How do you disable SSL for a domain via DirectAdmin?

DirectAdmin is a web hosting control panel that looks like a graphic interface and contains automation for web hosting. Among the many functions it offers is the domain's SSL certificate management. SSL is the initial acronym for Secure Sockets Layer, and it is the protocol used to establish authenticated and encrypted connections between computers in networks. 

Nevertheless, there may be occasions where you want to disable SSL for a specific domain, and yes, DirectAdmin has a provision for this as well. This tutorial will show you how to turn the SSL off in a particular domain if you use DirectAdmin for your admin panel.

Prerequisites

Before you start, ensure that you have:

1. Access to DirectAdmin with appropriate permissions.

2. The domain for which you want to disable SSL.

Step-by-Step Guide to Disable SSL

Step 1: Log in to DirectAdmin 

1. Go to the website and enter the DirectAdmin login page. Typically, this will be something like http: do not indicate the usual URL format such as //your domain. com:2222.

2. Type in your DirectAdmin username and password, then press the "Login."

Step 2: Select the Domain

1. Once logged in, you will see the DirectAdmin dashboard.

2. Locate and click on the "User Level" option to access user-level settings if you are not already there.

3. Under "User Level," find and click on "Domain Setup."

Step 3: Access SSL Settings for the Domain

1. In the “Domain Setup” section, you will find information about the domains connected to your account. Select the domain you want to disable SSL by clicking on it.

2. You will be redirected to the page with the domain settings. Go to the next location, "SSL Certificates," then click on it.

Step 4: Disable SSL

1. In the "SSL Certificates" section, you will see various options related to SSL settings. Locate the checkbox or toggle switch that enables SSL for the domain. This is usually labeled as "Secure SSL" or "SSL enabled."

2. Uncheck the box or toggle the switch to disable SSL for the domain.

Step 5: Apply Changes

1. After disabling SSL, scroll down and click the "Save" or "Apply" button to confirm your changes. This will update the domain's settings and disable SSL.

2. Wait for the changes to propagate. This may take a few moments.

Step 6: Verify SSL is Disabled

1. To ensure that SSL has been successfully disabled, open a web browser and try to access your domain using https:>< Your Domain Name > com.

2. The next message you should see is a security warning or an error that the site is inaccessible via HTTPS. This confirms that the SSL has been disabled.

Additional Considerations

Redirect HTTP to HTTPS

If you have implemented redirection from HTTP to HTTPS, it must be undone or adjusted. This is often made through the use of the It depends on several factors such as the conforming property characteristics. The file, known as the .htaccess file, is in the root folder of your domain.

1. To delete files stored in a domain, a user can use an FTP, SSH connection, or file manager in DirectAdmin.

2. Locate the. Your mod_rewrite rule should be added to the .htaccess file on your domain's root directory.

3. Open the. The htaccess file and scan for lines with the character string that contains something like redirect from http to HTTPS, such as:

RewriteEngine On

RewriteCond %{HTTPS} off

RewriteRule (.*) https://%{HTTP_HOST}%{REQUEST_URI} [L,R=301]

1. Comment out these lines by adding a # at the beginning of each line or remove them entirely.

2. Save the .htaccess file and upload it back to the server if you are using an FTP or SSH client.

Browser Cache

Even if you disable SSL, you may find that the site is served over HTTPS due to browser caching. To fix this, clear your browser cache or try accessing the website in a private/hidden window.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

1. Changes Not Taking Effect:

-Ensure that you have properly saved the changes in DirectAdmin.

- Check if there is a server-level configuration enforcing SSL that overrides DirectAdmin settings.

2. Access Denied Errors:

- Verify that you have the necessary permissions to modify SSL settings in DirectAdmin.

- Ensure no .htaccess rules or server configurations are forcing HTTPS redirects.

3. Mixed Content Warnings:

You might see mixed content warnings if your site includes resources (such as images, scripts, or stylesheets) loaded over HTTPS. Update these resources to be loaded over HTTP or relative paths.

4. Re-enabling SSL:

If you need to re-enable SSL, follow the same steps, but check the "Secure SSL" box or toggle the switch back on and save the changes.

Conclusion

Disabling SSL for a domain via DirectAdmin is a straightforward process. Following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily turn off SSL and ensure your website is accessible over HTTP. Remember to address any redirects and clear your browser cache to implement the changes fully. If you encounter any issues, the troubleshooting tips should help resolve common problems.