is registered with Hostinger.Tip
DNS propagation can take up to 48 hours; check with tools like WhatsMyDNS.
2
Log into hPanel
Access your Hostinger account at
hpanel.hostinger.com and log in to the dashboard. From the home page, locate the Websites section listing all sites under your account.3
Navigate to website management
In Websites, find your site and click Manage to enter the site's dashboard. This opens options for editing design, hosting, and security settings.
4
Access SSL settings
In the dashboard sidebar, go to Security → SSL, or search for SSL in the main menu. Alternatively, from hPanel home, select SSL in the setup section and click Setup. Here you'll see installed certificates and options to install or import.
5
Install free SSL certificate
Select your domain or subdomain from the dropdown. Click Install SSL or Run AutoSSL if available. A pop-up shows 'AutoSSL is in progress...'; wait 1-2 minutes for status to change to Installed or Active. Hostinger uses Let's Encrypt (90-day validity, auto-renews) covering www and non-www.
Tip
Free SSL activates automatically on most plans after domain addition.
6
Uninstall existing SSL for custom certificate
If using a custom SSL from another provider, find the certificate in Websites → Manage → SSL, click the ellipsis ⋮ menu, and select Uninstall. Confirm to remove the free Let's Encrypt certificate.
7
Prepare custom SSL files
Unzip the provider's files (e.g., from ZeroSSL). Open each in a text editor like Notepad:
- Certificate: content of
domain.crtorcertificate.crt - Private Key: content of
private.key - CA Bundle: content of
ca_bundle.crtorCABUNDLE
8
Import custom SSL
In SSL settings, click Import SSL. Select domain/subdomain from dropdown. Paste contents into fields: Certificate, Private Key, and CA Bundle. Click Install SSL and wait for Active status.
9
Enable Force HTTPS
In the SSL management menu, toggle Force HTTPS on to redirect all HTTP traffic to HTTPS automatically. This is recommended for security and SEO.
10
Verify installation
Visit
https://yourdomain.com and check for the padlock icon in your browser. Use tools like ZeroSSL checker for validation. Clear cache or use incognito mode if issues persist.Troubleshooting
SSL status stuck on 'Installing' or 'In progress'
Wait 1-2 minutes or up to 48 hours for DNS propagation; if persists, click ellipsis → Uninstall, then reinstall via Install SSL.
No padlock or 'Not secure' warning in browser
Clear browser cache/history or use incognito; disable antivirus/firewall temporarily; verify DNS points to Hostinger nameservers.
Custom SSL import fails or shows invalid certificate
Double-check pasted contents (no extra spaces); contact SSL issuer for correct files; uninstall/reinstall or use free SSL.
SSL not available for subdomain
Create subdomain first in Websites → Manage → Domains → Subdomains; ensure it's added to hosting plan.
AutoSSL fails on cPanel
In cPanel Security → SSL/TLS Status, select domain and click Run AutoSSL; wait and test HTTPS.
Ready to get started with Hostinger?
Put this tutorial into practice. Visit Hostinger and follow the steps above.
Visit Hostinger →