How to Install an SSL Certificate on Namecheap (Full Guide 2025)

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If your website still says “Not Secure,” don’t panic. Installing an SSL certificate on Namecheap is easier than it looks once you know which file goes where. Here’s a clean, step-by-step guide that fixes the confusion.

Step 1: Activate your SSL

After purchasing your SSL from Namecheap, go to Dashboard → Products → SSL Certificates → Activate.
Choose the domain you want to protect. You’ll need a CSR (Certificate Signing Request)—most hosting panels like cPanel can generate it for you.

When generating the CSR:

  • Use your domain name exactly as you want it (with or without “www”).
  • Fill in country, organization, and email correctly.
  • Copy the full CSR text including -----BEGIN CSR----- lines.

Step 2: Validate your domain

Namecheap will ask you to verify domain ownership. You can do this by:

  • Email validation: click the link sent to admin@yourdomain.com or similar.
  • HTTP validation: upload a small file to your site’s root folder.
  • DNS CNAME validation: add a CNAME record in your Namecheap DNS panel.

Pick whichever is fastest. Once validated, your SSL will be issued.

Step 3: Download the certificate

When your SSL is issued, go back to the Namecheap SSL Certificates page and click Download Certificate.
Choose the .zip for “Apache + cPanel” option—it includes your .crt and bundle files. Keep them safe.

Step 4: Install via cPanel

  1. Log in to your hosting cPanel.
  2. Go to SSL/TLS → Install and Manage SSL for Your Site (HTTPS).
  3. Select your domain.
  4. Paste the contents of your certificate (.crt), private key, and CA bundle into their boxes.
  5. Click Install Certificate.

If everything matches, you’ll get a success message. Done!

Step 5: Test your installation

Visit your website using https://.
If you see the padlock, you’re good.
If it still says “Not Secure,” check:

  • The SSL was installed on the correct domain ( www vs non-www ).
  • Your hosting uses the right IP.
  • The certificate chain includes the CA bundle.

You can also test via SSL Shopper Checker.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Forgetting to include the private key that generated the CSR.
  • Uploading only the .crt file without the CA bundle.
  • Installing the SSL before DNS propagation finishes.
  • Using an outdated browser cache when checking the padlock.

Still stuck?

If your SSL still shows errors or self-signed messages, don’t waste hours digging through cPanel menus.
You can get it fixed within minutes—contact us and we’ll handle the installation for you.