How to Enable AutoSSL for all Users from WHM Panel

Enabling AutoSSL for all users from the WHM (Web Host Manager) panel is an efficient way to ensure that all hosted websites have SSL certificates, providing secure HTTPS connections. This feature is especially beneficial for web hosts. It helps in automating the process of securing websites without the need for manual intervention. 

Below are the steps to enable AutoSSL for all users in the WHM panel, along with some additional details and considerations.

Step-by-Step Guide to Enable AutoSSL in WHM

Step 1: Access WHM

Log into your WHM panel. 

You can usually do this by navigating to 

`https://yourserverIP:2087` 

or 

`https://yourdomain:2087` 

Use your root or reseller account credentials to log in.

Step 2: Locate AutoSSL Configuration

Use the search bar on the left side of the WHM interface to search for "AutoSSL."

It will filter the options and make it easier to find. 

Click on “Manage AutoSSL” under the “SSL/TLS” section.

Step 3: Choose the AutoSSL Provider

In the “Manage AutoSSL” interface, you will see options for choosing your preferred AutoSSL provider. The most common and recommended options are:

cPanel (powered by Sectigo)

This is a commercial SSL provider offering free certificates through cPanel.

Let’s Encrypt™

A popular open-source SSL provider offering free SSL certificates.

Select your preferred provider by clicking the radio button next to it.

Note that you might need to install the Let’s Encrypt provider if it’s not available. It can be done from the WHM’s “Manage AutoSSL” page, which provides an installation link.

Step 4: Configure AutoSSL Settings

After selecting the provider, scroll down to the “Options” section to configure the AutoSSL settings according to your needs.

Key settings include:

- Enable AutoSSL for All Users: Ensure this option is checked to apply AutoSSL to all users.

- Allow AutoSSL to replace invalid or expiring non-AutoSSL certificates : This ensures that AutoSSL can take over and replace any expiring or invalid certificates with new ones.

- Do not replace valid certificates: Checking this option prevents AutoSSL from replacing certificates that are still valid, avoiding unnecessary changes.

Additionally, you can customize the notification settings to receive alerts regarding the status of AutoSSL operations.

Step 5: Review and Save Changes

Click the “Save” button at the bottom of the page to apply your settings.

Step 6: Manage Users and Domains

To ensure all users and their domains are covered, you can manually check each user’s AutoSSL status. 

Navigate to the “Manage Users” tab within the “Manage AutoSSL” page.

Here, you can enable or disable AutoSSL for individual users, although it should already be enabled for all users if you select the global option.

Step 7: Force AutoSSL Run

If you want to force AutoSSL to run immediately, you can do so from the command line.

Access your server via SSH and run:

/usr/local/cpanel/bin/autossl_check --all

This command will initiate the AutoSSL process for all users and domains, ensuring that SSL certificates are issued or renewed as needed.

Additional Considerations

- Monitoring and Logs

Monitoring AutoSSL activity is crucial to ensure that all domains are properly secured. 

WHM provides logs that can be accessed through the “AutoSSL Logs” section. 

Reviewing these logs helps identify any issues during the SSL installation process.

- Handling Errors

Occasionally, AutoSSL might encounter issues such as DNS misconfigurations, domain validation errors, or rate limits. Regularly checking the AutoSSL logs can help you quickly identify and resolve these issues.

- Renewals and Expirations

AutoSSL automatically renews certificates before they expire. It’s important to keep an eye on renewal notifications to ensure there are no disruptions. 

This automation helps maintain continuous SSL protection without manual intervention.

Benefits of Enabling AutoSSL

- Enhanced Security

AutoSSL ensures that all websites have up-to-date SSL certificates. Thus providing secure HTTPS connections and protecting data integrity and privacy.

- Improved SEO

Search engines like Google prioritize secure websites, potentially improving search engine rankings for sites with SSL certificates.

- User Trust

Websites with SSL certificates display a padlock icon in the browser’s address bar. Thus enhancing user trust and confidence.

- Ease of Management

Automating SSL certificate issuance and renewal reduces administrative overhead and minimizes the risk of human error.

To Sum it Up!

Enabling AutoSSL in WHM is quite easy, and it is highly recommended because it provides numerous advantages, including security, user confidence, and convenience. By following the steps described above, web hosts are guaranteed that all hosted domains are automatically protected by SSL certificates, thus creating a problem-free experience for users.