How to enable SSL for Joomla

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

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 Let's Encrypt with Joomla

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

Related Articles

• Introduction to SSL

  What is SSL, and why would I use it? If you have never worked with SSL certificates before, we recommend you start here.

• Optimizing Joomla

  Learn how to optimize your Joomla site in this article.

• Securing a cPanel-enabled account with a Let’s Encrypt SSL certificate

  Your cPanel-enabled account can be configured to automatically generate, install, and renew valid SSL certificates. Learn more here.

• Generating and renewing Let’s Encrypt SSL certificates in Plesk

  Learn how to create and maintain Let’s Encrypt SSL certificates for your site by using Plesk.

• Securing an unmanaged server with a Let’s Encrypt SSL certificate

  Learn how to automatically generate and install a valid SSL certificate on an unmanaged server using Let’s Encrypt.

• Differences between Let’s Encrypt certificates and traditional CA-issued certificates

  Let’s Encrypt certificates provide a new and easy way to create and install SSL certificates. However, they are not suitable for all situations. Learn more here.