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

# Starhost SSL and Security: Automatic HTTPS for Every Site

> Starhost automatically provisions free SSL certificates for all hosted sites. Learn how HTTPS works on Starhost and how to manage your certificate.

Every site hosted on Starhost is served over HTTPS. When you connect a custom domain and it's verified, Starhost automatically provisions a free SSL certificate — no configuration required on your end. Certificates renew automatically before they expire, so you never have to worry about an expired cert taking your site down.

## How automatic SSL works

Starhost handles the full SSL lifecycle for you:

* **Provisioning** — As soon as your custom domain is verified, Starhost requests and installs an SSL certificate for it.
* **HTTPS enforcement** — All HTTP traffic to your site is automatically redirected to HTTPS. Visitors always land on the secure version of your site.
* **Automatic renewal** — Certificates are renewed well before their expiry date. No reminders, no manual steps.

<Note>
  SSL requires a verified custom domain. If you're using a Starhost subdomain (such as `yoursite.starhost.io`), HTTPS is already active out of the box — no setup needed.
</Note>

## Verify that your SSL is active

<Steps>
  <Step title="Deploy your site and connect your domain">
    Follow the [Quickstart guide](/starhost/quickstart) to deploy your site, then add your custom domain as described in the [Domains guide](/starhost/domains).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Wait for domain verification">
    Starhost verifies your domain by checking your DNS records. This usually takes a few minutes to a few hours after you've updated your records. You can monitor the status in your dashboard under **Domains**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="SSL is provisioned automatically">
    Once your domain is verified, Starhost provisions your SSL certificate without any further action from you. The process typically completes within a few minutes of verification.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Confirm the padlock in your browser">
    Visit your site at `https://yourdomain.com`. You should see a padlock icon in your browser's address bar, confirming that the connection is secure and the certificate is valid.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## HTTP to HTTPS redirects

Starhost enforces HTTPS by default on all hosted sites. Any visitor who arrives via `http://yourdomain.com` is automatically redirected to `https://yourdomain.com`. You don't need to configure this redirect yourself — it's applied at the platform level.

<Info>
  HTTPS enforcement also applies to `www` and non-`www` variants of your domain once both are verified and connected to your site.
</Info>

## Certificate renewal

SSL certificates on Starhost renew automatically. Starhost monitors expiry dates and renews certificates in advance, so your site stays secure without any action from you. You won't receive renewal reminders because there's nothing for you to do.

If you'd like to check the details of your certificate (such as the expiry date), you can click the padlock icon in your browser's address bar and view the certificate information.

## Frequently asked questions

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Is SSL included in all plans?">
    Yes. Every Starhost hosting plan includes free automatic SSL for all connected domains. There is no additional charge for SSL certificates.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="What if my SSL certificate shows an error?">
    First, make sure your domain is fully verified in your Starhost dashboard — SSL provisioning only begins after verification. If your domain was just verified, wait a few minutes and then try again. You should also clear your browser cache before re-testing. If the error persists after 30 minutes, contact [Starhost support](https://mystarhost.com/support).
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can I upload my own certificate?">
    Starhost provisions certificates automatically for all sites. If you have a specific requirement for a custom or extended validation (EV) certificate, contact [Starhost support](https://mystarhost.com/support) to discuss your options.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>