Get Free SSL Certificate with Let’s Encrypt

HTTPS is now expected by visitors and by search engines. Let's Encrypt makes it free and automatable.

Point your domain correctly

Certificates are issued for the domain that already resolves to your server.

• Create an A record for the domain.
• Add a www alias.
• Wait for DNS to propagate.

Install Certbot

Certbot requests the certificate and configures your web server for you.

• Install Certbot and the web server plugin.
• Run the interactive setup.
• Choose to redirect HTTP to HTTPS.

Add auto-renewal

Certificates last ninety days, so renewal must be automatic.

• Enable the renewal timer.
• Test with a dry run.
• Monitor expiry with a reminder.

Once HTTPS is active, update your site address and check for mixed content. Then enjoy the padlock.