Step-by-Step Guide to Installing GoDaddy Wildcard SSL on Your Website

An SSL certificate is no longer optional in 2025—it’s mandatory for security, SEO, and customer trust. If you’re running multiple subdomains like blog.example.com, shop.example.com, and mail.example.com, then GoDaddy Wildcard SSL is your best option.

This guide walks you through the exact steps to install a GoDaddy Wildcard SSL certificate on various server types. Whether you’re a small business owner or a web developer, this tutorial is designed for you.

Prerequisites Before You Begin

Before installing your SSL, make sure you have:

• ✅ A valid GoDaddy Wildcard SSL certificate
• ✅ Access to your domain control panel (DNS or email)
• ✅ Access to your hosting server (cPanel, WHM, Plesk, SSH)
• ✅ Knowledge to generate a Certificate Signing Request (CSR)

Tip: If using a managed hosting service, check with support—they might install the certificate for you.

Step 1: Purchase and Activate Your GoDaddy Wildcard SSL

Go to GoDaddy.com or a certified reseller like CompareCheapSSL.com to purchase the certificate.

Activation Steps:

• Log into your GoDaddy dashboard
• Navigate to My Products > SSL Certificates
• Click “Set Up” on your Wildcard SSL
• Add your primary domain using the wildcard: *.example.com

Note: Wildcard SSL secures all first-level subdomains under your main domain.

Step 2: Generate a CSR (Certificate Signing Request)

A CSR is a block of encoded text you generate on your server. It contains your public key and is used to request your SSL.

How to Generate CSR:

a. cPanel

• Go to SSL/TLS > Generate CSR
• Fill in your details
• Domain: *.yourdomain.com

b. Apache (OpenSSL)

openssl req -new -newkey rsa:2048 -nodes -keyout wildcard.key -out wildcard.csr

c. IIS

• Open IIS Manager > Server Certificates > Create Certificate Request
• Fill in details > Use wildcard domain

Save the .csr and .key files safely. You’ll need them during installation.

Step 3: Submit CSR to GoDaddy

Once CSR is generated:

• Go to your GoDaddy dashboard
• Paste the CSR in the activation form
• Select your server type (Apache, NGINX, IIS, etc.)

Domain Verification Options:

• Email: Approve via email to domain admin
• DNS: Add TXT record (recommended for wildcard domains)
• HTML File: Upload file to root directory

Step 4: Download and Extract SSL Files

Once approved, GoDaddy will issue your SSL certificate. Download the zipped bundle containing:

• yourdomain.crt – Primary certificate
• gd_bundle.crt – Intermediate certificates
• wildcard.key – Private key (you generated this earlier)

Always use the correct intermediate certificate to ensure trust across browsers.

Step 5: Install SSL on Your Server

a. Install on cPanel

• Navigate to SSL/TLS > Manage SSL Sites
• Upload .crt, .key, and CA bundle
• Click Install Certificate

b. Install on Apache (Ubuntu/Debian)

SSLEngine on
SSLCertificateFile /etc/ssl/certs/yourdomain.crt
SSLCertificateKeyFile /etc/ssl/private/wildcard.key
SSLCertificateChainFile /etc/ssl/certs/gd_bundle.crt

• Restart Apache:

sudo systemctl restart apache2

c. Install on NGINX

ssl_certificate /etc/ssl/certs/fullchain.pem;
ssl_certificate_key /etc/ssl/private/wildcard.key;

• Reload config:

sudo nginx -s reload

d. Install on IIS

• Import certificate in IIS Manager
• Assign it to your domain under Bindings > HTTPS

Ensure that firewall and ports (443) are open.

Step 6: Force HTTPS Across All Subdomains

To redirect all traffic to HTTPS:

Apache (.htaccess)

RewriteEngine On
RewriteCond %{HTTPS} off
RewriteRule ^(.*)$ https://%{HTTP_HOST}%{REQUEST_URI} [L,R=301]

NGINX

return 301 https://$host$request_uri;

Many managed hosts offer one-click HTTPS redirection.

Step 7: Test Your SSL Installation

Use the following tools to check your installation:

Checklist:

• Padlock icon visible
• No mixed content warnings
• Valid certificate chain
• HTTPS loads across subdomains

Common Errors & Fixes

Renewing or Reissuing Your SSL

• Go to GoDaddy > SSL > Manage Certificate
• Reissue if server changes or key is lost
• Renewal reminders start 30 days before expiry

Best practice: Set calendar alerts and renew early to avoid downtime.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Can I use the same Wildcard SSL on multiple servers?

Yes, but you’ll need to export the .crt and .key files to each server.

Q2. What if I add a new subdomain later?

No problem—Wildcard SSL automatically covers all first-level subdomains.

Q3. Do I need to reinstall the certificate for new subdomains?

No, but you may need to configure the new subdomain to support HTTPS.

Q4. Does GoDaddy provide support for installation?

Yes, 24/7 live chat and phone support is available in the U.S.

Final Thoughts

Installing a GoDaddy Wildcard SSL doesn’t have to be complicated. This guide has covered every major step, from purchase to HTTPS redirection.

Now your website—and all its subdomains—are secured, trusted, and SEO-ready.

📅 Bookmark this guide for future renewals, and explore CompareCheapSSL.com for discounts on your next SSL purchase.