How to Handle SSL Renewals with CloudPanel?

• Understanding SSL Certificate Renewals

• Why Timely SSL Renewal Is Important for Your Website?

• Different Types of SSL Certificates and Renewal Options

• Automating SSL Certificate Renewals for a Smooth Approach

• 7 Steps to Renew an SSL Certificate Manually

• Using CloudPanel to Simplify SSL Certificate Management and Log Access

• SSL Renewal Use Cases and Pricing in 2025

• 7 Ways to Reduce SSL Renewal Expenses

• FAQs

• Summary

Understanding SSL Certificate Renewals

SSL certificate renewals keep your website safe and trusted by visitors. If you do not renew on time, an expired SSL certificate may cause browsers to show warnings.

Renewing your SSL certificate maintains protection for your site by:

• Certificates have a fixed lifespan. You must renew them before they expire.

• When they expires, web browsers show a warning. This means the site is not secure.

• Renewing ensures that the data between your web server and users remains encrypted.

• Regular renewal keeps your site up to date with the latest protection standards.

• For custom certificates, start the renewal process approximately 30 days before expiration. Let’s Encrypt certificates auto-renew every 60 to 90 days in CloudPanel.

CloudPanel simplifies SSL certificate management by handling renewals and easing the setup process. This keeps your site safe without extra effort or the worry of expired certificates.

Why Timely SSL Renewal Is Important for Your Website?

Timely SSL renewal is necessary. It keeps your website’s security, visitor trust, and reliable performance. The browser will show a “Not Secure” warning when it expires. It can scare users and block access to key parts of your site.

Renewing the certificate on time supports:

• Showing a trusted certificate that builds user trust and keeps visitors on your site.

• Avoiding search engine penalties due to certificate expiration.

• Prevent outages by renewing your SSL certificate. An expired certificate can prevent logins, payments, or even access to the entire site.

• Using automated renewals or reminders to avoid missing the end date.

• CloudPanel handles the renewal and updating of Let’s Encrypt certificate files. A new Certificate Signing Request (CSR) is not required.

Whether your site has a DV, OV, or EV SSL certificate, planning for renewal is necessary for security. CloudPanel works with Let’s Encrypt to offer free, easy renewals for most users. Also, verify that your certificate is still valid. Then, install your renewed certificate before it expires.

Different Types of SSL Certificates and Renewal Options

CloudPanel supports Let’s Encrypt for DV and Wildcard certificates with automatic renewals. You can import custom certificates, such as OV, EV, or Multi-Domain. Renewing them needs help from your certificate provider.

I. Main Types of SSL Certificates

1. Domain Validated (DV) Certificates

These certificates only check that you own the domain. They work for blogs, personal sites, and small businesses. These users often need quick and cheap encryption. They issue it within minutes, and you do not need any paperwork.

2. Organization Validated (OV) Certificates

OV certificates verify both domain ownership and company details. They are great for business websites. They enable the sharing of company information and foster trust. Issuance takes a few days because it requires checking business documents.

3. Extended Validation (EV) Certificates

EV certificates involve the strictest checks, including legal and physical verification. They are for e-commerce, banking, or sites with sensitive info. They display the organization’s name in the browser bar. This type takes the longest to issue and incurs the highest cost.

II. Specialized SSL Certificate Types

1. Wildcard SSL Certificates

Wildcard certificates protect a main domain and all its subdomains using one certificate. They are suitable for websites with various subdomains, such as blog.site.com or shop.site.com.

2. Multi-Domain (SAN) SSL Certificates

These certificates secure several domains and subdomains using a single certificate. They are useful for organizations that run many websites or services.

3. Unified Communications Certificate (UCC)

UCCs are for Microsoft Exchange and Office Communications. They work like multi-domain certificates. They are rarely used in CloudPanel. If you need them, import them by hand.

III. SSL Certificate Renewal Options

1. Manual Renewal

To renew, request a renewal. Create a new Certificate Signing Request (CSR). Finally, install the renewed certificate. It gives you full control over the timing and process.

2. Auto-Renewal

With auto-renewal, the certificate provider renews your certificate before it expires. You often get email reminders. This option reduces the chance of accidental expiration and downtime.

Automating SSL Certificate Renewals for a Smooth Approach

Automating SSL certificate renewals keeps organizations and website owners' sites secure. This process maintains protection without any interruptions. It reduces mistakes, eases your workload, and keeps your site reliable.

I. How SSL Certificate Automation Works

Tools handle the whole renewal process, including:

• Let’s Encrypt: CloudPanel automates CSR generation, renewal requests, validation, and installation. To get custom certificates, you may need to generate a CSR through your provider.

• Renewal request to CA: The tool sends it to the Certificate Authority.

• Validation process: Validation can be automatic or may need a bit of manual help. This depends on the type of certificate, domain, or organization.

• Install the new certificate: Your server will be ready with the updated certificate. There will be no downtime.

II. Benefits of Automating SSL Certificate Renewals

• Prevents Expiration and Downtime: Automation ensures your certificate remains up-to-date. This way, you avoid outages and security warnings.

• Minimizes Human Error: Manual renewals may result in mistakes. It includes missed deadlines or incorrect setups. Automation stops this.

• Saves Time and Effort: Automation lowers IT workload and saves time.

• Maintain Security: A valid certificate instills confidence in users' data.

III. Example: Automating with Popular Providers

• Let’s Encrypt: Uses tools like Certbot to renew certificates every 60 to 90 days with no manual steps.

• CloudPanel: It utilizes Let’s Encrypt to renew DV and Wildcard certificates. It handles validation and installation without manual intervention.

• Enterprise Solutions: Companies like DigiCert offer smart automation tools. These tools help manage many certificates in complex systems.

7 Steps to Renew an SSL Certificate Manually

To renew custom certificates (such as OV, EV, or DV) in CloudPanel, follow the steps below. CloudPanel takes care of Let’s Encrypt certificate renewals for you. You no longer need to handle them yourself.

Step 1: Check the Expiration Date and Prepare

• Review the expiration date of your current SSL certificate.

• Start the renewal process early to avoid any security gaps.

• Back up your existing certificate and private key to keep them safe.

Step 2: Generate a New Certificate Signing Request

• Create a new CSR using your web server or control panel.

• This request contains your website’s details, and you need it to renew the certificate.

• Ask your hosting provider to help you create the CSR.

Step 3: Log in to the Certificate Provider’s Dashboard

• Sign in to your account using your SSL certificate provider credentials.

• Find the section where you manage or renew your certificates.

Step 4: Submit the Renewal Request

• Select the certificate to renew.

• Complete the renewal form.

• Make sure to upload the new CSR.

• Review all details with thorough attention before submitting.

Step 5: Complete Domain or Organization Validation

• Depending on the certificate type, you may need to confirm domain ownership. You might also need to provide business documents.

• Follow the provider's instructions. This may include confirming your email address, updating DNS settings, or uploading files.

Step 6: Download the Renewed Certificate

• Once you complete the validation, the provider will issue your renewed certificate.

• It will notify you by email or in your account.

• Download the certificate files to your device.

Step 7: Install and Test the Renewed Certificate

• Upload the renewed certificate to CloudPanel.

• Under the SSL/TLS tab, use the ‘Import Certificate’ option.

• Follow your provider’s instructions to replace the old certificate.

• Verify the installation.

• Use online SSL tools or your browser to ensure the certificate is valid. Ensure the site functions without issues.

Using CloudPanel to Simplify SSL Certificate Management and Log Access

Important Security Note: CloudPanel is a clean and modern server control panel. It’s built to help manage your websites, SSL certificates, and server logs. Its clear layout makes it easy to keep your site secure and running well. You spend less time and work.

I. Why CloudPanel Makes SSL Management Easier

Replace CloudPanel’s default self-signed certificate right after installation. Use a unique Let’s Encrypt or custom certificate. This helps avoid vulnerabilities from shared private keys (CVE-2023-0391).

• Centralized Management: Manage all your SSL certificates in one place. It supports Let’s Encrypt, Cloudflare’s proxy SSL, and other certificates.

• Quick Setup: Install and renew Let’s Encrypt certificates with one click. This allows you to avoid expired certificates and unnecessary tasks.

• CloudPanel supports free DV and Wildcard certificates from Let’s Encrypt. You can also import custom certificates, like DV, OV, and EV. Additionally, it works with Cloudflare’s proxy-based SSL in Full mode.

• To upload custom certificates, go to the ‘Actions’ menu. Then select ‘Import Certificate’ in the SSL/TLS tab. Here, you can upload your certificate, private key, and chain.

• Automatic Renewals: Let’s Encrypt certificates renew on their own. Once you set it up, do not think about renewing it again.

• Extra Security Options: Turn on features like HTTP Strict Transport Security (HSTS) and TLS 1.3. They improve your security rating.

II. How to Manage SSL Certificates in CloudPanel

• Choose the Type of Certificate

  1. Let’s Encrypt: Use the “New Let’s Encrypt Certificate” option for a free and automatic setup.

  2. Cloudflare: Turn on Cloudflare’s proxy and select “Full mode” to use Cloudflare’s proxy SSL.

  3. Purchased Certificate: Upload your certificate, private key, and chain in the SSL section.

• Issue or Import the Certificate

  1. For Let’s Encrypt, enter your domain and click to install.

  2. For other certificates, use the import feature to upload the files.

• Keep Track and Renew

  1. CloudPanel displays when certificates expire and whether users have renewed them.

  2. Let’s Encrypt renews itself. For others, check the dates and renew when needed.

• Turn On Extra Protection

  1. Enable HSTS to add a layer of security.

  2. Enable TLS 1.3 and disable older protocols to maintain your site's security.

III. Accessing Logs and Resolving Problems

• All Logs in One Place: You can view both server and website logs from the CloudPanel dashboard. This lets you find issues fast, such as SSL errors or missing pages.

• Check Error Logs for Issues: If a certificate has a problem, look at the error logs to find the issue. That makes it easier to fix.

• Real-Time Log View: You can view logs as they update in real-time. This allows you to address any performance or security concerns.

SSL Renewal Use Cases and Pricing in 2025

Certificate Type	Price Range (USD/year)	Typical Use Case
Single Domain (DV)	$8–$15	Ideal for a personal blog or small site that only requires securing one domain name.
Wildcard	$45–$180 (free with Let’s Encrypt in CloudPanel)	Secures the main website and all its subdomains with a single certificate.
Multi-Domain (SAN)	$20–$90	Secures several distinct domains with one certificate.
OV (Organization Validated)	$60+	This is perfect for business websites. It shows visitors that the system verifies them.
EV (Extended Validation)	$75+	A strong option for e-commerce and banking sites that want to build strong trust.

Note: Prices for custom certificates vary depending on the provider. Let’s Encrypt certificates are free. CloudPanel renews them without requiring any action from users.

7 Ways to Reduce SSL Renewal Expenses

1. Choose the Right Certificate Type for Your Needs

• Get Free SSL Certificates: You can get free DV SSL certificates from services like Let’s Encrypt. These are for most personal and small business websites.

• Avoid Overbuying: Buy wildcard, multi-domain, or EV certificates only if necessary. Single-domain provides effective server performance and results in lower costs.

2. Leverage Cloudpanel’s Let’s Encrypt Integration

Free SSL: CloudPanel provides free Let’s Encrypt DV and Wildcard certificates. They renew without any manual intervention. Use this feature to cut SSL costs.

3. Use Automation for Certificate Management

• Automate Renewals: Tools avoid outages and reduce manual work. This saves time and money.

• Cut Administrative Overhead: Automation lowers the chances of errors and missed renewals. This lets us avoid extra costs and downtime.

4. Negotiate or Seek Discounts

• Bulk Purchases: If you run many sites, ask about discounts for buying or renewing them. It offers several certificates at the same time.

• Promotions and Sales: Certificate sellers run sales, especially during holidays or cybersecurity months.

5. Consider Multi-Year or Coverage Plans

• Multi-Year Coverage: Some plans allow you to pay for several years upfront. This can save money compared to yearly renewals.

• Certificate Coverage Plans: Some sellers let you reissue certificates during the coverage period. This helps manage costs as lifespans get shorter.

6. Manage Certificate Usage

• Merge Certificates: Use wildcard or multi-domain certificates to cover many domains. It also supports subdomains with a single certificate. This lowers the number of renewals.

• Audit and Remove Unused Certificates: Check your list of certificates. Remove any that you no longer use. Remove anything you do not need.

7. Track Industry Changes

• Track Lifespan Reductions: Certificates will last fewer days (down to 47 days by 2029). Proper management and the use of automated tools. It helps avoid more renewals and reduces expenses.

• Adapt Early: Prepare for shorter certificate times. Use automation and take simple steps before deadlines hit.

FAQs

1. What does SSL renewal mean?

SSL renewal means getting a new SSL certificate before the old one runs out. This keeps your website protected. If you do not renew, visitors may see warnings. Renewing keeps data safe and your site trusted.

2. Can I renew an SSL certificate without downtime?

You can renew your SSL before it expires without stopping your website. Installing the new certificate early keeps your site safe. Visitors would not see any issues during this process.

3. What documents do you need to renew an SSL certificate?

It depends on the certificate type. Simple certificates only need domain ownership confirmation. Business certificates may need proof of your company's existence. Follow your provider’s instructions with great attention to detail.

4. Can I switch SSL providers when I renew my certificate?

You can choose a new provider when you renew your certificate. Get a new certificate and complete their checks. This can save money or add features. Renew on time to avoid problems.

5. How do I know when to renew my security certificate?

Check your SSL expiry date using online tools or your hosting panel. Many providers send email reminders before the expiry date. Tracking this helps you renew on time and avoid issues.

Summary

Renewing your SSL keeps your website safe. It updates the certificate before it expires. This avoids protection warnings and keeps visitors trusting your site. Renewing on time keeps your website protected. Consider these simple steps to keep your SSL certificates secure and up to date.

• Right Certificate Type: Choose a certificate that suits your website’s needs.

• Automate Certificate Management: Use systems to renew your certificates without tasks.

• Manage Certificate Usage: Use a single certificate for many domains to reduce costs.

Ready to keep your website protected with simple SSL renewals? Try CloudPanel Free Hosting today to manage your SSL certificates with ease.