If you cannot access your website after installing an SSL certificate, this article provides step-by-step guidance to troubleshoot and resolve the issue.
Common Causes and Solutions:
DNS Settings Issue:
Cause:
After installing an SSL certificate, your domain’s DNS A record might need updating. Delays in DNS propagation can stop the website from loading.
Solution:
- Verify that your domain’s A record is properly pointed to the server where the SSL certificate is installed.
- Allow up to 24-48 hours for DNS propagation.
- In the meantime, try retrieving your website using cached DNS information.
Browser and Local DNS Cache
Cause:
Cached data in your browser or local DNS can prevent access to the updated website.
Solution:
- Clear your browser cache.
- Clear your local DNS cache using the following commands:
- Windows: Open the Command Prompt and run:
ipconfig /flushdns - Mac: Use Terminal and run:
sudo dscacheutil -flushcache
sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder
SSL Installation Verification
Cause:
An incomplete or incorrect SSL certificate installation.
Solution:
Use an SSL checker tool (like SSLShopper) to verify the installation.
Confirm the SSL certificate, private key, and intermediate certificates are correctly configured on the server.
HTTP to HTTPS Redirection
Cause:
Improper or missing redirection from HTTP to HTTPS can cause access issues.
Solution:
Update the .htaccess file for Apache or the NGINX configuration file to enforce HTTPS.
Example for “.htaccess”:
RewriteEngine On
RewriteCond %{HTTPS} off
RewriteRule ^(.*)$ https://%{HTTP_HOST}%{REQUEST_URI} L,R=301]
Firewall or Port Configuration
Cause:
The server’s firewall or network may block HTTPS traffic on port 443.
Solution:
Ensure port 443 is open in the firewall settings:
UFW:
sudo ufw allow 443/tcp
Firewalld:
sudo firewall-cmd –add-service=https –permanent
sudo firewall-cmd –reload
Final Checks:
- Restart your web server to apply changes:
sudo systemctl restart apache2 # For Apache
sudo systemctl restart nginx # For NGINX
Verify the SSL certificate expiration date and ensure it hasn’t expired.
We hope you enjoyed this tutorial. You may now simply resolve this issue on your own. For affordable SSL certificate plans, you can visit our website.
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