How to install a self-signed SSL certificate

You can generate and install a self-signed SSL certificate directly within cPanel to enable HTTPS encryption for testing, staging, or internal applications. However, because this type of certificate is not issued by a trusted certificate authority (CA), public browsers will display security warnings to visitors, making it unsuitable for live production websites. Understanding this limitation ensures you use the certificate for its intended purpose without expecting full public trust.

How to generate and install a self‑signed SSL certificate in cPanel

1. Log in to cPanel.    
2. Select SSL/TLS under Security.
3. Select RSA, 2048-bit and click Save.  
4. Scroll down and select Generate, view, upload, or delete your private keys. 
5. Enter a description for the private key and click Generate.
6. A display message that says the private key has been generated as requested shows. Scroll down and click Return to SSL Manager.
7. Scroll down and click Generate, view, upload, or delete SSL certificates.
8. Fill in the boxes under Generate a New Certificate with the following information.
   • Key* - Choose Generate a new “RSA, 2,048-bit" key. 
   • Domain – Enter the domain name that the SSL certificate covers. Your subdomains may or may not be covered depending on your SSL package. Verify this with your SSL provider.  
   • City – Enter the city where the business is operating or registered. 
   • State - Enter the state where the business is operating or registered. 
   • Country - Choose the country where the business is operating or registered. 
   • Company – Enter the legally-registered name of your business. 
   • Email – Even if there is no [*] asterisk in this field, enter the email address where you can be contacted for verification of domain ownership. 
9. Click Generate.
10. A success message displays on the screen. Scroll down and click Return to SSL Manager.
11. Click Manage SSL sites.
12. Under Install an SSL Website, click Browse Certificates.
13. Select the SSL certificate generated from Step 9 on the list and click Use Certificate.
14. Scroll down and click Install Certificate.
15. A pop-up message stating that the SSL certificate has been successfully updated appears. Try accessing the website on a browser. The changes should take effect right away.