Getting Started with AutoInstall SSL ACME: Install an SSL Certificate in cPanel

Requirements

Before you begin, make sure you have:

• Access to your cPanel account
• Your domain name
• SSH or Terminal access enabled in cPanel

Step 1: Log in to cPanel

Open your cPanel login page (normally yourwebsite.com/cpanel) and sign in using your hosting credentials.

Step 2: Open Terminal

Inside cPanel:

1. Scroll to the Advanced section
2. Click on Terminal icon
3. Accept the warning message if prompted by clicking on "OK" or "I understand"

The Terminal allows you to execute commands directly on your hosting account.

Step 3: Install the ACME Agent

1. Copy the installation command provided on the order page in your GoGetSSL account and run it inside the Terminal
2. Wait until the installation is completed. You will see "Install success!" text.

Step 4: Locate Your Website Root Directory

For the next step, you'll need to locate the website's document root path before installing the certificate.

Most common locations:

• /home/username/public_html
• /home/username/public_html/yourwebsite.com

Step 5: Run the Certificate Installation Command

1. Copy the SSL installation command from the order page in the GoGetSSL account.
2. Replace /path/to/webroot with your actual website root path.
3. Run the updated command in Terminal and wait for the process to finish.
4. Once completed successfully, the SSL certificate will be installed and configured for automatic renewal.

Common Issues

Validation Timeout

This usually happens when the web root path is incorrect or inaccessible.

Unable to Write Validation File

Make sure the selected directory matches your website's actual document root.

How to Find the Correct Web Root Path

Step 1: Check Your Home Directory

In cPanel, open the main dashboard and locate the General Information section.

Step 2: Identify the Website Folder

Most websites use the public_html directory; however, the configuration may differ.

Open File Manager and navigate to the folder containing your website files. The path should be displayed at the top left.

Step 3: Build the Full Path

Combine your home directory with the website folder path.

Example:

/home/yourwebsite/public_html