How to install an SSL certificate in aaPanel

Installing an SSL certificate in aaPanel is a straightforward process that can be completed in a few steps. Here’s a detailed guide on how to install an SSL certificate in aaPanel:

Prerequisites:

1. An SSL certificate: You need to have an SSL certificate purchased from a trusted Certificate Authority (CA).
2. Access to aaPanel: You need to have access to your website’s aaPanel control panel. If you’re not sure how to access aaPanel, contact your hosting provider for assistance.
3. Extracted Certificate Files: Your SSL certificate is typically provided as a zip file containing multiple files, including the certificate file (.crt), the private key file (.key), and the intermediate certificate chain (optional). Extract these files to a secure location on your computer.

Steps to Install an SSL Certificate in aaPanel:

1. Navigate to Website Configuration: In your aaPanel control panel, locate the “Website” section. Click on the “Website” icon to proceed.
2. Select the Domain: In the website configuration interface, select the domain for which you want to install the SSL certificate.
3. Open SSL/TLS Configuration: Click on the “SSL/TLS” button next to the domain name.
4. Choose SSL Certificate Installation Method:
   • Automatically Install with Let’s Encrypt: If you want to install a free SSL certificate from Let’s Encrypt, click on the “Install Free SSL” button. aaPanel will automatically obtain and install the certificate.
   • Manually Install SSL Certificate: If you have an SSL certificate from a purchased Certificate Authority (CA), click on the “Manual Installation” button.
5. Manual SSL Certificate Installation:
   • Choose Certificate Type: Select the type of SSL certificate you have: Domain Validation (DV) or Organization Validation (OV). DV certificates are simpler and less expensive, while OV certificates provide more rigorous verification.
   • Upload Certificate Files: Click on the “Browse” button and select the certificate file (.crt) that you obtained from your SSL certificate package.
   • Import Private Key: Click on the “Browse” button again and select the private key file (.key).
   • Upload Intermediate Certificate (Optional): If your SSL certificate has an intermediate certificate chain, locate the intermediate certificate file (.crt) and upload it using the “Import CA Certificate” option.
6. Configure SSL/TLS Settings (Optional):
   • Server Aliases (Optional): If you have multiple subdomains for your domain, you can create server aliases to manage SSL certificates separately for each subdomain. Click on the “Add Server Alias” button and provide the subdomain name. Repeat this step for any additional subdomains.
   • Redirect HTTP to HTTPS: Enable this option to automatically redirect all HTTP (non-HTTPS) traffic to HTTPS. This ensures that visitors are always using a secure connection when accessing your website.
7. Apply SSL Certificate Configuration: Click on the “Apply” button. aaPanel will apply the SSL certificate configuration and activate HTTPS for your website.
8. Verify SSL Certificate Installation: Once the installation is complete, you can verify that the SSL certificate is installed correctly by visiting your website and checking the address bar. It should display the “https” protocol and a padlock icon, indicating a secure connection.