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How To Setup SSL for Joomla

This article describes how to enable SSL for a Joomla site.

This article assumes that you already have a valid, functioning SSL certificate installed on your web site. If you do not have an SSL certificate for your site yet, please see our SSL certificate options or use Sectigo certificates available with most accounts.

Enabling SSL for Joomla

To enable SSL for Joomla, follow these steps:

  1. Log in to Joomla as the administrator, and then:
    • For Joomla 3, on the top menu bar, click System, and then click Global Configuration.
    • For Joomla 2.5, on the top menu bar, click Site, and then click Global Configuration.
  2. Click the Server tab.

  3. Under Server Settings, in the Force SSL list box, select one of the following options:

    • To make the administration interface accessible only when using SSL, select Administrator Only.
      For enhanced security, A2 Hosting strongly recommends that you require SSL at least for the administration interface.
    • To make the entire site accessible only when using SSL, select Entire Site.
  4. Click Save. SSL is now enabled for Joomla.

Using Sectigo with Joomla

Using an SSL certificate from a recognized Certificate Authority is recommended for best results when enabling SSL for Joomla. Sectigo is a free, automated, and open certificate authority and is recognized by most modern browsers. Sectigo is supported for all new A2 Hosting accounts and certificates may even be generated automatically for immediate use. For details regarding Sectigo or Let's Encrypt for your account type, please see the Related Articles below.

Please note that A2 Hosting, in order to provide consistent and reliable user experience, is switching from Let’s Encrypt to Sectigo for all newly provisioned accounts. Existing accounts will also make the change to Sectigo certificates sometime in the near future. The certificates are equal in terms of trust level, validity, and how they are used. You should see no impact on your site, and the only difference is that the padlock in your browser will now say “cPanel Cert Issued by Sectigo” instead of “Let’s Encrypt."