Advanced SSL Certificate FAQ (Security, Renewal, Compatibility & Common Issues)

This FAQ covers more advanced SSL questions that customers frequently ask when securing websites with AutoSSL, RapidSSL, Wildcard SSL, EV/OV SSL, or third-party certificates.

---

1. Does Google rank HTTPS websites higher?

Yes. Google officially confirmed that HTTPS is a search ranking factor. Websites using SSL tend to rank higher and load faster using HTTP/2/3.

---

2. Will installing an SSL certificate break my website?

Only if your site contains hard-coded HTTP URLs.

Common issues after installing SSL:

• Images, CSS or JavaScript loaded via http://
• Old theme files forcing non-SSL resources
• Mixed content warnings

These issues can be fixed easily with:

• WordPress Toolkit → Fix Mixed Content
• Plugin: Really Simple SSL

---

3. What is the difference between DV, OV, and EV SSL?

Type	Validation	Best For
DV (Domain Validation)	Proves domain ownership	Personal sites, blogs, basic HTTPS
OV (Organisation Validation)	Business identity verified	Companies, business websites
EV (Extended Validation)	Legal & corporate validation	Banks, eCommerce, corporate sites

All types provide the same encryption strength — the difference is trust level and validation.

---

4. Why do I need a CA Bundle?

The CA Bundle links your certificate to the issuing Certificate Authority. Without it, some browsers (especially on mobile or older devices) may show:

Untrusted or Incomplete Certificate Chain

Always install the CA Bundle when adding your custom SSL.

---

5. How do I test if my SSL certificate is installed correctly?

Use this trusted SSL checker:

https://www.ssllabs.com/ssltest

It will show:

• Certificate chain status
• Server configuration
• Protocol support (TLS 1.2 / 1.3)
• Security rating (A+ recommended)

---

6. Does SSL slow down my website?

No — the opposite.

Modern SSL increases speed using:

• HTTP/2
• HTTP/3 QUIC
• Browser caching optimisations

Your website will load faster when SSL is properly configured.

---

7. Do I need a dedicated IP for SSL?

No. Modern SNI (Server Name Indication) allows multiple SSL certificates on the same IP address. All Fast2host servers fully support SNI.

Dedicated IPs are only needed for old legacy devices or very specialised configurations.

---

8. Why does my SSL certificate keep reinstalling or disappearing?

Possible reasons:

• AutoSSL reissued a new certificate (e.g., DNS changed)
• Root domain pointing to a different server
• Incorrect DNS zone records
• Another control panel overwrote your certificate

If using a **paid certificate**, disable AutoSSL for that domain in:

WHM → Manage AutoSSL → Disable For Domain

---

9. Why is my SSL not working on some devices?

Some older devices do not support new TLS versions, or your certificate chain may be incomplete.

The most common reasons:

• Missing intermediate CA
• Device does not support TLS 1.2+
• Outdated browser certificate store

Installing the CA Bundle usually fixes this.

---

10. What happens when my SSL certificate expires?

Your site will show browser warnings such as:

Your connection is not private  
NET::ERR_CERT_DATE_INVALID

Visitors may be blocked from entering your website.

• AutoSSL renews automatically
• Paid certificates must be manually renewed

Always renew before expiry.

---