How to Install SSL Cert on DirectAdmin?

DirectAdmin is a popular lightweight web hosting control panel that allows users to easily manage domains, e-mail accounts, databases, and SSL certificates.

By installing an SSL certificate on DirectAdmin, you will be able to create secure encrypted connections from the web server to the user (via HTTPS) and thereby provide a secure method of transferring sensitive information (e.g., user login information, eCommerce data). You will also improve trust in your website from users and improve SEO rankings for your website.

This guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to generate a CSR using DirectAdmin as well as how to install and set up the SSL certificate(s) after generating the CSR.

Prerequisites

Before you start the installation process, you must have the following prerequisites:

• You, together with an Administrator, reseller, or user-level access to your DirectAdmin Hosting account
• A valid SSL Certificate issued by a Certificate Authority (CA)
• The private key generated when you created the CSR 
• CA bundle or intermediate (intermediate) certificate files provided to you from your CA 
• Your domain name is correctly pointed to your hosting server

How to Generate a CSR in DirectAdmin?

Step 1: Open the SSL Certificate Tool

In DirectAdmin, CSR generation happens at the User Level. If you’re logged in as an Admin or Reseller, switch into the specific user account first.

Depending on your Skin:

• Evolution (default): Go to Account Manager > SSL Certificates
• Legacy/Enhanced Skins: Navigate to Advanced Features > SSL Certificates

Step 2: Choose “Create a Certificate Request”

Once you’re in the SSL Certificates section, select the radio option labeled “Create A Certificate Request.” This is the standard flow across all DA skins.

Step 3: Enter Your CSR Details

You’ll now see a form with several fields. Fill these out carefully:

• Common Name (CN): Your main domain (e.g., example.com).
  Use *.example.com if you’re requesting a wildcard for subdomains (limited to one level).
• Country / State / City: Use full, correct geographic names.
• Organization Name: This is required for OV and EV certificates: e.g., GPI Holding LLC. For DV, it’s optional.
• Division (Org Unit): This field is deprecated. You can leave it blank.

Step 3. Get the CSR

Double-check the fields you’ve just completed, then click Save.

DirectAdmin will now generate the CSR code and your private key.

Save the CSR code including the —–BEGIN CERTIFICATE REQUEST—– and —–END CERTIFICATE REQUEST—– header and footer using a text editor. You will send it to the Certificate Authority, and they will sign your certificate.

Steps for SSL Certificate Installation on DirectAdmin

Since you have received your SSL certificate files via email from your Certificate Authority (CA), you can now proceed to install your SSL certificate.

Follow the steps below to configure your certificate:

Step 1. Prepare your certificate files

Before beginning the installation process, you should prepare your SSL certificate file, your private key file, and the ca-bundle file for your certificate. You will need all three files to complete the installation of your SSL certificate.

Also remember that when you generated a certificate signing request (CSR), you also created a private key. The CA will provide you with the SSL certificate file and ca-bundle file in a compressed file.

Step 2. Log into your DirectAdmin Account

Assuming you’re logged in as the Admin user, switch your user level to User by using the “Switch to User” option on the right-hand side of the user interface.

Step 3. Paste your certificate and the Private Key

• Go to the Advanced Features section and click SSL Certificates
• Select the Paste pre-generated certificate and key option
• Next, you need to paste your Private Key including the —–BEGIN PRIVATE KEY—– and —–END PRIVATE KEY—– tags.
  If your private key is already filled in, proceed to the next step
• Paste your certificate together with —–BEGIN CERTIFICATE—– and —–END CERTIFICATE—– header and footer
• Double-check the codes you’ve just pasted and then click Save

Step 4. Install the certificate chain

Now, you need to install the certificate chain you received from your Certificate Authority.

• Return to the SSL Certificates menu and click on Click Here to paste the CA Root Certificate
• Copy and paste all the certificates from your CA-bundle file
• Tick the Use a CA Cert checkbox
• Hit the Save button

Step 5. Check the SSL Status

Make sure that the SSL is enabled for this domain. A message at the top of the SSL Certificates panel will display the SSL status. If SSL is disabled, click on the You can enable it here link.

Step 6. Complete the Installation

Now you should mark the Secure SSL checkbox and hit the Save button.

Your certificate is installed successfully using the DirectAdmin control panel.

Conclusion

Having the SSL certificate installed in DirectAdmin will give you an SSL-secured website with HTTPS encryption, protecting sensitive user information and increasing user trust and search engine ranking.

By properly generating a CSR, installing the SSL certificate, and creating the CA Bundle, you can provide a secure connection between your server and your website’s users.

For discounted pricing on SSL certificates and/or assistance with CSR generation, SSL installation, configuration, or troubleshooting, please contact our support.