How to Set Up SSL Certificates Print

SSL Certificates on Fantastic NZ Hosting

An SSL certificate encrypts the connection between your visitors and your website, showing the padlock icon in the browser bar. It's essential for trust, security, and SEO rankings.

Free SSL with AutoSSL

All Fantastic NZ Hosting plans include free AutoSSL certificates powered by cPanel. These are automatically issued and renewed — no action needed from you in most cases.

Checking Your SSL Status

1. Log into cPanel via your client area.
2. Go to Security > SSL/TLS Status.
3. You'll see a list of your domains with their SSL status:
   • Green padlock: SSL is active and working.
   • Red/yellow icon: SSL needs attention — click Run AutoSSL to fix it.

Forcing HTTPS

Once your SSL is active, you should force all traffic to use HTTPS:

1. In cPanel, go to Domains > Domains (or Force HTTPS Redirect).
2. Toggle the Force HTTPS Redirect switch to On for your domain.

Alternatively, add this to your .htaccess file:

RewriteEngine On
RewriteCond %{HTTPS} off
RewriteRule ^(.*)$ https://%{HTTP_HOST}%{REQUEST_URI} [L,R=301]

Custom SSL Certificates

If you need an EV (Extended Validation) or wildcard SSL certificate, you can install a third-party certificate:

1. In cPanel, go to Security > SSL/TLS.
2. Click Manage SSL sites.
3. Paste your certificate, private key, and CA bundle.
4. Click Install Certificate.

Having SSL issues? Get in touch with our team and we'll sort it out for you.