How to Set Up Let's Encrypt Wildcard Certificates in CloudPanel?

• What are Wildcard Certificates?

• Comparison Between Wildcard vs. Multi-Domain Certificates in CloudPanel

• How Let's Encrypt Wildcard Certificates Work in CloudPanel?

• Benefits of Using Let's Encrypt Wildcard Certificates in CloudPanel

• 2 Methods to Get a Let's Encrypt Wildcard Certificate with CloudPanel

• Latest Trends in Let's Encrypt Wildcard Certificates for 2025

• 3 Strategies to Make Server Logs Accessible for Certificate Management in CloudPanel

• Security Best Practices for Let's Encrypt Wildcard Certificates in CloudPanel

• Common Problems with Let's Encrypt Wildcard Certificates in CloudPanel

• FAQs

• Summary

What are Wildcard Certificates?

Wildcard certificates secure a domain & its subdomains with a single SSL/TLS certificate.

A certificate for '*.example.com' secures all subdomains with a single setup. Examples include "blog.example.com", "shop.example.com", and "api.example.com". Wildcard certificates provide broader coverage with simpler management that secures one domain. They do need specific setup procedures that differ from regular certificates.

Key features include:

• Reduces administrative overhead: Fewer certificates to track, renew, or configure.
• Ideal for scalable environments: Great for platforms including SaaS apps or multi-tenant sites.
• DNS-based validation required: Uses the DNS-01 challenge, unlike HTTP-based validation for standard certs.
• Let's Encrypt support with automation: Simplifies wildcard issuance and renewal via DNS integrations.
• Improved operational security: Centralized certificate management reduces configuration errors across subdomains.

Comparison Between Wildcard vs. Multi-Domain Certificates in CloudPanel

Feature/Keyword	Wildcard Certificate in CloudPanel	Multi-Domain (SAN) Certificate in CloudPanel
What It Covers	All subdomains of a single domain (e.g., '*.yourdomain.com' covers 'blog.yourdomain.com' and 'shop.yourdomain.com')	Many separate domains & subdomains (e.g., 'yourdomain.com', 'mysite.com', & 'blog.otherdomain.com')
Best Use Case	SaaS systems, multi-tenant platforms, & businesses with lots of subdomains under one main domain	Agencies, multi-brand companies, and organizations managing many different domains
DNS Challenge	Requires 'DNS-01 challenge' for validation	Supports 'HTTP-01' or 'DNS-01' challenge, offering more flexibility
Setup Difficulty	More complex; needs DNS record changes for validation	Easier; can use HTTP validation, less DNS hassle
Root Domain Coverage	Not included by default; must add "root domain" if you want it secured	Each 'domain' and 'subdomain' must be set up, including "root domains"
Scalability	Unlimited subdomains at one level under a single domain	Up to a hundred domains/subdomains per certificate (limit set by 'CA')
Management	One certificate for all subdomains; no need to reissue for new subdomains	One certificate for several domains; must reissue to add new domains/subdomains
Validation Levels	Domain Validation (DV) and Organization Validation (OV) only; no Extended Validation (EV)	Available in DV, OV, and EV options
Cost	Usually higher upfront, but lower management cost for lots of subdomains	More cost-effective for many domains, but the price increases with more domains added
Server Compatibility	Can be set up on several servers	Can be set up on various servers; SNI support may be necessary for some setups
Wildcard Certificate Limitation	Only covers one level of subdomains (e.g., *.yourdomain.com covers "a.yourdomain.com" but not b.a.yourdomain.com)	List each domain or subdomain that must be set up; you can mix domains and subdomains in one cert

How Let's Encrypt Wildcard Certificates Work in CloudPanel?

Let's Encrypt uses the ACME protocol. It lets you verify domain ownership before issuing a certificate. For wildcard certificates, you need:

• The ACMEv2 protocol
• DNS-01 challenge method for supported DNS providers
• DNS record access

CloudPanel simplifies this process. The system guides you through adding a TXT record to your DNS settings to prove domain control.

Benefits of Using Let's Encrypt Wildcard Certificates in CloudPanel

Benefits	Why It Matters	How It Works in CloudPanel
Affordable	Let’s Encrypt wildcard certificates are 100% free. You don't need to pay every year for a commercial wildcard SSL.	CloudPanel integrates with Let’s Encrypt. So you generate and install certificates at zero cost, straight from the dashboard.
Simplified Management	One wildcard certificate secures all your subdomains. You don't need to switch between dozens of separate certs for each subdomain.	Manage a single certificate for all subdomains in CloudPanel. Add or remove subdomains without touching your SSL settings.
Unlimited Subdomain Coverage	Secure any subdomain you create. You don't need to reissue or buy a new cert every time you launch a new subdomain.	Wildcard SSL covers any subdomain under your main domain (e.g., "*.yourdomain.com").
Automated Renewals	CloudPanel and Certbot handle renewals, so your wildcard certificate stays valid.	CloudPanel’s built-in automation works with Let’s Encrypt to renew certificates.
Fast, Hassle-Free Setup	Get SSL up and running in minutes. You don't need approvals and validation emails.	Click “New Let’s Encrypt Certificate” in CloudPanel and set your domain. 'DNS-01 challenge for wildcard certs' is set up.
Industry-Standard Security	Let’s Encrypt uses strong TLS encryption and follows modern security best practices. Your users’ data stays private and secure.	Every certificate issued meets current encryption standards. CloudPanel ensures you use the latest protocols.
Automatic Integration	Works out of the box with CloudPanel’s server management. You don't need any complicated scripts or manual installs.	CloudPanel’s SSL/TLS tab lets you issue, view, and manage Let’s Encrypt wildcard certificates in a few clicks.
Transparent & Trusted	Let every major browser and device trust Encrypt certificates. All certificates are available for transparency.	Users see the 'padlock' and know their site is secure. Public logs help prevent fraud and build trust.

2 Methods to Get a Let's Encrypt Wildcard Certificate with CloudPanel

Method 1: Use the Certificate Manager for Let's Encrypt Wildcard Certificate Issuance

Step 1: Use CloudPanel's Certificate Manager

CloudPanel makes Certbot setup simple through the following steps:

1. Install CloudPanel on your server.
2. Access to your domain's DNS settings.
3. A registered domain (such as "example.com").
4. Log in to your 'CloudPanel dashboard' and go to the 'SSL/TLS Certificates' section.
5. Click "Add Certificate".
6. Select "Let's Encrypt" as the provider.
7. Choose the "Wildcard Certificate" option.

Note: CloudPanel installs the appropriate DNS plugins based on your provider.

Step 2: Set Up DNS Wildcard Record

In CloudPanel's DNS Management section:

1. Add a wildcard 'A record' pointing to your server's IP.
2. Use the format given below:

Record Type	Name	Value	TTL
A	*.example.com	203.0.113.1	3600

Step 3: Configure DNS Verification

CloudPanel helps with DNS verification with the following steps:

1. Go to 'Let's Encrypt Settings' in CloudPanel.
2. Enter your "DNS provider API credentials".
3. CloudPanel stores these for automated updates in a secure way.

Step 4: Get the Certificate

Through CloudPanel's interface:

1. Click "Request Certificate".
2. Enter both your "root domain" and "wildcard domain":

• example.com
• *.example.com

3. CloudPanel runs the DNS-01 challenge.
4. Watch the live log as CloudPanel adds the TXT record.

Note: You can store certificates in CloudPanel's secure certificate storage with your sites.

Method 2: Apply and Configure the Wildcard Certificate on Your Web Server

Step 1: Set Up CloudPanel's One-Click Process

CloudPanel configures your web server without coding:

1. In the CloudPanel dashboard, go to 'Sites'.
2. Select the "site" to use your wildcard certificate.

3. Click the 'SSL/TLS' tab.

4. Choose your wildcard certificate.
5. Apply changes.

Note: CloudPanel handles all the configuration details for Apache/Nginx without any code.

Step 2: Configure Manual Apache

1. If you prefer to configure Apache in a manual way, use the code given below:

<VirtualHost *:443>

    ServerName example.com

    ServerAlias *.example.com

    SSLEngine on

    SSLCertificateFile /etc/letsencrypt/live/example.com/fullchain.pem

    SSLCertificateKeyFile /etc/letsencrypt/live/example.com/privkey.pem

</VirtualHost>

2. Restart Apache using sudo systemctl restart apache2.

Step 3: Configure Manual Nginx Setup

1. If you prefer to configure Nginx in a manual manner, run the code given below:

server {

    listen 443 ssl;

    server_name example.com *.example.com;

    ssl_certificate /etc/letsencrypt/live/example.com/fullchain.pem;

    ssl_certificate_key /etc/letsencrypt/live/example.com/privkey.pem;

}

2. Restart Nginx via sudo systemctl restart nginx.

Step 4: Perform Automated Certificate Renewal

Let's Encrypt certificates last '90 days'. Short-lived certificates last 6 days, making automation necessary. CloudPanel handles this for you by letting you:

1. Set up renewal jobs.
2. Check certificates daily and renew them 30 days before expiry.
3. Reload your web server without downtime.
4. Display the renewal status in the dashboard.

You don't need to create cron jobs or scripts. It is because CloudPanel manages the entire renewal process.

Latest Trends in Let's Encrypt Wildcard Certificates for 2025

Trends	What’s New	Why It Matters for CloudPanel Users
Short-Term Certificates (6-Day Lifetimes)	Let’s Encrypt wildcard certificates include a '6-day option' with the '90-day option'.	Shorter lifetimes mean less risk if a private key leaks. If someone steals your key, they only have a few days before the cert is useless. CloudPanel’s automation makes frequent renewals a non-issue.
IP Address Support	You can secure IP addresses with Let’s Encrypt wildcard certificates. No need to use a domain name for internal APIs or microservices.	Great for internal services, APIs, and dev environments where you don’t want to expose a domain. CloudPanel users can secure 'domains' and 'IPs' with the same automation.
No More Renewal Reminder Emails	Let’s Encrypt stops sending renewal reminder emails for wildcard certificates.	You can’t rely on email alerts anymore. Automated renewal in CloudPanel is necessary. If you’re not using automation, your SSL could expire without warning.
Improved Automation & Integration	CloudPanel and Certbot keep getting tighter with Let’s Encrypt. Renewals, installs, and updates are more flexible than ever.	You spend less time on SSL busywork. Everything works, & you get instant updates on your certificate status right in CloudPanel.
Wildcard & IP Combo Coverage	Combine wildcard domain coverage with IP address support in Let’s Encrypt certificates.	One cert to rule them all. Secure every subdomain & your backend IPs with a single, automated process in CloudPanel.
Security-First Defaults	Let’s Encrypt enforces strict defaults if anything appears suspicious. Examples include stronger ciphers, better protocols, and instant revocation.	Your wildcard certificates in CloudPanel are up-to-date with the latest security best practices.
Transparent Certificate Logging	Log every wildcard certificate for transparency and trust.	You can track every cert issued for your domains, spot fraud, and show customers you’re legit. CloudPanel makes it easy to view and audit these logs.

3 Strategies to Make Server Logs Accessible for Certificate Management in CloudPanel

1. Clear Dashboard for Logs

CloudPanel displays the following certificate information in an intuitive dashboard:

• When certificates became active
• When renewals succeeded or failed
• DNS challenge results
• Error messages in plain language

You can track your wildcard certificate status without complex command-line knowledge.

2. Find Problems Fast

When issues arise, CloudPanel helps you troubleshoot in the following ways:

• See logs filtered for certificate events.
• Find entries specific to your domain.
• Read error messages in clear language.
• Identify which DNS records need modification.

This process simplifies wildcard certificate troubleshooting compared to parsing raw server logs.

3. Send Alerts Without Email

CloudPanel's alert system becomes necessary for the following reasons:

• Dashboard notices when renewal fails
• Warnings before certificates expire
• Messages about DNS configuration issues
• Success confirmations when everything works

These alerts prevent certificate problems from disrupting your websites.

Security Best Practices for Let's Encrypt Wildcard Certificates in CloudPanel

Security Best Practice	Explanation	Practical Tips for CloudPanel Users
Control Your Subdomains	Use wildcard certificates only for subdomains you control. Wildcards cover all first-level subdomains, so your cert could cover any unauthorized subdomain.	Audit your DNS to ensure no rogue subdomains exist. Limit who can create DNS records for your domain to trusted admins.
Track Subdomains	Keep an eye on subdomains you didn’t create. Unauthorized subdomains can open security holes if covered by your wildcard cert.	Use DNS monitoring tools/CloudPanel’s DNS management to detect unexpected subdomains early.
Protect Certificate Files and Private Keys	Restrict access to your wildcard certificate files and private keys. If compromised, attackers can impersonate any subdomain.	Set strict file permissions on cert/key files (e.g., chmod 600) and store keys to avoid sharing across users. Use CloudPanel’s built-in SSL management to control access.
Configure DNS Security (DNSSEC)	Add DNSSEC to your domain to prevent DNS spoofing and attacks.	Enable DNSSEC with your DNS provider. CloudPanel users should verify the 'DNSSEC status' daily to maintain trustworthiness.
Set Up Certificate Transparency Logs	Track who issues certificates for your domains using public CT logs. Detect fraudulent or unexpected certificates fast.	Use tools like CertSpotter or Google’s Certificate Transparency to track your domains. CloudPanel admins can integrate alerts for suspicious cert issuance.
Use DNS-01 Challenge	Let’s Encrypt wildcard certificates need DNS-01 validation. Secure your DNS API credentials and automate this process.	In CloudPanel, configure DNS credentials in a secure manner. Avoid manual DNS TXT record updates when possible to reduce human error.
Limit Wildcard Certificate Scope	Avoid using wildcard certificates for broad or unrelated domains. Keep wildcard certs scoped to specific, controlled domains.	Use multi-domain SAN certificates if you manage many unrelated domains.
Automate Renewal and Revocation	Automate certificate renewal to avoid expired certs & be ready to revoke certificates immediately.	CloudPanel’s Certbot integration handles renewals. Set up monitoring and quick revocation procedures within CloudPanel.
Harden CloudPanel and Server Security	Protect the CloudPanel environment to prevent attackers from accessing your certificates/DNS controls.	Use strong authentication and limit admin access. Also, keep CloudPanel and server software updated with security patches.
Educate Your Team	Ensure everyone understands wildcard certificate risks and follows security protocols.	Regular training on certificate management & DNS security best practices reduces human error risks.

Common Problems with Let's Encrypt Wildcard Certificates in CloudPanel

1. DNS Changes Taking Too Long

DNS updates need propagation time. So, verify your DNS records with:

dig _acme-challenge.example.com TXT

2. Certificate Not Working

If browsers reject your certificate:

• Verify that all certificate components exist.
• Confirm server configuration points to the correct files.
• Check if the certificate has expired.
• Ensure it covers the requested domain.

3. Renewal Problems

When automatic renewal fails:

• Check CloudPanel logs for specific errors.
• Verify DNS permissions remain valid.
• Check if your DNS API token has expired.
• Test with a manual renewal via the --dry-run flag.

FAQs

1. How to renew Let's Encrypt wildcard certificates in CloudPanel?

CloudPanel handles wildcard certificate renewals without manual intervention. The system checks certificates daily and initiates renewal 30 days before expiry. CloudPanel reloads your web server without downtime. Then, it displays renewal status in the dashboard when renewed.

2. Can Let's Encrypt wildcard certificates secure various levels of subdomains?

No. Let's Encrypt wildcard certificates cover one level of subdomains. For multi-level subdomain protection, you would need various wildcard certificates. You can also have a multi-domain (SAN) certificate listing all specific subdomains.

3. Can I automate wildcard certificate renewals in CloudPanel?

Yes, CloudPanel automates the wildcard certificate renewal process. Once set up, the system renews certificates without manual intervention. This process ensures your subdomains remain secure & up to date.

4. Does a wildcard certificate cover the main domain?

No, a wildcard certificate does not cover the main domain. You must include the main domain when requesting the certificate. A wildcard like "*.example.com" covers subdomains but not "example.com". So, include both if needed.

5. Are there limitations to Let's Encrypt wildcard certificates?

Yes, new subdomains sometimes need manual configuration to use the certificate. Wildcard certificates only support DNS-based validation. It might involve changes to your DNS settings.

Summary

Let's Encrypt wildcard certificates provide a free, effective way. CloudPanel simplifies the setup process, automates renewals, and offers clear logs for troubleshooting. These certificates help:

• Secure all first-level subdomains under a domain with one certificate, reducing management overhead.
• Automate certificate issuance, DNS verification, and renewals using a user-optimized dashboard.
• Manage several unrelated domains.
• Make DNS access and security (like DNSSEC and CT logs) necessary.
• Support IP coverage and a tighter security default update.

Consider CloudPanel to maintain proper security practices with Let's Encrypt wildcard certificates.