1. FAQ
  2. Public Trust and Certificates
  3. How do I Install a TLS/SSL Certificate?
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Public Trust & Certificates

How do I install a
TLS/SSL certificate?

How do I install a TLS/SSL certificate?

A TLS/SSL certificate is a text file with encrypted data that you need to install on your server so that you can encrypt and secure private communications between your site and your customers. After you have ordered a certificate and we have validated your identity by contacting you, we issue your TLS/SSL certificate via email or you can also download your certificate in your DigiCert® CertCentral account.

For more detailed instructions on how to install a TLS/SSL certificate on your specific server, please see our Certificate Installation Instructions webpage. At the bottom of the page, select the server platform you are installing your certificate to and carefully follow all of the instructions. If you have any questions, you can contact our Support team. They will be happy to assist you with the installation.

How do I download my TLS/SSL certificate files?

Once your certificate is issued you can download your certificate files from inside your DigiCert CertCentral® Account. First you need to login using the same username and password you used when you placed your certificate order. Then simply view the details of the order that has been processed. You will see the "Download Certificate As" button on the right-hand side of the order details page. When you click on that button, you will get options as to the file format to download the certificate information. Choose the type that fits your needs.

How can I install my Wildcard certificate to more than one server?

Once you have the certificate installed to your first server, it should be possible to export the wildcard certificate to backup files and import the certificate to your other servers. For our instructions on how this is done, please see the Wildcard SSL installation instructions for additional servers.

My certificate works, but my visitors get a security alert. What is the problem?

There is something wrong with the installation of your certificate. When correctly installed it will not give any warnings.

Have you installed both the root and intermediate certificates?

Incomplete installation is most likely the cause of the alert you are receiving.

Have you restarted the server since the certificate was installed?

Please reference our SSL Certificate Installation Instructions. You will need to select your Server Platform in the menu on the left.

Please feel free to contact our support team so that we may further assist you if you still experience problems.

I lost my private key. Can I get my certificate reissued for a new one?

We offer free reissues for the lifetime of every certificate we issue. Go here to read the full instructions on how to reissue your certificate.

Do I need a unique IP address for my secure site?

Yes. The TLS/SSL protocol is designed to use IP-based mapping. SSL does not support host headers. Therefore, you should have a unique IP address assigned to your secure site.

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