Let’s Encrypt is a free SSL certificate provider.
It allows website owners to secure their websites with HTTPS without needing to purchase a paid SSL certificate.
Many HostworX hosting accounts allow you to enable a free Let’s Encrypt SSL certificate from inside DirectAdmin.
What Does Let’s Encrypt Do?
Let’s Encrypt provides SSL certificates for domain names.
An SSL certificate helps secure the connection between your website and your visitors.
When Let’s Encrypt SSL is installed correctly, your website can load using HTTPS.
Example: https://yourdomain.co.za
This helps prevent browser “Not Secure” warnings and improves visitor trust.
Is Let’s Encrypt Free?
Yes, Let’s Encrypt SSL certificates are free.
There is no certificate purchase cost for a standard Let’s Encrypt SSL certificate.
However, your domain and hosting account must be correctly configured for the certificate to install and renew successfully.
Is Let’s Encrypt Safe?
Yes, Let’s Encrypt certificates are widely used and trusted by modern browsers.
They provide encryption for the connection between a visitor’s browser and your website.
For most normal websites, blogs, business websites, and WordPress websites, Let’s Encrypt is suitable.
When Should I Use Let’s Encrypt?
Let’s Encrypt is suitable for most websites, including:
- Business websites
- WordPress websites
- Blogs
- Portfolio websites
- Landing pages
- Informational websites
- Websites with contact forms
It is a good option when you need a standard SSL certificate for your domain.
When Might I Need a Paid SSL Certificate?
Most websites are fine with Let’s Encrypt.
A paid SSL certificate may be needed in special cases, such as:
- Organization validation requirements
- Extended validation requirements
- Specific business or compliance requirements
- Certain custom SSL needs
For most standard hosting clients, Let’s Encrypt is usually enough.
How Long Does a Let’s Encrypt Certificate Last?
Let’s Encrypt certificates are issued for a limited period and must renew regularly.
On HostworX hosting, renewals are normally handled automatically by the server.
If the domain and hosting account are configured correctly, the SSL certificate should renew before it expires.
Why Would Let’s Encrypt Fail?
A Let’s Encrypt SSL certificate may fail to issue or renew if:
- The domain is not pointing to the correct server.
- DNS records are incorrect.
- The website is blocked from being checked by Let’s Encrypt.
- The domain has only recently been pointed to the server.
- There are redirects or configuration issues.
- The hosting account is suspended.
- The domain has expired.
Step 1 – Log Into DirectAdmin
Open your browser and visit: https://cp.yourdomain.co.za (Replace yourdomain.co.za with your own domain name.)
Enter your DirectAdmin username and password.
Click: Log In
Step 2 – Open SSL Certificates
Once you are logged into DirectAdmin, open the SSL area.
Click: Account Manager
Then click: SSL Certificates
Step 3 – Choose Let’s Encrypt
In the SSL Certificates area, select the Let’s Encrypt option.
Locate: Get automatic certificate from ACME Provider
Select: Let’s Encrypt
The wording may differ slightly depending on the DirectAdmin version.
Select the Wildcard checkbox next to the name, this will create a certificate that covers all your domains and sub domains with one certificate
Step 4 – Select the Domain Names
Select the domain names you want the SSL certificate to cover.
Common options may include:
- yourdomain.co.za
- www.yourdomain.co.za
- mail.yourdomain.co.za
Only select domain names that point to the hosting server.
Step 5 – Save the SSL Request
After selecting the required domains, save the request.
Click: Save
DirectAdmin will request the SSL certificate from Let’s Encrypt.
Important Notes
Please keep the following in mind:
- Let’s Encrypt is free for standard SSL certificates.
- The domain must point to the correct server.
- SSL renewals normally happen automatically.
- If DNS is incorrect, SSL may fail.
- SSL does not protect a website from all types of hacking.
- SSL must be combined with good website security and maintenance.
Conclusion
Let’s Encrypt is a free SSL certificate provider that allows websites to use HTTPS.
It is suitable for most standard websites and is available from DirectAdmin on many HostworX hosting accounts.
If Let’s Encrypt fails to install or renew, check that your domain points correctly to the server or contact HostworX Support for help.
