How to Generate and Retrieve Your SSL Certificate from the HostAfrica Client Area

If you’ve purchased an SSL certificate through HostAfrica, here’s a simple guide to help you generate and download it. Please note: this guide only covers the SSL generation process, not the installation.

Evans

Last Update há 3 meses

Step 1: Generate a CSR (Certificate Signing Request)
If You're Using cPanel:

  1. Log in to your cPanel account.

  2. Go to SSL/TLS under the "Security" section.

  3. Click "Generate, view, or delete SSL certificate signing requests."

  4. Fill in the required fields (domain, city, company name, etc.).

  5. Click Generate.

  6. Copy the entire CSR block, including the -----BEGIN CERTIFICATE REQUEST----- and -----END CERTIFICATE REQUEST-----.

If You're Using DirectAdmin:

  1. Log in to your DirectAdmin account.

  2. Under "Account Manager", click "SSL Certificates."

  3. Choose "Create A Certificate Request".

  4. Fill in your details and click Save or Create.

  5. Your CSR will be generated. Copy it completely, including the begin/end lines.

If You're Using IIS (Windows Server):

  1. Open IIS Manager.

  2. In the left panel, select the server name.

  3. Double-click "Server Certificates", then click "Create Certificate Request".

  4. Fill in your domain and company details.

  5. Choose your encryption level (2048-bit is recommended).

  6. Save the generated CSR file and open it in Notepad to copy the CSR text.

Step 2: Set Up Your SSL Certificate from the HostAfrica Client Area

Once you have your CSR, follow these steps:

  • Click on your SSL product.

  • Click "Manage", then "Set Up"

  1. Paste the CSR you generated earlier into the CSR field.


  2. Select your web server type from the list (e.g., Apache, Nginx, IIS).

  3. Proceed to the Domain Validation step.

Step 3: Domain Name Validation

To confirm ownership of your domain, you’ll need to complete domain validation. There are two main methods:

a) Email-Based Validation
  • The system will send a verification email to a standard domain admin email (e.g., [email protected], [email protected]).

  • Simply click the link in the email to approve the request.

b) DNS-Based Validation (Recommended)
  • You’ll be asked to add a CNAME or TXT record to your domain’s DNS.

  • This method is faster and more reliable, especially if you don’t have access to domain admin emails.

  • After adding the DNS record, allow a few minutes to propagate.

N/B If your domain is hosted with HostAfrica, you can easily add DNS records from your client dashboard or control panel.

Step 4: Download the SSL Certificate

After completing domain validation:


  1. Go back to your SSL product page in the HostAfrica Client Area.

  2. Refresh the page.

  3. You will now see a "Download" option.

  • Click it to download a zipped folder containing your SSL certificate files.

  • You’re done!
  • This guide only helps you generate and retrieve your SSL certificate.


  • If you need help with installing the SSL certificate on your hosting environment (cPanel, DirectAdmin, or elsewhere), feel free to contact your hosting provider's support team.

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