> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://kb.hostcloud.in/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Free SSL with AutoSSL

> How HostCloud gives every website on its hosting a free SSL certificate automatically.

An SSL certificate makes your website open with `https://` and shows a padlock in the browser, so visitors know their connection is secure. On HostCloud hosting, you get one free, automatically.

## How it works

| | |
| - | - |
| Price | Free |
| Setup | Automatic. You don't need to do anything |
| Renewal | Automatic. HostCloud renews it before it expires |
| Covers | Domains on your HostCloud hosting account that point to HostCloud |

AutoSSL checks your domains regularly. When a domain points to HostCloud, it issues a certificate for it and keeps renewing it.

> [!NOTE]
>
> Your domain must point to HostCloud before a certificate can be issued. If you've just changed your nameservers, give the change time to finish. See [How long DNS changes take to work](/dns/dns-propagation.md).

## Check your certificate

**1. Log in to cPanel**

See [Log in to cPanel](/cpanel/log-in-to-cpanel.md).

**2. Check the home page**

On the cPanel home page, **General Information** shows **SSL Certificate** for your main domain, with its status (for example **Active**) and a **View SSL Certificate** link.

**3. See all your certificates**

To check other domains, type **SSL/TLS Certificates** in the **Search Tools** box and open it.

You can also open your website in a browser. If the address starts with `https://` and shows a padlock, the certificate is working.

## No certificate yet?

> **My domain was added recently**
>
> Check that the domain points to HostCloud. See [Point your domain to HostCloud](/dns/point-domain-to-hostcloud.md). Once it does, AutoSSL will issue a certificate on its next check.

> **My DNS is with Cloudflare or another provider**
>
> The `A` records for your domain and `www` must point to your HostCloud hosting. If a proxy or other service sits in front of your site, AutoSSL may not be able to confirm the domain. See [Where to edit your DNS](/dns/where-to-edit-dns.md).

> **Only some addresses are covered**
>
> AutoSSL covers each domain and subdomain that points to HostCloud. A subdomain that points somewhere else won't get a certificate from us.

> [!TIP]
>
> Need a certificate with a company name check, or a warranty? Free AutoSSL certificates confirm the domain only. Paid SSL certificates are available in the Client Area under **Website & Security → SSL Certificates**.

Still stuck? [Open a ticket](/support/open-a-ticket.md) with your domain name.


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