How to Secure Your Website with a Namecheap SSL

Step-by-step guide to securing your website with an SSL from Namecheap , covering setup, options, and how to switch to HTTPS.
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Table of Contents

What Is an SSL Certificate?

An SSL certificate (Secure Sockets Layer) encrypts the connection between your website and your visitors. It’s what turns HTTP into HTTPS, adds the padlock icon in browsers, and prevents hackers from snooping on login forms, contact details, or credit card info.

Without SSL, your site shows as “Not Secure” in Chrome, Firefox, and Safari — and that’s a major trust breaker for users.

Why You Need SSL on Your Website

In 2025, SSL is a baseline requirement for every website — whether you run a blog, a portfolio, or an online store. Here’s why:

  • Boosts trust: Visitors feel safer when they see HTTPS
  • SEO benefit: Google ranks HTTPS sites higher
  • Data protection: Encrypts passwords, forms, and checkout pages
  • Browser compliance: Avoids scary browser warnings

For ecommerce, SSL isn’t just helpful — it’s legally required for PCI compliance.

Browse SSL plans at Namecheap

Free vs Paid SSL: What’s the Difference?

Namecheap offers both free SSL and premium SSL certificates — but they serve different use cases.

Feature Free SSL (AutoSSL) Paid SSL (PositiveSSL, EV, etc.)
Price Included with hosting From $5.98/year
Validation Level Domain only DV, OV, and EV options
Warranty None Up to $1.75M depending on cert
Support Limited Priority support
Trust Boost Basic padlock only Full validation + seal + green bar (EV)

If you’re running a blog or portfolio, free SSL may be enough. But for online stores or businesses that want to build serious credibility, a paid certificate is a smarter move.

Compare Namecheap SSL options here

Step-by-Step: How to Install SSL on Namecheap

Whether you’re using Namecheap hosting or just bought a domain, adding SSL is easier than you think. Here’s how to do it — whether you’re using AutoSSL (free) or a premium SSL product.

Option 1: Install Free SSL (AutoSSL with Namecheap Hosting)

If you’re using Namecheap’s shared hosting, AutoSSL is included and can be enabled in just a few clicks.

  1. Log in to your Namecheap account
  2. Go to your Hosting List → “Manage” next to your plan
  3. Scroll to the SSL section and click “Enable AutoSSL”
  4. Wait for the padlock to appear — usually within 10 minutes

Your site will now load over HTTPS automatically. This method is ideal for personal websites, portfolios, and early-stage blogs.

Option 2: Install a Paid SSL Certificate

If you purchased a PositiveSSL, EssentialSSL, or EV certificate, you’ll need to activate it first — but Namecheap walks you through each step.

  1. Log in to your account and go to SSL Certificates
  2. Click “Activate” on the cert you purchased
  3. Paste in your CSR (Certificate Signing Request) — provided by your hosting panel or cPanel
  4. Select the web server type (usually Apache or cPanel)
  5. Choose a validation method (email or DNS — both explained)
  6. Once approved, download the SSL files and install via cPanel or hosting dashboard

Using cPanel? Here’s how to finish the install:

  1. Log in to cPanel → Click “SSL/TLS”
  2. Choose “Manage SSL sites”
  3. Paste your Certificate, Private Key, and CA Bundle
  4. Click “Install Certificate” → Done

Force HTTPS Redirect (Optional but Recommended)

Once SSL is active, you’ll want your site to always load securely. You can do this via .htaccess or a plugin (if using WordPress).

  • cPanel method: Use “Redirects” to set HTTPS as default
  • WordPress method: Install a plugin like Really Simple SSL

Check If SSL Is Working

Use an SSL checker like SSL Shopper or visit your site in Chrome. Look for:

  • Green padlock in address bar
  • HTTPS in your site URL
  • No “mixed content” warnings (can be fixed with a plugin)

Buy and install your SSL certificate from Namecheap

Common SSL Installation Mistakes (and Fixes)

  • Forgetting to update URLs: Use a search-replace plugin in WordPress to swap http → https
  • Mixed content warnings: Caused by old scripts or images still using http links
  • Wrong CSR format: Make sure your CSR is generated correctly in cPanel or via terminal

What If I’m Not Using Namecheap Hosting?

You can still buy an SSL certificate from Namecheap and install it on another hosting provider. You’ll just follow a slightly different installation path using your host’s panel or SSH access.

Explore all SSL certificates here

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I install SSL on Namecheap?

If you’re using Namecheap hosting, you can enable AutoSSL for free in your dashboard. It installs automatically. If you’ve purchased a paid SSL, you’ll go through a quick validation and paste the cert into cPanel. Both processes are beginner-friendly and well-supported.

Is SSL included with Namecheap?

Yes — if you’re on a Namecheap hosting plan, free AutoSSL is included and easy to activate. You can also purchase premium SSL certificates separately for added validation, branding, and warranty coverage.

How to enable HTTPS on my site?

Once SSL is installed, either via AutoSSL or a manual certificate, your site should start loading over HTTPS. To ensure consistency, set up a redirect or use a plugin like “Really Simple SSL” in WordPress. This ensures all pages default to HTTPS.

What’s the difference between PositiveSSL and AutoSSL?

AutoSSL is free, basic, and valid for shorter periods. It’s great for small personal sites. PositiveSSL is a paid certificate with more trust indicators, a warranty, and better support — ideal for businesses, stores, and high-traffic websites.

Does SSL help SEO?

Yes. Google uses HTTPS as a ranking factor. Even a free SSL helps boost your credibility in search — and it prevents browser warnings that could push users away.

How long does SSL installation take?

Free AutoSSL usually activates within 10–30 minutes. Paid SSLs may take 1–3 hours depending on how fast you complete the domain validation steps. Once installed, the certificate is active for one year (unless you renew or upgrade).

Final Thoughts

Adding SSL to your website is no longer optional — it’s expected. Whether you’re a blogger, entrepreneur, or small business, your visitors want the security of that little padlock in the address bar.

Namecheap makes the process simple, affordable, and accessible for everyone — no coding skills required.

Here’s what you get with Namecheap SSL:

  • Free AutoSSL with all hosting plans
  • Premium SSLs from just $5.98/year
  • Quick validation and setup
  • Options for DV, OV, EV certificates
  • 24/7 live support and step-by-step guides

Whether you’re securing a landing page, launching a store, or adding credibility to a client site — a Namecheap SSL certificate delivers peace of mind without the price tag most registrars charge.

Good for:

  • First-time site owners
  • WordPress users
  • Ecommerce stores
  • Agencies managing multiple clients

Secure your website now with a Namecheap SSL

Your visitors (and Google) expect your site to load over HTTPS. Get started in minutes — with free or premium SSL options that suit your project and budget.

View Namecheap SSL plans and pricing here

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