RapidSSL Wildcard Certificate – FAQ & Installation Guide

A RapidSSL Wildcard certificate allows you to secure unlimited subdomains under a single domain name, such as blog.domain.com, store.domain.com, mail.domain.com and more. This KB explains what the certificate covers, how to install it, how validation works, and how to fix common issues.

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1. What is a RapidSSL Wildcard certificate?

RapidSSL Wildcard is a Domain Validation (DV) SSL certificate that secures:

*.yourdomain.com

This includes unlimited subdomains such as:

• www.yourdomain.com
• mail.yourdomain.com
• cpanel.yourdomain.com
• shop.yourdomain.com
• anything.yourdomain.com

✔ But it does NOT secure yourdomain.com (the root domain) unless included in CSR SANs or you install a separate certificate.

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2. Does RapidSSL Wildcard secure the base domain?

No. A wildcard only secures subdomains.

*.yourdomain.com  →  Yes  
yourdomain.com    →  No  (requires its own certificate)

Some customers install a separate AutoSSL (free) certificate for the root domain and use the Wildcard only for subdomains.

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3. How do I generate a CSR for RapidSSL Wildcard?

Your CSR must use the wildcard domain:

Common Name (CN): *.yourdomain.com

To generate it in cPanel:

cPanel → SSL/TLS → Generate CSR

Enter the details normally — but remember:

• Common Name = *.yourdomain.com
• Company information must be accurate (but DV requires no business validation)

After generating the CSR, keep the Private Key, as you will need it to install the certificate.

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4. How does domain validation work for RapidSSL Wildcard?

You can validate using:

• Email Validation
• DNS CNAME Validation
• HTTP File Upload Validation

Validation Email Is Sent To:

admin@yourdomain.com  
administrator@yourdomain.com  
webmaster@yourdomain.com  
hostmaster@yourdomain.com  
postmaster@yourdomain.com

If none exist, create one temporarily inside cPanel → Email Accounts.

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5. How do I install a RapidSSL Wildcard certificate?

Once issued, you will receive:

• Certificate (CRT)
• Private Key (from CSR generation)
• CA Bundle / Intermediate Certificate

Install using:

cPanel → SSL/TLS → Manage SSL Sites

Paste each field into:

• Certificate (CRT)
• Private Key
• CA Bundle

Click Install Certificate.

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6. Why am I seeing “Not Secure” after installing the Wildcard SSL?

Common causes:

• CA Bundle not installed
• CSR was incorrect (not using *.domain.com)
• Root domain still using HTTP
• Mixed content (HTTP images or scripts)

Check your SSL installation using:

https://www.ssllabs.com/ssltest

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7. Does RapidSSL Wildcard support unlimited servers?

Yes — RapidSSL Wildcard supports unlimited subdomains across unlimited servers, as long as you control the private key.

⚠ Never share your private key with third parties.

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8. Do I need a new Wildcard certificate each time I add a subdomain?

No. Wildcard SSL automatically secures all subdomains.

You only need to reinstall the certificate if:

• You move to a new server
• You change the private key
• You switch hosting platforms

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9. How long is the RapidSSL Wildcard valid?

RapidSSL Wildcard is valid for 1 year (industry maximum). Renew before expiry to avoid downtime.

Renewal requires generating a new CSR and installing a new certificate.

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10. Does Wildcard SSL slow down my website?

No. Modern HTTPS is extremely efficient.

• HTTPS uses HTTP/2 or HTTP/3
• Improves SEO rankings
• Improves performance with browser caching and modern protocols

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