Introduction
AutoSSL is a convenient feature offered by AlpineHost that automatically provides and renews SSL certificates for your domains, ensuring that your website remains secure and trustworthy. However, there may be times when you need to manually trigger a renewal or troubleshoot issues related to AutoSSL. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about renewing AutoSSL on your account.
What Is AutoSSL?
AutoSSL is a feature within cPanel that automatically issues and renews SSL certificates for your domains. It’s designed to simplify the process of securing your website with HTTPS, ensuring that all visitors have a secure connection without the need for manual SSL management. AutoSSL is particularly useful for users who want a hassle-free way to maintain their website's security.
Why AutoSSL Needs Renewal
Although AutoSSL automatically renews SSL certificates, there are situations where you may need to manually intervene:
- Failed Automatic Renewal: Sometimes, the automatic renewal process might fail due to server issues or domain configuration problems.
- Domain Changes: If you’ve added new domains or subdomains, you might need to manually run AutoSSL to issue certificates for them.
- Configuration Adjustments: After adjusting your domain settings, you might need to force a renewal to apply the changes.
How to Check AutoSSL Status
Before renewing AutoSSL, it’s important to check the current status of your SSL certificates.
Step 1: Log in to Your cPanel Account
Access your AlpineHost cPanel account by logging in through the AlpineHost client area.
Step 2: Navigate to “SSL/TLS Status”
In cPanel, scroll down to the "Security" section and click on "SSL/TLS Status." This section provides an overview of all your domains and their current SSL status.
Picture: Screenshot of the SSL/TLS Status page in cPanel.
Step 3: Review the SSL Status
Here, you’ll see whether your domains have valid SSL certificates, are pending renewal, or if there are any issues with AutoSSL. Domains with green check marks are secure, while those with yellow or red icons may need attention.
How to Renew AutoSSL Manually
If AutoSSL has not automatically renewed your SSL certificate or you need to force a renewal, follow these steps:
Step 1: Go to “SSL/TLS Status”
In cPanel, navigate to the "SSL/TLS Status" section as described earlier.
Step 2: Select the Domains for Renewal
- Tick the Checkboxes: Select the domains for which you want to renew the SSL certificates by ticking the corresponding checkboxes.
- Run AutoSSL: After selecting the domains, click the "Run AutoSSL" button at the top of the page.
Step 3: Monitor the Renewal Process
Once you trigger the renewal, cPanel will begin the process of issuing or renewing the SSL certificates for the selected domains. This may take a few minutes, and you can monitor the progress on the same page.
Step 4: Confirm the Renewal
After the process completes, check the SSL status again to ensure that the certificates have been successfully renewed. The status should change to green, indicating that your SSL certificates are now up to date.
Troubleshooting Common AutoSSL Issues
If you encounter problems with AutoSSL, here are some common issues and their solutions:
- Domain Validation Failed: Ensure that your domain is correctly pointed to your server and that DNS records are properly configured.
- Expired Certificates Despite AutoSSL: This could indicate that AutoSSL was unable to run. Try manually renewing it as described above.
- Rate Limits Reached: AutoSSL may fail if too many certificates were requested in a short period. Wait for some time before trying again.
If these steps don’t resolve your issue, or if you’re unsure about how to proceed, contact AlpineHost support for assistance.
When to Contact Support
If you experience persistent issues with AutoSSL, or if the renewal process fails repeatedly, our support team is ready to help. We can assist with troubleshooting and ensure that your SSL certificates are renewed without delay. Reach out to us at support@alpinehost.ch or info@alpinehost.ch for expert assistance.
FAQs
What is AutoSSL and why is it important?
AutoSSL is a cPanel feature that automatically issues and renews SSL certificates for your domains, ensuring that your website remains secure without manual intervention.
How often does AutoSSL renew certificates?
AutoSSL typically renews SSL certificates every 90 days. The process is automatic, but you can manually trigger a renewal if needed.
What should I do if AutoSSL fails to renew my certificate?
If AutoSSL fails, you can manually renew the certificate by going to the "SSL/TLS Status" section in cPanel and running AutoSSL for the affected domains.
Can I renew AutoSSL for a specific domain only?
Yes, you can select specific domains for renewal in the "SSL/TLS Status" section by checking the boxes next to the domains and clicking "Run AutoSSL."
What happens if I don't renew my SSL certificate?
If your SSL certificate expires, visitors will see security warnings when trying to access your website, which could lead to a loss of trust and decreased traffic.
Is there a cost associated with renewing AutoSSL?
No, AutoSSL is a free feature provided by AlpineHost, and it automatically renews SSL certificates without additional cost.
Conclusion
AutoSSL makes it easy to keep your website secure by automatically renewing SSL certificates. However, understanding how to manually renew AutoSSL and troubleshoot common issues is essential for maintaining continuous website security. If you ever encounter issues or have questions about AutoSSL, the AlpineHost support team is here to help you every step of the way.
