A Beginner's Guide to SSL Certificate Renewal for WordPress Sites
Maintaining a valid SSL certificate is essential for any website owner. When this security credential expires, visitors encounter browser warnings indicating potential safety risks, which can damage both user trust and search engine visibility.
Fortunately, the renewal process is straightforward. Many WordPress experts have successfully guided users through SSL certificate updates, and the following instructions will help you complete this task efficiently.
Understanding SSL Certificates and the Importance of Timely Renewal
An SSL certificate serves as a digital verification for your website, establishing encrypted communication between your server and visitors' browsers. This encryption protects sensitive information such as login details and payment data from interception.
These certificates typically remain valid for one to two years, though some providers issue certificates with shorter durations. Let's Encrypt certificates, for example, require renewal every 90 days.
Failure to renew before expiration triggers security alerts in web browsers, potentially driving visitors away and negatively impacting your site's traffic and search rankings. Keeping your SSL certificate current ensures both security and optimal user experience.
This guide covers two primary renewal approaches:
- Method 1: Automatic Renewal Through Hosting Provider (Recommended)
- Method 2: Manual SSL Certificate Renewal
Method 1: Automatic Renewal Through Hosting Provider
Most web hosting companies include SSL certificates with their hosting packages, often with automatic renewal features. You typically receive email notifications when renewal is approaching, but you can also initiate the process manually through your hosting control panel.
For example, many hosting providers feature a dedicated renewal section where you can select your SSL certificate and proceed with the renewal process. After locating the appropriate section, you can choose your certificate and click the renewal button to continue.
Following selection, complete the checkout process to finalize your renewal. Some providers allow you to extend the certificate validity for multiple years or configure automatic renewal settings for future periods.
Method 2: Manual SSL Certificate Renewal
For situations requiring manual renewal, the process involves generating a new certificate request and installing the updated certificate. While specific steps vary between providers, the general procedure remains consistent across most hosting environments.
Step 1: Create a New Certificate Signing Request (CSR)
Begin by accessing your hosting account and navigating to your website management area. Look for settings related to your specific site, then locate the advanced configuration section where server management tools are available.
Within the advanced settings, access the control panel interface where security options are managed. This area typically contains tools for domain management, email configuration, and security certificate administration.
Once in the control panel, proceed to the security section and select the SSL/TLS management option. This area contains tools for certificate generation and management.
Locate the Certificate Signing Request (CSR) generation tool. A CSR is a cryptographic file containing your website's identification information, which certificate authorities use to verify your domain ownership before issuing new certificates.
Complete the required information fields, including:
- Domain name
- Geographic location details
- Organization information
- Contact email address
You may also include an optional passphrase for additional security verification. Once all fields are completed, initiate the generation process.
Upon successful generation, you'll receive confirmation along with the CSR code. This encrypted text block contains the necessary information for your certificate authority to process your renewal request.
Save this code securely, as you'll need to submit it to your certificate provider to complete the renewal process. Following submission, your provider will verify the information and issue your renewed SSL certificate, which you can then install through your hosting control panel.
