SSL Certification in Four Simple Steps

Quick Answer

Choose or manage the certificate based on the hostnames you need to protect, the validation level, the server platform and whether you control DNS. Keep the private key secure, complete validation, install the full certificate chain and verify the live HTTPS connection before relying on the certificate.

Before You Begin

Identify every hostname the certificate must cover.
Confirm that you control DNS or the required validation channel.
Generate and securely retain the private key when a CSR is required.

NiceNIC Instructions

An SSL certificate must be activated after purchase. Installation instructions will be sent to you after activation. After that, you can use the NiceNIC Account Panel to manage your certificate. Buy It Start by purchasing the appropriate SSL certificate for your requirements. Select one of the categories mentioned above. Activate It You can instantly activate your SSL certificate after purchase through the Account Panel (or later, if you prefer.) During the activation process, the domain name and CSR code will be assigned.

Install It You will receive instructions on how to install your SSL certificate once it has been validated and issued. Please feel free to contact us by "Submit a Ticket" to ask for assistance in installing SSL certificate. Manage It Through your Account Panel, you can manage your SSL certificates, including renewal and reissuance.

How to Verify

Open the HTTPS site from a clean browser session and inspect the certificate subject, SAN hostnames, issuer, validity dates and chain. Test every hostname covered by the certificate and confirm that HTTP redirects behave as intended.

Troubleshooting

DNS validation records are missing, incorrect or added at the wrong DNS provider.
The certificate does not include the hostname being opened.
The private key does not match the certificate or CSR.
The server is missing an intermediate certificate or is still presenting the old certificate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reuse the same certificate after moving servers?

Often the certificate can be reinstalled if you still have the matching private key and the certificate remains valid. Reissue it when the key, CSR or certificate details must change.

Why does the browser still show the old certificate?

The server or load balancer may still present the old certificate, another virtual host may be selected, or an intermediate cache may not have reloaded the configuration.

When should I submit a ticket?

Submit a ticket when validation remains pending after the published records are visible, or when the NiceNIC order does not provide the expected certificate files.

Related NiceNIC Guides

If the issue continues after you complete the checks above, submit a NiceNIC support ticket with the affected domain or product, the exact error message, the time of the issue and the troubleshooting already completed.