• Install SSL manager
• Enter security token
• Complete SSL activation
• Troubleshooting
• Upload guides
  • Wordpress plugin
  • cPanel File manager
• Uninstall SSL manager
• Remove all SSL and SSL manager configurations

SSL Manager automates the issuance and installation of Namecheap SSL on most cPanel hosting providers, not just Namecheap. It doesn't require root access or specific server configurations - only a cPanel environment is needed. If you encounter any issues, refer to the troubleshooting guide.

Unlike the Namecheap SSL cPanel plugin, which automatically installs SSL for domains added to Namecheap shared hosting. SSL Manager requires you to install it on your server first, and then it will handle the entire SSL process for certificates activated from your Account panel.

To use SSL Manager, activate the SSL from your Account panel > SSL Certificates and follow the installation instructions.

SSL Manager is available exclusively for direct Namecheap customers and cannot be used by reseller customers, as it doesn't integrate with the Namecheap API used by resellers.

Ensure your website is added to cPanel and pointed to your server for a successful SSL Manager installation.

Install SSL manager

After clicking "Activate" or "Reissue" in the Account panel > SSL Certificates, you'll be prompted to enter your website name and choose your SSL management option.

If you don't see this step, it means this option isn't available for your certificate.

You have 3 options to install SSL Manager:

1. For WordPress websites: the easiest method is to upload the plugin, just like any other Wordpress plugin.
   

   After installation, "SSL Manager" should appear in the WordPress admin sidebar:

   
   
   
2. For other websites: Upload ssl-manager.php file to the root folder of your domain or subdomain in cPanel file manager.

   What is the root folder?

   • For your main domain, the root folder is typically public_html or a folder with the exact name of your website.
   • For addon domains or subdomains, the root folder usually matches the domain or subdomain name exactly.

   You can double-check the root folder name in cPanel > Domains. If the domain or subdomain is added to cPanel, it will appear in the respective section with its folder shown in the Document Root column. If it's not listed, add it as an addon domain or subdomain, and make sure it points to your server before setting up SSL Manager.

   Verify the upload by clicking the link in the instructions: [yourwebsite]/ssl-manager.php

   
3. Command line: For users comfortable with the terminal, this option provides the same functionality as the previous methods. You can use your preferred terminal for installation instead of manually uploading files.

Note: If SSL Manager has already been used to issue and install SSL on this cPanel account, you can skip the installation step when activating more SSLs for domains on the same cPanel account. SSL Manager runs directly on the server. If you're unsure whether it's installed, you can repeat the installation. Doing so will speed up the SSL process by prompting SSL Manager to react immediately to the new SSL, rather than waiting for the scheduled check.

Enter security token

Regardless of how you installed SSL Manager, you must complete the setup by copying and adding the entire security token.

Enter the token in the SSL Manager WordPress plugin or on the ssl-manager.php page for other websites, then click "Submit".

Note: Do not share the security token with anyone.

Once you enter the token, you should see the "SSL Manager is running" message. Deleting the plugin is optional for WordPress sites. For non-WordPress sites, we recommend clicking "Delete the page". SSL Manager will continue running, and the plugin or ssl-manager.php is no longer required. When setup is complete, the token becomes invalid and is no longer needed.

Complete SSL activation

Once SSL manager is set up, click "Next" in the SSL activation flow

For OV/EV SSL certificates, you will be prompted to fill out a company contact form before completing the activation process. Your organization must be registered with public directories like DnB, Yellow Pages, or government registries to complete the business validation process. Be sure to fill out the form exactly as it appears in these public sources.

Click "Submit" to complete SSL activation.

The SSL status will change to "Validating" while we check the setup. It will change to "Pending" once the Certificate Authority begins verification. No further action is required. SSL will be issued and installed automatically.

• For domain-validated SSL: the certificate will be issued and installed within 15 minutes if your domain is already pointed to your cPanel and doesn't need DNS propagation. Otherwise, it may take up to 24 hours depending on the TLD. See how to check if your domain is pointed to the correct server.
• For OV/EV SSL: These certificates require business validation, which can take anywhere from 2 days to 2 weeks (learn more about OV process and EV process)

After SSL installation, an HTTPS redirect is automatically enabled, and the SSL status in the Account Panel > SSL Certificates list will change to "Installed".

Troubleshooting

SSL manager installation errors

If you encounter errors on [yoursite]/ssl-manager.php, in the WordPress plugin, or in the terminal (if using the command line), it likely means your server configuration isn't compatible with SSL Manager.

While we test on most common hosting setups, there may be some edge cases. Please contact us at sslsupport@namecheap.com with the error details, and we'll assist you.

Security token errors

The security token may not be accepted for two common reasons:

• Token wasn't copied fully: Make sure you have copied the entire security token. Use the "Click to copy" button to avoid errors.
• The token has expired: Tokens are valid for 24 hours. If more time has passed between starting the activation and entering the security token, refresh the SSL activation page to receive a new token.

If you continue to face issues, contact our support team for further assistance.

I get an error "SSL manager is not installed" in my Namecheap account

1. Check if your domain or subdomain is added to cPanel. Go to cPanel > Domains and make sure it's listed. Check the folder name in the "Document Root" column.
   
   
   
2. Make sure your domain is pointed to the cPanel server where SSL Manager is installed, and DNS is fully propagated
3. Reinstall SSL Manager by following the main instructions.
• For WordPress, upload the plugin again in your WordPress admin.
• For other sites, file from the SSL activation flow using cPane file manager to the folder shown in cPanel > Domains for your domain or subdomain. If it doesn't exist, create it using the "+Folder" button in File Manager.
• For other sites, use cPanel File Manager to upload the ssl-manager.php file (from the SSL activation flow) to the folder shown in cPanel > Domains for your domain or subdomain. If the folder doesn't exist, create it using the "+Folder" button.

If you keep encountering this error despite your efforts, follow these steps.

How to check if website is pointed to correct cPanel

Option 1: You are not using a CDN

To verify the website is correctly pointed, find your cPanel IP address: cPanel > Check the "General Information" section for the IP address.

Then, go to WhatsMyDNS, enter your domain or subdomain, select A record, and click "Search".

In most locations, you should see the same IP as in cPanel with a green checkmark. A few red crosses are fine and usually mean the DNS server was busy. As long as the majority show a green checkmark, your website is correctly pointed.

If you just registered your domain, most locations will show a red cross. If you recently pointed your domain but see a different IP than in cPanel everywhere, it may not have propagated yet. In both cases, SSL cannot be installed because the Certificate Authority can't access the validation file placed by SSL Manager. You can monitor the update using the WhatsMyDNS tool. Once most locations show a green checkmark and correct IP, you're good to go.

Propagation time depends on the TLD—.com usually updates within 30 minutes, while others may take up to 24 hours. Once your domain propagates and the Certificate Authority can access the validation file, your SSL will be issued and installed. If it's been more than 24 hours, please contact support.

Option 2: You use a CDN

If you use a CDN, WhatsMyDNS will show the CDN's IP instead of your server's. That's expected. Just make sure your cPanel IP is set as an A record in your CDN settings, and the site loads correctly in a browser.

It's recommended to temporarily disable proxying for all records. Some providers, like Cloudflare, may block file validation requests, preventing the Certificate Authority from verifying your domain ownership. As a result, your SSL will remain in "Pending" status, as it cannot be issued without domain ownership verification.

I reinstalled SSL manager but it’s still not working

In cPanel File Manager, navigate to .ssl-manager/logs/debug.log. Right-click the file and select "Compress" > "gzip" to download it.

If the logs folder or debug.log is empty, open Terminal in cPanel and run the command:

ssl-manager cron --debug

Email the debug.log.gz or the terminal output to sslsupport@namecheap.com. We'll review the errors specific to your server.

My SSL is still is not installed

Check SSL status in Account panel > SSL certificates:

• Validating: We're verifying the SSL Manager setup. If there’s an issue, you’ll see an error with a suggestion to reinstall it. Click "Manage" next to the certificate to follow the instructions on the SSL details page. Ensure your domain is added to cPanel
• Pending: The SSL manager has activated your SSL, but the Certificate Authority hasn't validated it yet.
  • For domain validation SSL: Make sure the domain or subdomain you entered during activation points to the cPanel server where SSL Manager is installed. If you want both www and non-www versions secured, they must point to the same server.
  • For Organization Validation (OV) or Extended Validation (EV) SSL: Business validation may take up to 2 days for OV and up to 2 weeks for EV. Use the Sectigo Order Status Checker to track the status and expedite validation.
• Installed: This usually means the SSL was issued and installed. You can check your site at https://decoder.link.
  • If it shows "It's all good. We have not detected any issues", the SSL is installed correctly. Try clearing your browser cache or using a different device. If the website still doesn't appear, DNS may not have fully propagated in your location—this can take up to 72 hours, but only if you just pointed the domain.
  • If you see an error, SSL may not be installed correctly. Please try re-installing SSL to resolve the issue. In the account panel > SSL Certificates list, locate the needed certificate and click "Manage". On the SSL details page, click "Change" next to the SSL management option. Follow the SSL manager setup process again to reissue and install your SSL. Alternatively, you can activate and install the SSL manually.
  • If https://[yourwebsite] works but http://[yourwebsite] shows a "Your website is not secure" error when you enter both links with the http:// or https:// prefixes, it indicates an issue with the HTTP to HTTPS redirect. Please email sslsupport@namecheap.com for assistance.

Upload guides

Wordpress plugin

Download SSL manager - wordpress plugin.

Open your Wordpress admin panel, go to "Plugins" and click "Add new Plugin":

Then, select "Upload plugin":

Note: If you encounter an error when uploading a plugin to WordPress, it may be due to a file size limit set by your hosting provider. You can check the file size limit in your WordPress admin panel under Media > Add New. If needed, increase the allowed file size as per the instructions here.

Choose the downloaded file named "ssl-manager.zip" and click "Install now":

Activate the plugin:

Click on the "SSL manager" tab in the sidebar and enter the security token:

cPanel File manager

Download the ssl-manager.php file.

Go to cPanel > Domains. Find your domain or subdomain in the list and click the link in the Document Root column. If it's not listed, it means it's not added to cPanel and needs to be added. Check how to add an addon domain or subdomain to cPanel.

You will be redirected to File manager. Once you are in the correct folder, click "Upload" and select the ssl-manager.php file you downloaded from the SSL Manager installation instruction page. Open [yourwebsite]/ssl-manager.php to verify the upload worked.

Uninstall SSL manager

To stop SSL Manager processes, log in to cPanel > Cron Jobs

Scroll down to the "Current Cron Jobs" section, then click "Delete" next to the cron with the command "/home/[your_username]/bin/ssl-manager cron" and confirm the "Delete" action.

This will keep SSL certificates installed through SSL Manager on the server, but SSL Manager will no longer function. To install new certificates or renewals, you'll need to go through the SSL Manager installation process again.

Remove all SSL and SSL manager configurations

To remove everything, including SSL certificates managed by SSL Manager, follow these steps:

1. Open Terminal in cPanel: Login to cPanel > go to the "Advanced" section > Terminal, or search for "Terminal". If you don't see it, contact your hosting provider.
2. Enter the following command and press Enter:
   ssl-manager uninstall
3. You will be asked if you want to remove the SSL Manager along with all certificates and configurations. Type "y" and press Enter.

If you're using SSH, you can uninstall SSL Manager directly from your local terminal without the need to access the cPanel terminal.