Let's Encrypt Auto-Renewal
If you're using free Let's Encrypt SSL certificates, renewal is completely automatic:
- Certificates are valid for 90 days
- EGPNL automatically renews them 30 days before expiration
- No action required from you
- Renewal happens in the background
Set and Forget: Once installed, Let's Encrypt certificates renew indefinitely as long as your domain remains pointed to EGPHP servers.
Check Expiration Date
To view when your SSL certificate expires:
- Go to SSL in EGPNL
- Find your domain in the list
- View the expiration date column
Or check in your browser:
- Visit your website with HTTPS
- Click the padlock icon
- Click "Certificate" or "Connection is secure"
- View the validity period
When Auto-Renewal Fails
Automatic renewal can fail if:
- DNS Changed: Domain no longer points to server
- Rate Limits: Too many certificate requests
- Domain Removed: Domain deleted from EGPNL
- Server Issues: Temporary server problems
Fix Failed Renewal
- Verify DNS is pointing correctly to your server
- Ensure the domain is active in EGPNL
- Try manually re-issuing the certificate
- Contact support if issues persist
Expiration Warning: You'll receive email notifications before your certificate expires if auto-renewal fails. Don't ignore these!
Renewing Custom SSL Certificates
For paid SSL certificates from providers like DigiCert or Sectigo:
Before Expiration
- Your SSL provider will email renewal reminders
- Purchase renewal from your provider
- Generate a new CSR (or reuse existing if allowed)
- Download the new certificate files
- Install in EGPNL like a new certificate
Installation Steps
- Go to SSL in EGPNL
- Select Install Custom Certificate
- Choose your domain
- Paste the new certificate and private key
- Click Install
Zero Downtime: Installing a renewed certificate replaces the old one instantly. There's no downtime during renewal.
Renewal Timeline
Let's Encrypt
- 30 days before: Auto-renewal attempts begin
- 14 days before: Warning email if renewal failed
- 7 days before: Urgent notification
- Expiration: Certificate becomes invalid
Custom SSL
- 60 days before: Provider sends renewal reminder
- 30 days before: Final reminder
- Before expiration: Install renewed certificate
What Happens When SSL Expires
If your SSL certificate expires:
- Browsers show security warnings to visitors
- Users may not be able to access your site
- Search engines may penalize your rankings
- Form submissions and payments won't work securely
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