Introduction
The SSL/TLS Status tool in cPanel provides a quick and detailed overview of the Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) status of your domains and subdomains. It helps you verify whether your websites are protected by valid SSL certificates, whether those certificates are active, expired, or missing, and it allows you to enable AutoSSL to automatically secure your domains.
This article explains how to use the SSL/TLS Status feature to monitor, manage, and troubleshoot your site’s SSL coverage.
Why Is SSL Important?
SSL encrypts communication between your website and its visitors, securing sensitive data such as:
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Login credentials
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Credit card and payment details
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Personal and contact information
Having valid SSL installed:
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Ensures your domain uses HTTPS
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Displays the secure padlock icon in browsers
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Helps you comply with security standards and improve SEO rankings
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Prevents browser warnings like “Your connection is not private”
How to Access SSL/TLS Status
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Log in to your cPanel account
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Scroll down to the Security section
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Click on SSL/TLS Status
This page will show a list of all domains and subdomains on your account, along with their SSL status.
Understanding the SSL/TLS Status Page
Each domain will have one of the following icons or labels:
| Icon/Label | Meaning |
|---|---|
| ✅ Green Lock | Valid SSL certificate is installed and active |
| ❌ Red Warning | SSL certificate is missing or invalid |
| ⚠️ Yellow Triangle | SSL installed but expiring soon or partially misconfigured |
| ???? Pending | AutoSSL is in progress or queued for renewal |
Other info shown:
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Certificate issuer (e.g., Let's Encrypt, Sectigo)
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Expiry date
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Type of certificate (AutoSSL, manually installed, wildcard, etc.)
How to Enable AutoSSL
AutoSSL is a free feature that automatically installs and renews SSL certificates for your domains.
To enable AutoSSL:
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Select the domains you want to secure
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Click Run AutoSSL
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cPanel will attempt to issue and install SSL certificates for the selected domains
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Wait a few minutes and refresh the page to see updated status
AutoSSL typically uses Let’s Encrypt or cPanel’s default provider depending on your host.
How to Troubleshoot SSL Issues
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| SSL expired | Run AutoSSL or reissue certificate manually |
| Mixed content warning | Ensure all images/scripts load via HTTPS |
| DNS verification failed | Make sure domain points to your hosting server |
| Subdomains not secured | Use wildcard SSL or manually secure each one |
| No padlock icon | Force HTTPS with .htaccess redirect or plugin (e.g., Really Simple SSL for WordPress) |
Redirect HTTP to HTTPS
SSL only works if your site is accessed via HTTPS. To force HTTPS:
Option 1 (in .htaccess):
Option 2: Use Redirects in cPanel or your CMS (WordPress plugin, etc.)
Best Practices
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Use AutoSSL for easy, hands-free SSL management
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Check SSL status regularly for expiring or invalid certificates
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Redirect all traffic to HTTPS to avoid mixed content and improve SEO
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Use wildcard or multi-domain certificates if you have many subdomains
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If using third-party SSL, make sure to renew before expiration
Conclusion
The SSL/TLS Status tool in cPanel makes it simple to track and manage SSL certificates for all your domains. Whether you're using free AutoSSL or a premium certificate, this interface helps ensure your website is always secure and up-to-date — a critical step in protecting user data and maintaining trust.
