> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://kb.hosting.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Enabling SSL for Joomla

> Learn how to setup an SSL Certificate on your Joomla website to improve SEO rankings and secure your site. Just follow our step-by-step instructions.

This article describes how to enable SSL for a Joomla site.

<Warning>
  **Important**

  This article assumes that you already have a valid, functioning SSL certificate installed on your web site. If you do not have an SSL certificate for your site yet, please see our\
  [SSL certificate options](https://hosting.com/domains/ssl-certificates/) or use Sectigo certificates available with most accounts.
</Warning>

## Enabling SSL for Joomla

To enable SSL for Joomla, follow these steps:

1. Log in to Joomla as the administrator, and then:

* For Joomla 3, on the top menu bar, click **System**, and then click **Global Configuration**.

* For Joomla 2.5, on the top menu bar, click **Site**, and then click **Global Configuration**.

2. Click the **Server** tab.

3. Under **Server Settings**, in the **Force SSL** list box, select one of the following options:

* To make the administration interface accessible only when using SSL, select **Administrator Only**.
  > 🚧 Important
  >
  > For enhanced security, hosting.com strongly recommends that you require SSL at least for the administration interface.

* To make the entire site accessible only when using SSL, select **Entire Site**.

4. Click **Save**. SSL is now enabled for Joomla.

## Using cPanel SSL with Joomla

Using an SSL certificate from a recognized Certificate Authority is recommended for best results when enabling SSL for Joomla. cPanel SSL is a free, automated, and open certificate authority and is recognized by most modern browsers. cPanel SSL is supported for all new hosting.com accounts and certificates can be generated automatically for immediate use. For more information about cPanel SSL, please see the **Related Articles** section.

## Related articles

* [Introduction to SSL](/docs/introduction-to-ssl)

* [Optimizing Joomla](/docs/optimizing-joomla)

* [Securing a cPanel-enabled account with a Let’s Encrypt SSL certificate](/docs/securing-a-cpanel-enabled-account-with-a-lets-encrypt-ssl-certificate)

* [Generating and renewing Let’s Encrypt SSL certificates in Plesk](/docs/generating-and-renewing-lets-encrypt-ssl-certificates-in-plesk)

* [Securing an unmanaged server with a Let’s Encrypt SSL certificate](/docs/securing-your-site-with-a-lets-encrypt-ssl-certificate)

* [Differences between Let’s Encrypt certificates and traditional CA-issued certificates](/docs/differences-between-lets-encrypt-certificates-and-traditional-ca-issued-certificates)