How to set up SSL certificate on Hostinger

beginner 8 min read Updated 2026-03-13

Quick Answer

Log into hPanel, go to Websites → Manage → Security → SSL, select domain/subdomain and click Install SSL for free Let's Encrypt certificate (auto-renews). For custom SSL, uninstall free one first, then Import SSL and paste certificate, private key, and CA bundle contents. Enable Force HTTPS and verify via browser padlock.

Prerequisites

Domain added to Hostinger Web/Cloud hosting plan and DNS pointing to Hostinger nameservers
Access to hPanel at hpanel.hostinger.com
For custom SSL: Downloaded ZIP files with certificate.crt, private.key, and ca_bundle.crt
Subdomains created in hPanel if needed
Not using Hostinger Website Builder (no custom SSL support)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Verify domain setup

Ensure your domain or subdomain is added to your Hostinger hosting plan and points to Hostinger nameservers like cdns1.main-hosting.eu and cdns2.main-hosting.eu. In hPanel, go to Domains → My domains to verify. For subdomains, navigate to Websites → Manage → Domains → Subdomains, enter name, choose directory, and click Create. This step is automatic if domain is registered with Hostinger.

DNS propagation can take up to 48 hours; check with tools like WhatsMyDNS.

Log into hPanel

Access your Hostinger account at hpanel.hostinger.com and log in to the dashboard. From the home page, locate the Websites section listing all sites under your account.

Navigate to website management

In Websites, find your site and click Manage to enter the site's dashboard. This opens options for editing design, hosting, and security settings.

Access SSL settings

In the dashboard sidebar, go to Security → SSL, or search for SSL in the main menu. Alternatively, from hPanel home, select SSL in the setup section and click Setup. Here you'll see installed certificates and options to install or import.

Install free SSL certificate

Select your domain or subdomain from the dropdown. Click Install SSL or Run AutoSSL if available. A pop-up shows 'AutoSSL is in progress...'; wait 1-2 minutes for status to change to Installed or Active. Hostinger uses Let's Encrypt (90-day validity, auto-renews) covering www and non-www.

Free SSL activates automatically on most plans after domain addition.

Uninstall existing SSL for custom certificate

If using a custom SSL from another provider, find the certificate in Websites → Manage → SSL, click the ellipsis ⋮ menu, and select Uninstall. Confirm to remove the free Let's Encrypt certificate.

Prepare custom SSL files

Unzip the provider's files (e.g., from ZeroSSL). Open each in a text editor like Notepad:

Certificate: content of domain.crt or certificate.crt
Private Key: content of private.key
CA Bundle: content of ca_bundle.crt or CABUNDLE

Copy all contents exactly, without extra spaces or lines.

Import custom SSL

In SSL settings, click Import SSL. Select domain/subdomain from dropdown. Paste contents into fields: Certificate, Private Key, and CA Bundle. Click Install SSL and wait for Active status.

Enable Force HTTPS

In the SSL management menu, toggle Force HTTPS on to redirect all HTTP traffic to HTTPS automatically. This is recommended for security and SEO.

Verify installation

Visit https://yourdomain.com and check for the padlock icon in your browser. Use tools like ZeroSSL checker for validation. Clear cache or use incognito mode if issues persist.

Common Issues & Troubleshooting

SSL status stuck on 'Installing' or 'In progress'

Wait 1-2 minutes or up to 48 hours for DNS propagation; if persists, click ellipsis → Uninstall, then reinstall via Install SSL.

No padlock or 'Not secure' warning in browser

Clear browser cache/history or use incognito; disable antivirus/firewall temporarily; verify DNS points to Hostinger nameservers.

Custom SSL import fails or shows invalid certificate

Double-check pasted contents (no extra spaces); contact SSL issuer for correct files; uninstall/reinstall or use free SSL.

SSL not available for subdomain

Create subdomain first in Websites → Manage → Domains → Subdomains; ensure it's added to hosting plan.

AutoSSL fails on cPanel

In cPanel Security → SSL/TLS Status, select domain and click Run AutoSSL; wait and test HTTPS.

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