SSL certificates are what put the padlock icon in your visitors' browser bar and ensure the "https://" in your website address. Apex handles SSL for you automatically.
What SSL Actually Does #
When a visitor connects to your site over HTTPS, an SSL certificate encrypts the data traveling between their browser and your server. This protects against eavesdropping and is essential for:
- Building visitor trust (no "Not Secure" warnings in the browser).
- Protecting login forms, contact forms, and checkout pages.
- Meeting requirements for payment processors on WooCommerce stores.
- Improving your search engine ranking.
How Apex Provisions SSL Automatically #
Every instance created through Your Apex Managed Panel automatically receives a free SSL certificate. Once your domain is correctly pointed to Apex hosting, the certificate is issued and installed within minutes. Apex also handles automatic renewal.
How to Verify Your SSL Is Active #
- Visit your website using https://yourdomain.com.
- Look for the padlock icon in the address bar.
- Alternatively, log in to my.apexmanagedhosting.com and open Your Apex Managed Panel.
- Select your instance, then go to the SSL section under instance settings.
- Confirm the status reads "Active."
What to Do If SSL Shows as Expired or Invalid #
- Double-check that your domain's DNS is still correctly pointed to Apex hosting.
- In Your Apex Managed Panel, go to the instance's SSL section.
- Click Reissue Certificate if this option is available.
- Wait a few minutes and refresh to check for an updated status.
- Clear your browser cache or try loading the site in an incognito window.
If the certificate still shows as invalid, it may be related to a recent domain or nameserver change that hasn't fully propagated yet (this can take up to 24 hours).
Need Help? #
If you need further assistance, contact our support team at [email protected] or start a live chat from any page on apexmanagedhosting.com.
