{"id":1154,"date":"2020-03-24T06:16:01","date_gmt":"2020-03-24T06:16:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cheapsslsecurity.com\/p\/?p=1154"},"modified":"2025-06-11T20:28:39","modified_gmt":"2025-06-11T20:28:39","slug":"install-hostgator-ssl","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cheapsslsecurity.com\/p\/install-hostgator-ssl\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Install an SSL Certificate in HostGator"},"content":{"rendered":"

Not sure what the process is in HostGator to add an SSL certificate? Here\u2019s your 7-step process<\/h2>\n

An SSL certificate enables encrypted data to transmit between two parties \u2014 typically, a user’s browser and the website’s server. It removes the \u201cNot Secure\u201d warning message and displays a padlock symbol in front of the domain name in the address bar. While understanding what an SSL certificate does is great, it\u2019s another thing entirely to understand how to install an SSL certificate in HostGator so you can actually use one.<\/p>\n

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That\u2019s why we\u2019ve put together this step-by-step resource, which covers how to install an SSL certificate in HostGator specifically!<\/p>\n

HostGator SSL Install: How to Install an SSL Certificate in HostGator in 7 Steps<\/h2>\n

Ready to see how easy it is to install an SSL certificate in HostGator? As you\u2019ll see, it\u2019s easy to do when you follow these seven easy to follow steps:<\/p>\n

Step 1: Choose an SSL Certificate<\/h3>\n

You have three purchase options for your HostGator platform:<\/p>\n

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  1. You can purchase an SSL certificate, such as a Comodo SSL certificate, from a third-party platform<\/a> like CheapSSLsecurity.com starting for as little as $5.45 peryear. You can renew your certificate for as little as $5.45 per year)<\/li>\n
  2. You can purchase Comodo SSL certificate directly from HostGator, which starts at $19.99 for the first year and renews at $39.99 per year after that.<\/li>\n
  3. You can also choose the free SSL certificate. However, you won\u2019t get any warranty and or a site seal with the free SSL certificate.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Options one and two are preferable because commercial SSL certificates from certificate authorities come with warranties, site seals, and the reliability of trusted top brands like Comodo CA.<\/p>\n

    Step 2: Generate a Certificate Signing Request (CSR)<\/h3>\n

    The next thing you\u2019ll want to do when working through the process of how to install an SSL certificate in HostGator is complete a certificate signing request<\/a>. Generating this encoded text file, which contains info about the organization that requested the certificate, is mandatory as part of the SSL\/TLS certificate issuance process.<\/p>\n

    During the CSR, you\u2019ll be asked to provide the following details. You must write the same address and organization information on this form that you provided at the time of buying the domain name and stored in your WHOIS records.<\/p>\n

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    Step 3: Get Public and Private Keys<\/h3>\n

    Once you submit the CSR form to HostGator, you\u2019ll receive a public key (CSR code) and private key (RSA key) via email. Be sure to save both of these codes as you\u2019ll need them in the future!<\/p>\n

    Anybody can easily access your domain\u2019s public key from the internet, so, you don\u2019t need to worry about its security. But your private key, on the other hand, needs to remain accessible to you alone! If your private key becomes compromised, your entire SSL certificate will be useless. So, please keep it safe in a password-protected document.<\/p>\n

    Step 4: Provide the CSR Code to the Certificate Authority<\/h3>\n

    You need to provide the CSR code to the SSL certificate provider, i.e., either HostGator or the certificate authority (such as Comodo CA), or a third-party vendor like us.<\/p>\n

    Remember: Don\u2019t send your private key to any certificate authority or vendor.<\/p>\n

    Step 5: Complete the Validation Process<\/h3>\n

    For this next step in the HostGator SSL installation process, you\u2019ll receive an email with the verification link from the certificate authority on email addresses like admin@yourdomain.com<\/em> or webmaster@yourdomain.com <\/em>(or something similar).<\/p>\n

    If you don\u2019t have an email address with your domain name\u2019s extension, you can opt for the file verification process. In this case, your CA will send you some files instead, which you\u2019ll need to upload on a specific folder on the server.<\/p>\n

    If you have bought organization validated<\/a> (OV) or extended validated<\/a> (EV) SSL certificates, you need to follow additional verification steps<\/a>, too.<\/p>\n

    Step 6: Save the SSL Certificate<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    Once you complete the validation process, you\u2019ll receive an email containing an SSL certificate for your domain and other necessary files from the certificate authority.<\/p>\n

    You can expect to receive two main files in the email:<\/p>\n