Free SSL for WordPress sites, with failed renewals reported
WPShift requests a free SSL certificate for a WordPress site once the site's domain points at the server, and configures HTTPS. Renewal is attempted well ahead of the expiry date.
Free plan available. Paid plans include a 7-day trial. Server costs are separate.
In the dashboard
Where it sits
A certificate belongs to a site and its domain.
WPShift
The dashboard that sets up the server and manages what runs on it.
sets up and manages
Managed in WPShift, outside the server
Plans
Which plans include SSL certificates
- Free €0 included
- Solo €5,99 included
- Studio €14,99 included
- Scale €29,99 included
- Free SSL certificates, from the Free plan
- €0
A certificate bought elsewhere is billed by its issuer.
Per month, excluding VAT. Server costs are separate.
If a renewal fails, an alert is raised that names the step that failed and what it reported, while the current certificate is still valid. Certificate management is included on every plan. A certificate you buy elsewhere and install yourself is a separate cost, and its renewal stays with the company that issued it.
Steps
How it works
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Step 1
Requested once the domain resolves
Validation needs the domain to point at the server, so the certificate is issued as part of bringing the site online.
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Step 2
Renewal attempted ahead of expiry
The attempt is made well before the certificate runs out, which leaves time to fix a problem.
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Step 3
A failure raises an alert
Each attempt records its steps and output. The alert names the failed step and what it reported. Missing DNS records and redirects that intercept the validation request are the usual causes.
Coverage
The domain and its www form
A site's certificate covers both. Requests to the insecure address are redirected to the secure one. A subdomain that is its own site in WPShift gets its own certificate once that subdomain points at the server.
Own certificate
Install a certificate you already have
A certificate bought elsewhere can be installed on the site. It is not renewed by WPShift.
DNS
With DNS at WPShift or elsewhere
On a domain whose DNS WPShift manages, the site's records are configured automatically. With DNS kept elsewhere, Cloudflare included, check that certificate-validation requests reach the server.
Questions
Questions about SSL certificates
- Why has my certificate not been issued yet?
- Issuing needs the domain to resolve to the server and the validation request to reach it. Check the DNS record, and check any proxy, firewall rule or redirect that sits in front of the site.
Related features
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Domains & DNS Every plan DNS records managed next to your sites, or left with your current provider. -
Site management Every plan Install, copy or import WordPress sites and manage plugins, themes, logs and settings in one place. -
Security & firewall Every plan A default-deny firewall, SSH keys per person, and a separate user and database login per site. -
Staging & cloning From Solo Clone a site to test a PHP, plugin or theme change on a copy.
Set up your first WordPress server
Connect your cloud account, let WPShift prepare the server, and add a site.
Free plan available. Paid plans include a 7-day trial. Server costs are separate.
The setup, in three steps
- Connect your cloud account
- Choose the region and size
- WPShift sets up the server