How SSL Works on HostBarrel
SSL on HostBarrel is automatic: once a domain on your site points to HostBarrel, a free Let's Encrypt certificate is issued, installed and renewed for you. You only need to install a certificate yourself if you bought a premium one.
Automatic SSL
Every site on HostBarrel gets a free Let's Encrypt SSL certificate automatically. You don't need to install, configure, or renew anything - it's all handled by the platform.
How It Works
- When you add a domain to your site, HostBarrel verifies that the DNS is pointing correctly
- Once verified, a Let's Encrypt certificate is generated automatically
- The certificate is installed and nginx is configured for HTTPS
- Certificates are renewed automatically before they expire (every 90 days)
Checking Your SSL Status
Visit your site using https:// - if the padlock icon appears in your browser's address bar, SSL is active and working. You can also check your site's Domains tab, where each domain shows an SSL Active or SSL Pending badge; pending domains show a banner explaining what's still needed if you click it.
Custom SSL Certificates
If you have a premium SSL certificate (OV or EV), you can upload it from your site's Tools tab: open the Security category and click Add Custom SSL on the SSL Certificate card. See Activating a Purchased SSL Certificate (CSR & Validation) for the full steps.
Force HTTPS
To send every visitor to the secure version of your site, turn on Force HTTPS in the Security category of your site's Tools tab. When it's on, all http:// requests are redirected to https://. See Advanced Site Tools: Password Protection, Force HTTPS & More.
Troubleshooting
If SSL isn't working after adding a domain, make sure your DNS is pointing to HostBarrel and allow a few minutes for the certificate to be generated. If it still doesn't work after an hour, open a support ticket. My SSL Certificate Isn't Working walks through the common causes.
