How to Add SSL in GoDaddy Starter Plan: Step-by-Step Guide for 2025

Securing your website with SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is essential. SSL not only protects your visitors’ data but also boosts your website’s trust and ranking in Google search results. If you’re running your website on the GoDaddy Starter Plan, you might be wondering how to set up SSL easily and cost-effectively in 2025. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the exact steps, explain your options (including free SSL), and provide reliable sources and reference links throughout.

What is SSL and Why is it Important?

SSL stands for Secure Sockets Layer. It encrypts the connection between your website and your visitor’s browser, making it almost impossible for hackers to steal sensitive information like passwords and card details. A site secured with SSL displays a lock icon in the browser address bar and uses “https” instead of “http”.

SSL is also a ranking factor in Google, so it’s vital for SEO. Modern browsers display warnings for non-SSL sites, which can scare away visitors.

Does GoDaddy Starter Plan Include Free SSL?

As of 2025, GoDaddy’s basic shared hosting (Starter) plans typically do not include a free SSL certificate by default—unlike some competitors like Hostinger or Bluehost. While GoDaddy offers its own paid SSL solutions, there are workarounds to use free SSL certificates such as those from Let’s Encrypt or ZeroSSL, though these often require manual installation.

Reference: GoDaddy official SSL plans comparison (https://www.godaddy.com/web-security/ssl-certificate) and community discussion Reddit (https://www.reddit.com/r/webhosting/comments/11go0ba/godaddy_ssl_certificate_is_there_a_free_option/).

Step 1: Decide Your SSL Approach

You have two main options:

• Buy GoDaddy’s SSL
• Easier setup, official support, and automatic renewal.
• Cost ranges from ₹2,000 to ₹6,000/year.
• Install a Free SSL Certificate (Recommended for Budget-Conscious)
• Let’s Encrypt or ZeroSSL can be used.
• Requires some hands-on setup.

Step 2: Generate a Certificate Signing Request (CSR)

If going with a free SSL provider, you’ll first need to generate a CSR.

1. Log into your GoDaddy cPanel (Dashboard > My Products > Web Hosting > Manage > cPanel Admin).
2. In the Security section, click on SSL/TLS.
3. Click Generate, view, or delete SSL certificate signing requests.
4. Fill in your domain and details, then Generate. Copy the CSR text – you’ll need it for the next step.

Reference: GoDaddy Manual SSL Guide (https://www.godaddy.com/help/manually-install-an-ssl-certificate-on-my-server-15054).

Step 3: Get the SSL Certificate

If You Buy GoDaddy SSL:

1. Go to your GoDaddy account, select SSL Certificates.
2. Click Manage All > New Certificate.
3. Select the domain to secure and paste your CSR if required.
4. Follow the GoDaddy prompts to validate domain ownership and activate the SSL—usually by clicking a link in a verification email or DNS change.
5. SSL deployment may be automatic or require download.

Reference: Godaddy SSL Setup Guide (https://www.godaddy.com/help/set-up-and-install-my-ssl-certificate-1001).

If Installing a Free SSL (Let’s Encrypt/ZeroSSL):

1. Visit ZeroSSL (https://zerossl.com/) or Let’s Encrypt’s SSL tool (https://letsencrypt.org/).
2. Enter your domain & CSR details, accept terms, and click Generate Free SSL.
3. Download your SSL certificates (CRT, CA Bundle, and Private Key).
4. Save these files securely.

Reference with step-by-step screenshots: PunchSalad Free GoDaddy SSL Tutorial (https://punchsalad.com/security/godaddy-free-ssl-letsencrypt/).

Step 4: Install SSL on GoDaddy Starter Plan (cPanel)

1. In GoDaddy cPanel, under Security, click SSL/TLS.
2. Select “Manage SSL sites” and choose your domain.
3. Paste your certificates:

• Certificate (CRT): Paste the content of your CRT file.
• Private Key: Paste your Private Key.
• Certificate Authority Bundle (CA Bundle): Paste the CA Bundle (if provided).

1. Click Install Certificate.

If you see a green checkmark or “SSL installed successfully” message, you’re done!

Reference: SSLs.com Guide (https://www.ssls.com/knowledgebase/how-to-install-an-ssl-certificate-in-godaddy-cpanel/).

Step 5: Force HTTPS on Your Website

You must ensure all traffic is routed through HTTPS.

• Go to cPanel’s File Manager, open .htaccess in your root directory.
• Add this code at the top:

RewriteEngine On
RewriteCond %{HTTPS} !=on
RewriteRule ^ https://%{HTTP_HOST}%{REQUEST_URI} [L,R=301]

This will automatically redirect HTTP traffic to HTTPS for better security and SEO.

Troubleshooting and Tips

• Propagation time: Changes may take 15-30 minutes to reflect. Clear your browser cache and cookies after installation.
• Mixed content: If browsers still show “Not Secure,” some site resources (like images/scripts) are still using HTTP. Use plugins like Really Simple SSL for WordPress to fix this automatically.
• SSL renewal: Free SSL certs usually expire every 90 days—set a calendar reminder or use auto-renew scripts.

More details on troubleshooting: GoDaddy SSL FAQ (https://www.godaddy.com/help/ssl-certificate-troubleshooting-7449).

Quick FAQ

Q: Is free SSL with GoDaddy reliable for business?

• Yes, Let’s Encrypt and ZeroSSL are industry-standard, but for e-commerce, consider GoDaddy paid SSL for warranty/support.

Q: Can I use Cloudflare SSL as an alternative?

• Yes! Set up a free Cloudflare account (https://cloudflare.com) and change DNS to use their free “Flexible SSL” option. This is easiest for many beginners.

Useful Links and References

• GoDaddy Official SSL Certificate Page (https://www.godaddy.com/web-security/ssl-certificate)
• Manually Install SSL on GoDaddy cPanel (https://www.godaddy.com/help/manually-install-an-ssl-certificate-on-my-server-15054)
• Let’s Encrypt Free SSL (https://letsencrypt.org/)
• ZeroSSL Free SSL (https://zerossl.com/)
• PunchSalad Free GoDaddy SSL Tutorial (https://punchsalad.com/security/godaddy-free-ssl-letsencrypt/)
• Cloudflare Free SSL (https://www.cloudflare.com/ssl/)

Conclusion:
Adding SSL to your GoDaddy Starter Plan site requires some extra steps, but is straightforward with this guide. Whether you choose a paid or free SSL, your website—and your visitors—will be safer and more confident. If you found this guide helpful, share it or leave your questions in the comments!

& if you want me to To provide you the SSL. Contact me now