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How to Install and Manage SSL Certificates in DecoNetwork

Avatar
Lee Prazner
Updated

An SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate encrypts the connection between your website and a visitor’s browser, helping keep data private during sign-in and checkout. All free DecoNetwork-provided domains have SSL enabled by default, and you can install SSL on your own custom domain using either a free certificate (via Let’s Encrypt) or a custom certificate from your preferred provider.

In this article

Prerequisites

  • You can log into your DecoNetwork website with permissions to manage the site’s domain settings.
  • If you’re installing SSL on a custom domain, confirm your domain is already connected and working.

Why use an SSL certificate

  • Protect customer data: encrypts data exchanged between the browser and server.
  • Build trust: helps visitors feel confident entering details on your site.
  • Support modern browser expectations: avoids “Not secure” warnings on pages that collect information.

Install the free SSL certificate

Note: DecoNetwork provides a free SSL option through Let’s Encrypt.

Watch the video below for a quick overview of how to install the free SSL certificate, and read below for more detailed instructions and information on deployment times and usage limits.

  1. Log into your DecoNetwork Website.

  2. If you are the Fulfillment Center, go to Admin → Websites.

    Admin Button.png

  3. Select Manage for the website you want to add SSL certificates to.

  4. Click Domain Settings.

    DomainSettingsMenuItem.png

  5. Click the SSL button for your custom domain.

    SSLMenuItem.png

    The SSL setup page is displayed.

    SSL For Domain Page.png

    SSL For Domain Page.png

    Click the image to enlarge.

  6. Make sure the Free SSL certificate radio button is selected.

    FreeSSLCertificateRadioButton.png
  7. Click Save.
  • Activation time: the certificate can take up to 10 minutes to be activated.

  • Cancel deployment: you can cancel activation using Cancel Deployment of SSL Certificate in the breadcrumb/action bar.

    CancelSSLCertificate.png

Free SSL usage limits

If you use the free SSL option, you’ll be subject to Let’s Encrypt usage limits:

  • A maximum of 20 certificates per registered domain per week: you can add a free SSL certificate for up to 20 different subdomains per week. If needed, Let’s Encrypt allows multiple subdomains in a single certificate (up to 100 names per certificate).
  • A maximum of 5 duplicate certificates per week: once you activate a certificate for a domain, you can re-activate a certificate for the same domain 4 more times during the week.
IPv6 note: Let’s Encrypt certificates currently do not support IPv6 (Internet Protocol version 6) resolution on DecoNetwork because DecoNetwork sites use IPv4 (Internet Protocol version 4) records. If you have an AAAA record configured in your DNS (Domain Name System) settings, removing it should resolve the issue and allow you to successfully set up your certificate.

Install a custom SSL certificate

  1. Apply for an SSL certificate from a provider of your choice. The SSL provider will issue 2–3 files (typically in PEM (Privacy-Enhanced Mail) format):
    • A Private RSA (Rivest–Shamir–Adleman) Key
    • A Certificate
    • An Optional Certificate Chain
  2. Proceed with the next steps once you have received your certificate.
  3. Log into your DecoNetwork Website.

  4. If you are the Fulfillment Center, go to Admin → Website.

    Admin Button.png

  5. Select Manage for the website you want to review/configure commission settings for.

  6. Click Domain Settings.

    DomainSettingsMenuItem.png

  7. Click the SSL button for your custom domain.

    SSLMenuItem.png

    The SSL setup page is displayed.

    SSL For Domain Page.png

    SSL For Domain Page.png

    Click the image to enlarge.

  8. Make sure the Custom SSL Certificate radio button is selected.

    CustomSSLCertificateRadioButton.png

    The custom SSL settings are now displayed.

    Custom SSL Certificate Settings.png

    Custom SSL Certificate Settings.png

    Click the image to enlarge.

  9. Copy the contents from the files you receive and paste them into the appropriate panel (the instructions on the SSL settings page will tell you what content needs to be copied and where to paste them).

  10. Click Save.

    The certificate can take up to 10 minutes to be activated.

    You can cancel activation of the certificate by clicking on the Cancel Deployment of SSL Certificate in the Breadcrumb and Action Bar.

    CancelSSLCertificate.png

Remove an SSL certificate

  1. Click the SSL button for your custom domain.

    SSLMenuItem.png

  2. Click on the Remove SSL Certificate button in the Breadcrumb and Action Bar.

    RemoveSSLCertificate.png

  3. Click on the I confirm removing this SSL Certificate button in the confirmation dialog.

    ConfirmRemovingCertificatePopup.png

Step 4: Replace an SSL certificate

  1. Click the SSL button for your custom domain.

    SSLMenuItem.png

  2. Click on the Replace SSL Certificate button in the Breadcrumb and Action Bar.

    ReplaceSSLCertificate.png

    The options you will see for replacing the existing SSL certificate will depend on whether you currently have a free or custom SSL certificate installed:

    • If you currently have the free SSL certificate installed, you will be able to enter the details for installing a custom SSL certificate.
    • If you currently have a custom SSL certificate installed, you will be able to choose whether to install the free SSL or to enter the details for installing a custom SSL certificate.

  3. Select the Free SSL Certificate or Custom SSL Certificate, if given the choice.

    CustomSSLCertificateRadioButton.png
  4. Install the SSL type of your choice as per the instructions above.

Best-practice tips

  • If you run many subdomains, plan certificate changes to avoid Let’s Encrypt weekly limits.
  • After clicking Save, allow up to 10 minutes before testing again in a browser.
  • If you manage your own DNS, avoid AAAA records for DecoNetwork sites when using Let’s Encrypt on DecoNetwork.

Troubleshooting

Free SSL won’t activate: wait at least 10 minutes, then refresh. If it still does not activate, confirm you haven’t exceeded Let’s Encrypt weekly limits and verify your DNS configuration (especially AAAA records).
  • I can’t find the SSL option: make sure you’re in Domain Settings for the correct website and you have permission to manage domain settings.
  • Deployment was started accidentally: use Cancel Deployment of SSL Certificate from the breadcrumb/action bar.
  • Custom SSL paste fails or errors: confirm you pasted the full PEM content (including header and footer lines) into the correct fields.

FAQs

Do I need to install SSL on a free DecoNetwork-provided domain?

No. All free DecoNetwork-provided domains have SSL enabled by default.

How long does SSL activation take?

Activation can take up to 10 minutes after you click Save.

What’s the difference between the free SSL certificate and a custom SSL certificate?

The free option uses Let’s Encrypt and is quick to deploy, but it has weekly usage limits. A custom SSL certificate lets you use a certificate from your preferred provider, using the certificate files they issue.

Why does an AAAA record in DNS matter for the free SSL option?

Let’s Encrypt certificates on DecoNetwork currently do not support IPv6 resolution because DecoNetwork sites use IPv4 records. Removing the AAAA record can allow the free certificate deployment to succeed.

Additional resources

Still have questions? Use the Search Tool at the top of the page to find more related guides. Need help? Click the icon to submit a support ticket—our Client Services team is ready to assist!

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