What Is GoDaddy Wildcard SSL and How Does It Work?

In today’s digital-first world, website security is non-negotiable. SSL certificates are the foundation of online trust, and for businesses that manage multiple subdomains, a Wildcard SSL Certificate becomes essential.

If you’re using GoDaddy or considering it, you may have come across the GoDaddy Wildcard SSL Certificate. But what is it exactly, how does it work, and is it worth the investment?

Let’s explore this in-depth.

1. What Is a Wildcard SSL Certificate?

A Wildcard SSL Certificate is a type of SSL certificate that secures a domain and all its first-level subdomains with a single certificate.

A Wildcard SSL saves you from buying separate certificates for blog.domain.com, shop.domain.com, and login.domain.com. Instead, one certificate for *.domain.com secures them all.

A Wildcard SSL uses a wildcard character * in the certificate’s Common Name (CN) field. When the certificate is issued for *.yourdomain.com, any subdomain matching that pattern is automatically protected. This includes:

• mail.yourdomain.com

• admin.yourdomain.com

• store.yourdomain.com

⚠️ Note: It doesn’t cover second-level subdomains like shop.online.yourdomain.com.

2. What Is GoDaddy Wildcard SSL?

GoDaddy Wildcard SSL is a product from GoDaddy, one of the world’s largest domain registrars and SSL providers. It is designed to protect:

• Your primary domain (yourdomain.com)

• All first-level subdomains (sub1.yourdomain.com, sub2.yourdomain.com)

GoDaddy’s Wildcard SSL:

• Uses 2048-bit RSA encryption with SHA-2 hashing

• Comes with a trustworthy site seal

• Supports unlimited server licenses

• Is compatible with 99% of browsers and mobile devices

3. How Does GoDaddy Wildcard SSL Work?

Let’s break it down step-by-step:

Step 1: Purchase & Generate CSR

You buy a GoDaddy Wildcard SSL and generate a Certificate Signing Request (CSR) from your server with the domain name *.yourdomain.com.

Step 2: Validation Process

• If it’s a DV (Domain Validation) certificate, you verify ownership via email or DNS.

• If it’s an OV (Organization Validation), GoDaddy will verify your business.

Step 3: Certificate Issuance & Installation

After successful validation:

• GoDaddy issues your Wildcard SSL.

• You install it on your server (like Apache, NGINX, IIS).

• The certificate starts protecting all subdomains instantly.

Step 4: Add Subdomains Without Reissuing

Whenever you create a new subdomain (e.g., events.yourdomain.com), it’s automatically covered. No need to request a new certificate.

4. Key Features of GoDaddy Wildcard SSL

Let’s understand the major features in detail:

5. Benefits of Using GoDaddy Wildcard SSL

Here are the long-term advantages of choosing GoDaddy’s wildcard solution:

1. Cost Savings

Instead of buying 5–10 different SSL certificates for subdomains, you only buy one. This saves money every year.

2. Simplified Management

Managing one certificate is far easier than juggling dozens. Renew once and you’re done.

3. Improved SEO & SXO

Google ranks HTTPS websites higher. Plus, the padlock icon in the browser creates trust, improving Search Experience Optimization (SXO).

4. Instant Scalability

Launching a new subdomain? It’s already secured. No extra steps needed.

5. Brand Trust

Using GoDaddy shows you’re serious about security. The brand is globally recognized, adding extra credibility to your site.

6. GoDaddy Wildcard SSL vs Regular SSL

🧠 Tip: If you only have one site (www.yourdomain.com), a standard SSL will do. But if you’re running multiple services like shop., login., api., go for Wildcard SSL.

7. Who Should Use GoDaddy Wildcard SSL?

Wildcard SSL is ideal for:

• SaaS Startups: APIs, dashboards, custom client subdomains

• Ecommerce Brands: Multiple services like store, checkout, blog

• Agencies: Host client subdomains securely

• Universities/Institutions: portal.university.com, results.university.com

If your business model involves growing subdomains, Wildcard SSL saves time and ensures consistent protection.

8. How to Install GoDaddy Wildcard SSL?

Installation Process (AEO-friendly How-To):

Step 1: Buy GoDaddy Wildcard SSL

Log into your GoDaddy account and purchase the Wildcard SSL for *.yourdomain.com.

Step 2: Generate CSR

Create a CSR from your hosting panel or web server with *.yourdomain.com as the domain.

Step 3: Validate Ownership

Complete domain control validation:

• Email-based: Approve email sent to admin@yourdomain.com

• DNS-based: Add a TXT record as per GoDaddy’s instructions

Step 4: Download & Install

Once issued:

• Download certificate files (ZIP)

• Install on server (via cPanel, Plesk, or SSH)

Step 5: Test Installation

Use SSL checker tools to verify:

• Correct chain

• No errors

• HTTPS working fine

9. Pricing: Is GoDaddy Wildcard SSL Worth It?

GoDaddy’s Wildcard SSL typically starts at $149.99 per year and can go up to $295.99 per year, depending on the certificate level and duration you choose.

While GoDaddy may not be the cheapest option on the market, here’s why it may still be worth it:

• 🌍 Trusted brand with global recognition

• 🔄 Free unlimited reissues

• 🛠️ 24/7 customer support in the U.S.

• 🔐 Strong encryption and warranty (up to $1 million)

💡 Pro Tip: Check CompareCheapSSL.com for discounts and competitor comparisons.

10. GoDaddy Wildcard SSL Alternatives

Top Competitors:

Use a comparison tool like CompareCheapSSL to pick the best based on budget and need.

Final Thoughts

If you’re managing a domain with multiple subdomains, a GoDaddy Wildcard SSL Certificate is a smart move. It combines security, convenience, and trust under one powerful package.

• Save time and money

• Get robust encryption and brand trust

• Scale your infrastructure easily

Want to find better pricing or explore competitors?
👉 Check: CompareCheapSSL.com/compare-wildcard-ssl-providers

FAQs

What is a GoDaddy Wildcard SSL certificate?

A GoDaddy Wildcard SSL certificate is a type of SSL that secures both your primary domain and all of its first-level subdomains with just one certificate. For example, instead of buying separate SSLs for www.yourdomain.com, mail.yourdomain.com, and shop.yourdomain.com, you use a single Wildcard SSL to cover all of them.

How does a Wildcard SSL differ from a standard SSL certificate?

A standard SSL secures only one domain or subdomain, such as www.yourdomain.com. A Wildcard SSL, on the other hand, secures your domain and unlimited first-level subdomains (like *.yourdomain.com), making it ideal for growing businesses with multiple services or platforms under one domain.

How does GoDaddy Wildcard SSL work technically?

When you purchase a Wildcard SSL, you generate a certificate signing request (CSR) with a wildcard character (*) in the domain field (for example, *.yourdomain.com). After validation, GoDaddy issues a single SSL certificate that can be installed on your server to secure your domain and all its first-level subdomains—present and future—without reissuing.

Will a Wildcard SSL secure second-level subdomains (such as shop.eu.yourdomain.com)?

No, a Wildcard SSL only covers first-level subdomains. Second-level subdomains (like store.eu.yourdomain.com) aren’t included. If you need to secure those, you’ll require a multi-domain or SAN (Subject Alternative Name) SSL solution.

What are the main benefits of using GoDaddy Wildcard SSL?

Secures unlimited first-level subdomains under one domain

Saves money compared to buying separate certificates for each subdomain

Makes SSL management easier as your site grows

Instantly protects new subdomains without having to purchase or issue a new certificate

What encryption standards does GoDaddy Wildcard SSL use?

GoDaddy Wildcard SSL uses strong industry-standard encryption, typically 2048-bit RSA with SHA-2 hashing. This ensures data transmitted between your site and visitors is well protected.

Can I install my GoDaddy Wildcard SSL on multiple servers?

Yes, you can install the same Wildcard SSL certificate on multiple servers. This is especially useful for businesses using load balancers, CDNs, or running applications across different environments.

What do I need to do if I add a new subdomain in the future?

With a Wildcard SSL, any new first-level subdomain you create under your main domain is automatically secured—no need to change or reissue your certificate. Just set up the subdomain, and it benefits from HTTPS security instantly.

Is there a limit to the number of subdomains I can secure with a GoDaddy Wildcard SSL?

No, there is no limit to the number of subdomains you can secure with a GoDaddy Wildcard SSL. As long as the subdomains are under the same primary domain (e.g., *.example.com), the Wildcard SSL will cover them.

Can a GoDaddy Wildcard SSL certificate be used for email encryption?

Yes, a GoDaddy Wildcard SSL can be used to encrypt email communication for all subdomains of the primary domain. For example, you can use it to encrypt IMAP, SMTP, and POP3 connections for email addresses under @example.com.

Does GoDaddy Wildcard SSL provide a warranty?

Yes, GoDaddy Wildcard SSL comes with a $1 million warranty that protects against any loss resulting from a mis-issued certificate. This warranty is a guarantee from GoDaddy that the certificate was issued correctly, offering additional peace of mind.

How much does a GoDaddy Wildcard SSL certificate cost?

The cost of a GoDaddy Wildcard SSL varies depending on the plan and validity period you choose. GoDaddy offers competitive pricing, with discounts often available for long-term plans (e.g., 2 or 3 years). It’s advisable to check GoDaddy’s website for the most current pricing and promotions.

Can I upgrade from a GoDaddy Standard SSL to a Wildcard SSL?

Yes, you can upgrade from a GoDaddy Standard SSL to a Wildcard SSL. However, you will need to purchase a new Wildcard SSL and go through the validation process again. It’s essential to ensure that all your subdomains are properly configured during the upgrade process.