How to Install a Free SSL Certificate (AutoSSL)
Every EconomicalHost plan includes free SSL certificates issued and renewed automatically by AutoSSL. Usually you do nothing — here is how to verify and what to do when a domain shows as not secure.
Step-by-step
- Open Security → SSL/TLS Status in cPanel.
- Read the lock icons. Green padlock = valid AutoSSL certificate; red/excluded = no certificate yet for that hostname.
- Click Run AutoSSL to trigger issuance immediately instead of waiting for the daily run.
- If issuance fails, check DNS first. The domain (and www) must point at this server — AutoSSL validates by placing a file on the domain. See Zone Editor.
- Remove blockers: redirects that send every request away (including the validation path) and "coming soon" pages that 404 everything can break validation — disable, run AutoSSL, re-enable.
- Exclude dead subdomains. If an old subdomain no longer points here, tick Exclude next to it so it stops blocking the report.
- Once issued, force the site to use it — see forcing HTTPS.
💡 Good to know
- AutoSSL renews certificates automatically before expiry — no annual renewals to remember.
- Certificates cover the domain, www, mail. and webmail. subdomains.
- Need an organization-validated (OV/EV) certificate for company branding? Contact EconomicalHost for options; AutoSSL covers the encryption needs of most sites.