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How to configure SSL certificate on Cloudways

beginner 6 min read Updated 2026-03-13
Quick Answer

Cloudways offers free Let's Encrypt SSL as default: select it in Application Settings > SSL Certificate, enter raw domain (e.g. example.com), save, and wait 2-5 minutes. Enable HTTPS redirection afterward. For custom SSL, upload cert, key, and chain via dashboard.

Prerequisites

  • Active Cloudways account with deployed application
  • Domain name pointed to Cloudways server
  • Admin email for notifications (optional)
  • For custom SSL: CSR, private key, and cert files

Step-by-Step Instructions

1

Log in and select server

Log in to your Cloudways account. From the top menu, go to the Servers tab and select the server hosting your application[1][4].
2

Choose your application

Click on your specific application from the list to enter the Application Management or Access Details area[1][4].
3

Locate SSL Certificate section

Scroll to the SSL Certificate section in the application settings page[1][4].
4

Select Let's Encrypt

From the SSL Certificate dropdown, choose Let's Encrypt, the free default option provided by Cloudways[1][4].
Recommended for most users; auto-renews every 90 days.
5

Enter domain and email

Input your raw domain name without 'https://' or 'www.' (e.g. example.com). Optionally add an email for renewal notifications[1][4].
Ensure domain DNS points to Cloudways server first.
6

Install certificate

Click Save Changes or Install Certificate. Wait 2-5 minutes for provisioning and domain validation[1][4].
7

Verify installation

Visit https://yourdomain.com in a browser; confirm the secure padlock icon appears[1][4].
Test with <code>curl -I https://yourdomain.com</code> if needed.
8

Enable HTTPS redirection

In Application Settings, toggle Enable HTTPS or Force HTTPS to On for automatic redirection[4].
9

Upload custom SSL (if needed)

Select Upload Custom SSL, paste Primary Certificate and Private Key. Append chain cert after primary like: 
-----BEGIN CERTIFICATE-----
MAIN CERT DATA
-----END CERTIFICATE-----
-----BEGIN CERTIFICATE-----
CHAIN DATA
-----END CERTIFICATE-----
[2][3]. Click Install.
Generate CSR externally first for paid certs.
10

Add domain if missing

If domain not added, go to Domain Management > Add Domain and set as Primary (TTL: Automatic)[4].

Common Issues & Troubleshooting

Installation fails during validation

Verify domain DNS points to Cloudways; add CNAME _acme-challenge with value from dashboard (e.g. phstack-XXXX.cloudwaysapps.com, low TTL)[2].

No secure padlock after install

Wait 5 minutes for propagation; clear browser cache or test in incognito. Confirm HTTPS toggle is enabled[1][4].

Custom SSL upload errors

Ensure cert/key formats match (BEGIN/END tags intact); append chain directly after primary cert without extra lines[2][3].

HTTPS not redirecting

Toggle Force HTTPS On in Application Settings; restart Varnish cache if using CDN[4].

Renewal notifications missing

Provide valid email during setup; check spam folder for Let's Encrypt alerts[4].

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