How To Activate Free SSL Certificate - Free WordPress SSL Setup | Bluehost Support

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How To Activate Free SSL Certificate - Free WordPress SSL Setup

How do I use the free shared SSL Certificate?

Bluehost now provides free SSL certificates for all assigned and parked domain names set up in your account. In most cases, the SSL will automatically assign and install itself to your new and existing domains; however, some customers may need to enable the certificate manually.

For forcing SSL using .htaccess in cPanel, please refer to this article.

Enabling the Free SSL Certificate

Note: The Advanced tab will load your cPanel. Legacy accounts will feature a horizontal navigation bar at the top of the screen, while Bluerock account users will see a vertical navigation menu on the left-hand side of the screen. To learn more, please see Bluerock vs. Legacy.

Bluerock

  1. Log in to your Bluehost control panel.
  2. Click the My Sites tab from the side navigation menu to the left.
  3. Locate the site you wish to activate the free SSL for and click the Manage Sites button.
    rock-mysites-wp-new
  4. Open the Security tab.
  5. Under the Security Certificate section, toggle the Free SSL ON.
    rock-bh-my-sites-security

Once you've turned the SSL on, it can take a few hours to install and activate. In some situations, we may need you to take action to complete the process. If so, you'll receive an email with instructions.

Legacy

  1. Log in to your Bluehost control panel.
  2. Click the WordPress tools tab from the navigation menu that stretches across the top of your screen.
    legacy-wordpress-tab
  3. Click the Security tab from the side navigation menu to the left.
    legacy-wordpress-security
  4. Scroll down to Secure Certificate options, and toggle the Certificate issued by: Let's Encrypt: option On.
    legacy-certificate-issued-by-lets-encrypt-sssl

Other options if WordPress tools are not available:

  1. Click the addons tab from the navigation menu that stretches across the top of your screen.
  2. Enter the word SSL on the search bar, then once the SSL Certificates show up, click the learn more.
    legacy-addons
  3. Click the Install SSL On the drop-down, select the domain name you want to install the SSL on. 
  4. After selecting your domain name, click the Enable Free SSL button.
    legacy-wordpress-security

Disabling the Free SSL Certificate

Bluerock

  1. Log in to your Bluehost control panel.
  2. Click the My Sites tab from the side navigation menu to the left.
  3. Locate the site you wish to deactivate the free SSL for and click the Manage Site button.
    rock-mysites-wp-new
  4. Open the Security tab.
  5. Under the Security Certificate section, toggle the Free SSL OFF.
    rock-ssl-toggle-off

Legacy

  1. Log in to your Bluehost control panel.
  2. Click the addons tab from the navigation menu that stretches across the top of your screen.
  3. Enter the word SSL on the search bar, then once the SSL Certificates show up, click the learn more.
    legacy-addon-tab2
  4. Locate the site you wish to deactivate the free SSL.
  5. Select which domain name, then click Disable Free SSL button. 
    legacy-disable-ssl

Pro Tip: Maximize your security - Upgrade your SSL Certificate to boost your credibility and assure customers you take security seriously.

If you need further assistance, feel free to contact us via Chat or Phone:

  • Chat Support - While you are on our website, you should see a CHAT bubble in the bottom right-hand corner of the page. Click anywhere on the bubble to begin a chat session.
  • Phone Support -
    • US: 888-401-4678
    • International: +1 801-765-9400

You may also refer to our Knowledge Base articles to help answer common questions and guide you through various setup, configuration, and troubleshooting steps.