To install free SSL on Hostinger, log in to hPanel, go to Websites > SSL, select your domain, and click Install next to the free Let's Encrypt certificate. The whole process takes under two minutes.
Below is the complete guide: from activating the certificate to forcing HTTPS and confirming everything works correctly.
Why Does Your Website Need SSL?
An SSL certificate encrypts the connection between a visitor's browser and your server. Without it, data travels in plain text and any third party can read or modify it.
Beyond security, SSL directly affects:
- SEO rankings: Google has favored HTTPS sites since 2014.
- User trust: the padlock icon removes the "Not Secure" warning shown in Chrome and Firefox.
- Conversions: visitors abandon pages flagged as insecure, especially on e-commerce sites.
Hostinger includes Let's Encrypt at no extra charge on all its plans, so there's no reason to leave it inactive.
Prerequisites Before Installing SSL
Before following the steps, confirm these points:
- Your domain correctly points to Hostinger's nameservers or IP address. DNS changes can take up to 24 hours to propagate.
- You have access to hPanel (Hostinger's control panel).
- The domain is already added and active on your account.
If the domain hasn't propagated yet, the Let's Encrypt system won't be able to verify ownership and the installation will fail. Use a DNS propagation checker before continuing.
Step by Step: Install Free SSL on Hostinger
1. Access hPanel and Find the SSL Section
Log in to your Hostinger account. On the main dashboard, select the hosting plan where your domain lives and click Manage. In the left-hand menu, look for the Security section and choose SSL.
2. Select Your Domain
You'll see a list of all domains and subdomains linked to your hosting plan. In the dropdown, choose the domain for which you want to install the certificate.
3. Install the Let's Encrypt Certificate
In the Type column you'll see Let's Encrypt labeled as "Free." Click the Install button. Hostinger requests validation automatically; the full process takes between 30 seconds and 2 minutes.
When the status changes to Active, the SSL certificate is installed.
4. Enable Forced HTTPS Redirect
Installing the certificate does not redirect traffic automatically. You need to enable the HTTP-to-HTTPS redirect explicitly. You have two options:
- From hPanel: on the same SSL screen, toggle on Force HTTPS. Hostinger writes the redirect rules on the server side.
- From .htaccess (if using Apache): add these lines at the top of the file:
RewriteEngine On
RewriteCond %{HTTPS} off
RewriteRule ^(.*)$ https://%{HTTP_HOST}%{REQUEST_URI} [L,R=301]If you use WordPress, also update the URLs under Settings > General by changing http:// to https://.
Verify That HTTPS Is Working Correctly
Once the redirect is active, check these points:
- Open your site in a browser: the address bar should show the padlock and the URL starting with
https://. - Use SSL Labs for a detailed certificate report.
- Check for mixed content: images, scripts, or stylesheets still loading over HTTP. The Really Simple SSL plugin fixes these automatically in WordPress.
If the padlock shows a warning triangle, some page resources are still loading over HTTP. Locate them using browser developer tools (F12 > Console).
Automatic Certificate Renewal
Let's Encrypt certificates are valid for 90 days. Hostinger renews them automatically before they expire — you don't need to do anything manually. You'll receive an email if renewal fails (for example, if the domain's nameservers changed).
For peace of mind, check the expiry date under hPanel > SSL once a year.
Key Takeaways
- Hostinger includes free SSL (Let's Encrypt) on all plans at no extra cost.
- Installation takes under two minutes directly from hPanel.
- Forcing HTTPS requires an extra step: toggling it on in hPanel or adding rules to .htaccess.
- Check for mixed content after activation to avoid browser warnings.
- Renewal is automatic — only act if you receive a failure alert.
If you need help choosing the right hosting plan or setting up your site securely, the team at elenlace.com offers free consultations tailored to your project. You can also explore more guides in our comparisons section.
FAQ
Is Hostinger's free SSL secure?
Yes. Let's Encrypt is a trusted certificate authority used by millions of websites worldwide. It provides 256-bit TLS encryption — the same standard used by banks and e-commerce platforms.
Can I install SSL on a subdomain?
Yes. Repeat the process from hPanel, selecting the subdomain in the dropdown. Hostinger allows individual certificates for each subdomain at no extra cost.
What do I do if the installation fails?
The most common reason is that the domain doesn't yet point to Hostinger. Verify that your DNS records have propagated and try again. If the issue persists, contact Hostinger support via live chat.
Do I need SSL if my site doesn't sell anything?
Yes. HTTPS is a Google ranking factor and removes the "Not Secure" warning that erodes trust even on blogs or portfolios. It's also required for HTTP/2, which significantly speeds up page loading.
Prefer it done for you? El Enlace handles hosting and professional web development.
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