Why enable SSL
An SSL certificate turns on HTTPS for your domain: data exchanged between visitor and server is encrypted, and the padlock appears in the browser. It's essential today, including for search ranking (Google penalises plain HTTP sites) and visitor trust.
Installing a Let's Encrypt certificate
From Websites & Domains, select the domain then the SSL/TLS Certificates option. Plesk integrates Let's Encrypt, a free and automated certificate authority:
- Choose "Get a free certificate from Let's Encrypt".
- Select the domains/subdomains to cover (the main domain,
www, and existing subdomains if needed). - Confirm — the certificate is generated and installed automatically, with no restart needed.
Automatic renewal
A Let's Encrypt certificate is valid for 90 days. Plesk handles renewal well before expiry — no action needed from you as long as the domain stays active and correctly configured in DNS.
Forcing the HTTPS redirect
Once the certificate is installed, enable the Permanent redirect to HTTPS option (often called HSTS, or simply "Redirect from HTTP to HTTPS") so every HTTP visit is redirected automatically, avoiding content reachable twice over both protocols.
Common installation error
A certificate installation error most often comes from a domain that doesn't yet point at the right server when the request is made (DNS propagation not finished). Wait for the domain's full propagation before requesting the certificate again.