---
title: Get a free SSL certificate
description: "A free certificate is requested automatically once the domain points at your hosting. Browsers then show the lock. It can take a few minutes after DNS is correct. A temporary certificate may show until the free one is issued. ###…"
url: "https://getsimple.net/knowledgebase/free-ssl/"
updated: "2026-09-18"
category: Get Started
---

# Get a free SSL certificate

A free certificate is requested automatically once the domain points at your hosting. Browsers then show the lock.

It can take a few minutes after DNS is correct. A temporary certificate may show until the free one is issued.

### If the lock is missing

1. Open your [hosting panel](/knowledgebase/open-hosting-panel/)
2. Open **Websites**
3. Select the site
4. Open **Advanced**, then **Security**
5. Scroll to **SSL certificates**
6. Open the menu next to the domain
7. Select **Request Let's Encrypt Certificate**

### If the request fails

- The domain’s A record (and www) must point at this hosting
- Wait for DNS to finish updating, then request again
- Pause a proxy or extra CDN in front of the site until the certificate issues

A certificate you bought elsewhere can be installed under the same SSL list. Most sites do not need that.

### Need help?

See [Get Help](/knowledgebase/get-help/).