Using our free SSL? You don't need to approve anything. Free AutoSSL certificates on our cPanel hosting are validated and installed automatically. See AutoSSL: install or fix your free SSL.
When you buy a paid SSL certificate, the certificate authority has to confirm that you control the domain before it issues the certificate. This is called domain validation. You can usually choose one of these methods when you order:
1. Email approval
An approval email is sent to one of these addresses on your domain, and you click the link in it to approve the certificate:
- admin@yourdomain.co.nz
- administrator@yourdomain.co.nz
- webmaster@yourdomain.co.nz
- hostmaster@yourdomain.co.nz
- postmaster@yourdomain.co.nz
Other addresses, such as your own name or root@, can't be used. The address you choose must exist and be able to receive email. If it doesn't, create it first in cPanel under Email Accounts, or set up a forwarder to an inbox you check.
2. DNS record
You add a DNS record (usually a CNAME or TXT record) that the certificate authority gives you. This is a good option if you can't receive email on the domain. If your DNS is with us, you can add it in cPanel under Zone Editor.
3. File upload (HTTP)
You upload a small text file to your website at the address the certificate authority gives you, usually inside a .well-known/pki-validation folder.
Once validation is complete, the certificate is issued. If you bought it from us, we'll install it on your Hoopla hosting for free. See Will you install an SSL certificate for me?
If you're not sure which method to use, open a support ticket and we'll help.
