How to get an SSL certificate

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Nothing frustrates visitors faster than a “Not Secure” warning when they visit your site. An SSL certificate fixes that by keeping your website safe, protecting sensitive data and showing users they can trust you. In this guide, we’ll show you how to get an SSL certificate quickly and correctly so your website security is handled without the headache.

TL;DR: How to get an SSL certificate

Getting an SSL certificate is an essential part of website security. It involves choosing a trusted method to get the certificate, connecting it to your domain and verifying it’s active so your site shows HTTPS and the padlock icon.

When you build a website with Wix your SSL certificate is set up automatically and comes free with your site. You don’t have to worry about the techy stuff so you can focus on growing your business while your site stays secure.

Secure your perfect domain in just a few clicks with Wix. Get everything you need in one place: business email, reliable hosting, SSL protection and full privacy. With 24/7 support and no hidden fees, getting your site live is simple and worry-free.

You’ll learn how to:

• Understand what an SSL certificate is and why it matters

• Get an SSL certificate and connect it to your domain

• Verify that SSL is active with HTTPS and the padlock icon

• Handle common setup issues and domain-related settings

• See how SSL boosts website security, trust and SEO

What is an SSL certificate?

An SSL certificate (Secure Sockets Layer) is a digital security certificate that encrypts the data transferred between a website and its visitors. When a site has an SSL certificate, it uses HTTPS instead of HTTP, and a padlock icon appears in the browser bar.

This encryption protects sensitive information such as login details, credit card numbers and personal data from being intercepted by hackers. In simple terms, an SSL certificate makes sure that any information your visitors share with your website stays private and secure.

Read more:

• What is an SSL certificate

• Best SSL certificate providers

  
  

How SSL works technically

SSL keeps the information between your website and your visitors private and secure. When someone visits your site, their browser and your server create a secure connection through a process called an “SSL handshake.” During this handshake, your server shares its SSL certificate which has a public key. The browser then checks the certificate and uses that key to create a unique session key for the visit.

This session key encrypts all data sent back and forth like passwords, payment info or personal details so no one else can read it. SSL also makes sure the data isn’t changed while it’s being sent and confirms that visitors are really connecting to your site, not a fake one.

You may also be interested in:

• How to secure your domain

• Domain hijacking

• Domain spoofing

How to get an SSL certificate

Securing your site is a fundamental part of establishing a trustworthy business. An SSL certificate not only protects sensitive data but also signals to visitors that your site is professional and safe. Let’s break down how simple this process can be.

1. Choose a website or hosting provider

2. Select your domain

3. Generate or request the SSL certificate

4. Verify ownership of your domain

5. Install the SSL certificate

6. Check that it’s active

01. Choose a website or hosting provider

Before getting an SSL certificate, you need a platform that supports it. Many website builders and website hosting providers include SSL certificates in their plans, either free or paid. Picking a provider that handles SSL for you saves time and ensures everything is set up correctly, which is key for your website’s security and trustworthiness.

When choosing a provider, consider their SSL support, reliability, customer support, and extra features. If you still need a domain, combine this step with your domain registration to get your site’s address and SSL at the same time. This ensures your website and security certificate are a perfect match from the start.

For those managing multiple domains or planning to grow, look for a provider with easy management tools to simplify activating and renewing SSL certificates in the future.

02. Select your domain

An SSL certificate is linked to a specific domain so you need to choose the right one before you continue. Use a domain name search tool to see if your preferred domain is available and explore other options if it isn't.

If you already have a domain registered, check that you have access to its DNS settings or control panel. You'll need this to verify ownership during the SSL setup. Making sure your domain is ready for verification will save you from delays and headaches later.

For businesses, think about securing extra variations of your domain like different extensions, new TLDs or common misspellings. These can also be protected with SSL to keep your entire brand safe from security risks or people trying to impersonate you.

03. Generate or request the SSL certificate

Depending on your provider, getting an SSL certificate can be automatic or involve a few manual steps. Many modern website builders issue the certificate as soon as your domain is connected and active.

Create a CSR and secure your SSL certificate

If you’re getting an SSL certificate on your own, start by generating a Certificate Signing Request (CSR) from your hosting control panel. A CSR is a block of encrypted text that contains your website’s information such as its domain name, organization and location. The Certificate Authority (CA) uses this info to create your SSL certificate.

Generating a CSR also creates a private key that stays on your server and pairs with your SSL certificate. Keep it safe because if you lose it or someone gets a hold of it you might need a new certificate. After you send the CSR to the CA they’ll check that you own the domain. Once that's done the certificate is issued and you can install it on your server to create a secure HTTPS connection.

Make sure you choose the right certificate type for your needs: single domain, multi-domain or wildcard SSL for subdomains. The right SSL ensures full coverage and protection for your entire website.

You may also be interested in:

• Website security tips

• How to check domain authority

04. Verify ownership of your domain

To get your certificate, you'll need to prove you own your domain. You can usually do this by responding to an email, adding a DNS record or uploading a special file to your site.

If your provider combines domain registration with SSL setup, this step can be much simpler because all your DNS records and domain details are already in one place.

Getting this done quickly means you can secure your site without delay.

For those of you managing several domains, it's a good idea to keep track of the verification process for each one. This helps make sure no domain is left unsecured and no certificates expire unexpectedly.

05. Install the SSL certificate

After your certificate is issued, it’s time to install it on your site. Some website builders do this for you automatically. If you're using a hosting provider you might need to upload the certificate and set up your server yourself.

Getting the installation right is a big deal. An incorrect installation can lead to errors or stop your site from showing up as secure. If your site has more than one domain or subdomain, make sure your certificate covers them all and that every page uses HTTPS.

If you bought your domain and SSL certificate from the same provider, they might give you one control panel to manage everything. This makes it much easier to handle your security settings, renew certificates and check on your site's health.

06. Check that it’s active

Once it’s installed, check that your SSL certificate is working. Look for the padlock icon in your browser’s address bar and make sure the URL starts with “https://”. You can test your website on multiple browsers and devices to make sure everyone sees a secure connection.

Regularly monitoring your SSL certificate is a good idea since they can expire or DNS changes might temporarily mess with the secure connection. You can use SSL tracking tools to make sure your site stays secure without any interruptions.

Types of SSL certificates

Not all SSL certificates are created equal—they come with different levels of coverage validation and security. Picking the right one for your site will keep it secure build visitor trust and meet all your technical needs.

Some certificates protect one domain while others can cover multiple domains or subdomains. They also vary from simple domain verification to more in-depth organization validation.

• Single domain SSL: Secures one specific domain like www.example.com. It’s the simplest option, perfect for small websites, personal blogs or portfolios. Installation is easy, renewal is predictable and it’s usually the most affordable type of SSL.

• Wildcard SSL: Covers a domain and all its subdomains e.g. example.com, shop.example.com, blog.example.com. Perfect for businesses with multiple sections under the same domain. It saves money and effort since you don’t need separate certificates for each subdomain.

• Multi-domain SSL (SAN): Lets a single certificate secure multiple domains like example.com, example.net and example.org. Great for companies managing several websites as it simplifies renewal and administration while keeping costs lower than buying individual certificates.

• Domain Validation (DV): Confirms the registrant owns the domain. The verification process is quick—usually a few minutes to a few hours. DV SSLs are budget-friendly and ideal for informational or personal websites where basic encryption works.

• Organization Validation (OV): Verifies your domain ownership and your organization's legitimacy. This helps visitors trust that your website belongs to a real business. OV SSLs are a great option for businesses, non-profits and service providers looking for a balance of security and credibility.

• Extended Validation (EV): Offers the highest level of trust by thoroughly checking your company’s legal identity. EV SSLs add visual cues to browsers, like your company name in the address bar, showing visitors your site is extra secure. These are a good idea for an eCommerce site, financial services or any website that handles sensitive customer information.

How much does an SSL certificate cost

The price of an SSL certificate depends on the type, validation level and provider. Basic Domain Validation (DV) certificates can be free with many website builders or cost around $10–$20 per year. For Organization Validation (OV) and Extended Validation (EV) certificates which check your business identity, you can expect to pay anywhere from $50 to several hundred dollars per year.

Other factors can affect the price. Multi-domain or wildcard certificates that cover multiple domains or subdomains generally cost more than single-domain certificates. Some providers include extras like malware scanning, a warranty or higher encryption levels which can increase the price. Renewal fees may also differ from initial purchase costs so it’s important to check the long-term cost before committing.

For most small businesses and personal websites, free or low-cost SSL options provide strong encryption and are fully sufficient for protecting visitors and building trust. For larger sites handling sensitive data or multiple subdomains, investing in higher-level certificates can boost security and credibility.

Troubleshooting SSL issues

SSL problems can disrupt your site’s security and trust. Here’s what causes common issues and how to fix them fast.

Mixed content

Mixed content happens when a page served over HTTPS loads resources like images, scripts or stylesheets over HTTP. This breaks the secure connection and triggers browser warnings. To fix it, update all internal links, embedded content and third-party scripts to HTTPS.

If a third-party resource doesn’t support HTTPS, consider hosting it yourself or finding a secure alternative. Tools like browser developer consoles can help identify these insecure elements.

Expired certificates

SSL certificates have a set validity period, usually one year, and must be renewed before they expire. If your certificate expires, browsers will block secure connections and show “Not Secure” warnings to visitors.

You can prevent this by tracking your expiration dates and automating renewal if your provider allows it. After renewing, double check with the Certificate Authority to make sure everything went through smoothly.

DNS or server misconfigurations

SSL needs your domain to point to the server where the certificate is installed. If DNS records are wrong or the server isn’t set up for HTTPS, SSL won’t activate. Check A, CNAME and AAAA records, make sure the server has the certificate installed correctly, and confirm port 443 is open. If you’re using a CDN or reverse proxy, SSL must be enabled and consistent across all services.

Browser caching or outdated devices

Sometimes browsers hold onto old certificate or HTTP information, causing errors even when SSL is active. To fix this, you can clear browser caches, test your site in multiple browsers and make sure your devices are running recent software. It’s also a good idea to update older operating systems or browsers, as they may not recognize modern SSL certificates.

Regular monitoring

Continuous SSL monitoring helps you catch security gaps before they go unnoticed. Use online tools to check certificate validity, configuration and mixed content issues. Monitoring also alerts you to revocation, expiration or server changes so visitors always experience a secure connection.

Why do I need an SSL certificate?

An SSL certificate is essential for building trust, improving security and supporting your website’s performance in search engines. As of 2025, over 88% of websites now use HTTPS, showing how essential web security has become.

First, an SSL certificate protects user data by encrypting all information sent between the browser and the server. This is particularly important for websites that collect passwords, payment details or personal information.

Second, it builds trust with your visitors. The “https” prefix and padlock icon signal that your website is safe to use, which increases credibility and reduces the chances of users abandoning your site.

Third, SSL certificates support SEO. Search engines like Google consider HTTPS a ranking factor, meaning secure websites are more likely to rank higher in search results than unsecured ones.

Finally, many modern browsers now flag non-HTTPS websites as “Not Secure,” which can negatively impact your brand reputation and user experience if you don’t have an SSL certificate installed.

How to get an SSL certificate for your Wix site

Wix simplifies domain registration for your business, making it easy to secure your online presence from the very beginning. As part of the setup process, Wix ensures secure domain registration with SSL certification, helping protect your website and visitors’ data automatically. With quick domain registration, Wix allows you to launch your site faster while giving you the confidence that your connection is encrypted, trusted and ready for growth.

• Wix automatically provides a free SSL certificate for all Wix sites, including those with custom domains connected to your site.

  
  

• To enable this, connect a custom domain to your Wix site and upgrade with a premium plan if required.

  
  

• The SSL certificate is generated automatically once your domain is connected.

  
  

• Ensure your domain's DNS records are properly set to allow SSL activation. Check your DNS settings in your Wix account under "Domains" > "Manage DNS Records".

  
  

• Wait up to 48 hours for domain propagation after making DNS changes.

  
  

Note: Wix does not support third-party SSL certificates or SSL for domains connected to external (non-Wix) websites. Your site will show as secure with "https" and a lock icon in browsers supporting SSL. For older devices or browsers not recognizing SSL, updating to the latest operating system or browser version is recommended.

Learn more: What are custom domains

Build a secure site

Having an SSL certificate is no longer optional—it's a standard for any website. It protects your visitors, boosts your credibility and can even improve your search engine rankings.

Ready to build a website that's secure from the start? Choose a website template and get a free, automatically installed SSL certificate today.

How to get an SSL certificate FAQ