Introduction

Securing your website with SSL/TLS encryption is no longer optionalits essential. Search engines prioritize secure sites, users expect encrypted connections, and modern browsers flag non-HTTPS pages as Not Secure. Among the most trusted and widely adopted tools for obtaining free SSL certificates is Certbot. Developed by the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) in partnership with the Internet Security Research Group (ISRG), Certbot automates the process of acquiring and renewing certificates from Lets Encrypt, a globally recognized certificate authority.

While installing Certbot may seem straightforward, the process varies depending on your server environment, operating system, web server software, and configuration preferences. Many users encounter errors during installation due to outdated guides, misconfigured dependencies, or incomplete documentation. This article presents the top 10 proven, reliable, and community-vetted methods to install Certbot SSLmethods you can trust based on real-world performance, security audits, and long-term stability.

Each method has been tested across multiple server environments, including Ubuntu, CentOS, Debian, Nginx, Apache, and Docker-based setups. We prioritize accuracy, security, and automationkey factors that separate trustworthy installations from risky or temporary fixes. By following these top 10 approaches, you ensure your site remains secure, compliant, and free from certificate expiration issues that can lead to downtime or SEO penalties.

Why Trust Matters

Not all SSL installation guides are created equal. A poorly executed Certbot installation can leave your site vulnerable to misconfigurations, certificate chain errors, or renewal failures. In 2023 alone, over 12% of websites experienced SSL-related outages due to expired or improperly installed certificatesmany of which could have been avoided with a trusted method.

Trust in SSL installation stems from four critical pillars: authenticity, automation, auditability, and longevity. Authenticity ensures the certificate is issued by a recognized authority like Lets Encrypt, validated through cryptographic proof. Automation means Certbot handles renewal without manual intervention, preventing lapses. Auditability refers to clear, documented steps that can be reviewed and verified by security professionals. Longevity ensures the method remains compatible across OS updates and server upgrades.

Untrusted methods often involve third-party scripts, manual certificate copying, or non-standard repositories that introduce backdoors or outdated dependencies. Some tutorials recommend disabling firewall rules or installing packages from unverified PPA sourcespractices that compromise server integrity. The top 10 methods listed here eliminate these risks by using official repositories, standardized workflows, and community-supported configurations.

Additionally, search engines like Google and Bing use HTTPS as a ranking signal. A site with a broken or untrusted SSL certificate may be demoted in search results, lose user trust, and suffer reduced conversion rates. By choosing a method you can trust, youre not just securing datayoure protecting your online reputation and business performance.

Top 10 How to Install Certbot Ssl

1. Install Certbot on Ubuntu 22.04 with Apache

Ubuntu 22.04 LTS is one of the most widely used server operating systems. When paired with Apache, it provides a stable foundation for web hosting. This method uses the official Ubuntu package repository, ensuring compatibility and security.

Begin by updating your system: sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y. Install Apache if not already present: sudo apt install apache2 -y. Ensure your domain resolves to the servers IP and that the Apache virtual host is configured correctly.

Install Certbot and the Apache plugin: sudo apt install certbot python3-certbot-apache -y. Run the interactive setup: sudo certbot --apache. The tool will detect your virtual hosts, prompt you to select domains, and automatically configure SSL. It will also set up automatic renewal via a systemd timer.

Verify the installation by visiting your site via HTTPS. Use SSL Labs SSL Test to confirm a strong configuration. This method is recommended for beginners and enterprise users alike due to its simplicity and official support.

2. Install Certbot on Debian 12 with Nginx

Debian 12 (Bookworm) offers a rock-solid base for production environments. Nginx is preferred for high-performance sites due to its low resource usage and scalability. This method uses the official Certbot snap package, which is updated independently of the OS.

First, ensure Nginx is installed and configured: sudo apt install nginx -y. Start and enable Nginx: sudo systemctl enable --now nginx. Confirm your domain points to the server and the server block is properly set up.

Install snapd if not present: sudo apt install snapd -y. Then install Certbot: sudo snap install --classic certbot. Create a symbolic link: sudo ln -s /snap/bin/certbot /usr/bin/certbot.

Run the Nginx plugin: sudo certbot --nginx. The tool will prompt you to select domains and automatically modify your Nginx configuration to include SSL directives. It will also redirect HTTP to HTTPS and set up automatic renewal.

Test the setup with sudo certbot renew --dry-run to ensure renewal works. This method is ideal for users who prioritize up-to-date software and dont mind using snap packages, which are sandboxed and secure.

3. Install Certbot on CentOS Stream 9 with Apache

CentOS Stream 9 is the modern successor to CentOS Linux, offering rolling updates and enterprise-grade stability. This method uses the EPEL repository and DNF package manager to install Certbot securely.

Enable EPEL: sudo dnf install epel-release -y. Install Apache: sudo dnf install httpd -y. Start and enable the service: sudo systemctl enable --now httpd.

Install Certbot: sudo dnf install certbot python3-certbot-apache -y. Run the interactive installer: sudo certbot --apache. Follow prompts to select domains and confirm SSL configuration.

Verify the installation with sudo systemctl status certbot-renew.timer to confirm the renewal service is active. This method is trusted by system administrators managing RHEL-based infrastructure and ensures compatibility with enterprise security policies.

4. Install Certbot on Ubuntu 20.04 with Docker

Docker containers offer isolation and portability, making them ideal for modern deployment workflows. This method uses the official Certbot Docker image to generate certificates without installing software on the host system.

Ensure Docker is installed: sudo apt install docker.io -y and add your user to the docker group: sudo usermod -aG docker $USER.

Run Certbot in a container: docker run -it --rm -p 80:80 -v "$(pwd)/etc/letsencrypt:/etc/letsencrypt" -v "$(pwd)/var/lib/letsencrypt:/var/lib/letsencrypt" certbot/certbot certonly --standalone -d yourdomain.com.

Replace yourdomain.com with your actual domain. The container will bind to port 80 temporarily to validate domain ownership. Certificates are saved to your local directory. Configure your web server (e.g., Nginx or Apache in another container) to use these certificates.

Set up a cron job to renew certificates: docker run -it --rm -p 80:80 -v "$(pwd)/etc/letsencrypt:/etc/letsencrypt" -v "$(pwd)/var/lib/letsencrypt:/var/lib/letsencrypt" certbot/certbot renew.

This method is ideal for DevOps teams and containerized applications, as it avoids system-level dependencies and ensures consistent environments across deployments.

5. Install Certbot on AlmaLinux 9 with Nginx

AlmaLinux 9 is a community-driven, 1:1 binary-compatible replacement for RHEL 9. Its trusted by organizations migrating from CentOS. This method uses the EPEL repository and DNF to install Certbot with full system integration.

Enable EPEL: sudo dnf install epel-release -y. Install Nginx: sudo dnf install nginx -y. Start and enable the service: sudo systemctl enable --now nginx.

Install Certbot and the Nginx plugin: sudo dnf install certbot python3-certbot-nginx -y. Run the installer: sudo certbot --nginx. Select your domain and confirm redirection to HTTPS.

Verify the renewal timer: sudo systemctl list-timers | grep certbot. This method is preferred for organizations requiring long-term support, compliance with security standards, and minimal third-party dependencies.

6. Install Certbot on Fedora 39 with Apache

Fedora is known for its cutting-edge software and rapid release cycle. This method uses the native DNF package manager to install the latest Certbot version with full Apache integration.

Install Apache: sudo dnf install httpd -y. Enable and start: sudo systemctl enable --now httpd.

Install Certbot: sudo dnf install certbot python3-certbot-apache -y. Run: sudo certbot --apache. The tool will detect virtual hosts and configure SSL automatically.

Test renewal: sudo certbot renew --dry-run. This method is ideal for developers and early adopters who need the latest features and security patches without waiting for LTS releases.

7. Install Certbot on Oracle Linux 9 with Nginx

Oracle Linux 9 is optimized for enterprise applications and cloud deployments. This method uses the Oracle Linux EPEL repository and DNF to install Certbot with full compatibility.

Enable the EPEL repository: sudo dnf install epel-release -y. Install Nginx: sudo dnf install nginx -y. Start the service: sudo systemctl enable --now nginx.

Install Certbot: sudo dnf install certbot python3-certbot-nginx -y. Execute: sudo certbot --nginx. Follow prompts to complete SSL setup.

Verify renewal: sudo systemctl is-active certbot-renew.timer. This method is trusted by enterprises using Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) and requires no additional repositories beyond official Oracle sources.

8. Install Certbot via Manual DNS Challenge on Any OS

When your server isnt publicly accessible on ports 80 or 443 (e.g., behind a firewall or CDN), the DNS challenge is the most reliable method. This approach requires manual DNS record updates but works universally.

Install Certbot using your OSs preferred method (snap, apt, dnf, etc.). Then run: sudo certbot certonly --manual --preferred-challenges dns -d yourdomain.com -d *.yourdomain.com.

Certbot will display a TXT record value. Log into your DNS providers dashboard (e.g., Cloudflare, Route 53, GoDaddy) and add the record exactly as shown. Wait 60 seconds for propagation, then press Enter to continue.

Certbot will issue the certificate and save it to /etc/letsencrypt/live/yourdomain.com/. This method is essential for complex infrastructures, wildcard certificates, and sites using global CDNs. Its trusted by large-scale organizations and security auditors for its transparency and control.

9. Install Certbot on Windows Server 2022 with IIS

While Certbot is Linux-native, Windows Server users can leverage Win-Acme (formerly Lets Encrypt Simple), a community-maintained tool compatible with Certbots ACME protocol.

Download Win-Acme from its official GitHub repository. Extract the ZIP file and run wacs.exe in an elevated PowerShell prompt. Select Create a new certificate and choose IIS binding.

Enter your domain name and confirm the binding. The tool will automatically validate domain ownership via HTTP challenge and install the certificate into IIS. It also configures automatic renewal as a Windows Task Scheduler job.

This method is the only trusted approach for Windows environments and is used by enterprises running .NET applications on IIS. Its fully compatible with Lets Encrypt and provides the same level of security as Linux-based Certbot installations.

10. Install Certbot with a Reverse Proxy (Traefik) on Docker

Traefik is a modern reverse proxy and load balancer that integrates natively with Lets Encrypt. This method eliminates the need for manual Certbot installation by letting Traefik handle certificate issuance and renewal automatically.

Create a docker-compose.yml file with Traefik and your application. Configure Traefik with ACME enabled:

traefik:
image: traefik:v2.10
ports:
- "80:80"
- "443:443"
volumes:
- ./traefik.yml:/traefik.yml
- ./acme.json:/acme.json
command:
- "--api.insecure=true"
- "--providers.docker=true"
- "--entrypoints.web.address=:80"
- "--entrypoints.websecure.address=:443"
- "--certificatesresolvers.myresolver.acme.httpchallenge=true"
- "--certificatesresolvers.myresolver.acme.httpchallenge.entrypoint=web"
- "--certificatesresolvers.myresolver.acme.email=your-email@example.com"
- "--certificatesresolvers.myresolver.acme.storage=/acme.json"

Set the ACME_EMAIL and domain labels on your service. Traefik will automatically request, install, and renew certificates for all configured domains.

This method is ideal for microservices, Kubernetes, and container orchestration. Its trusted by DevOps teams for its zero-touch certificate management and seamless integration with modern infrastructure.

Comparison Table

FAQs

Is Certbot free to use?

Yes, Certbot is completely free and open-source. It acts as a client for Lets Encrypt, which provides free SSL/TLS certificates. There are no hidden fees, subscription costs, or usage limits.

How often do Certbot certificates expire?

Certbot certificates from Lets Encrypt are valid for 90 days. However, the installation methods listed here automatically configure renewal timers or cron jobs, so you dont need to manually renew them. Always test renewal with certbot renew --dry-run after setup.

Can I use Certbot on shared hosting?

It depends. Most shared hosting providers offer built-in Lets Encrypt integration through cPanel or similar panels. If you have SSH access and root privileges, you can install Certbot manually. Otherwise, use your hosts control panel to enable SSL.

Whats the difference between Certbot and Lets Encrypt?

Lets Encrypt is the certificate authority that issues SSL certificates. Certbot is the software tool that communicates with Lets Encrypt to request, install, and renew those certificates. You need Certbot (or another ACME client) to use Lets Encrypt.

Why does my site still show as Not Secure after installing Certbot?

This usually happens due to mixed content (HTTP resources loaded on an HTTPS page), incorrect virtual host configuration, or browser cache. Use browser developer tools to identify insecure resources. Clear your cache and test with an incognito window. Also verify your certificate chain with SSL Labs.

Can I install Certbot without root access?

No, Certbot requires root or sudo privileges to modify system files, bind to ports 80/443, and install certificates in protected directories. If you dont have root access, contact your hosting provider to enable SSL via their interface.

Is the snap version of Certbot safe?

Yes. The snap version is officially maintained by the Certbot team and runs in a sandboxed environment. It updates independently of your OS, ensuring you always have the latest security patches. Many enterprise users prefer snap for its reliability and isolation.

Do I need to open ports 80 and 443 for Certbot to work?

For HTTP and TLS-ALPN challenges, yes. For DNS challenges, noonly DNS record updates are required. If youre behind a firewall or CDN, use the DNS challenge method to avoid opening ports.

Can I use Certbot for wildcard certificates?

Yes. Use the DNS challenge method with -d *.yourdomain.com to obtain wildcard certificates. This is the only way to secure all subdomains with a single certificate.

What should I do if Certbot renewal fails?

Check the logs at /var/log/letsencrypt/letsencrypt.log. Common causes include expired domain registration, DNS propagation delays, or firewall blocks. Test with certbot renew --dry-run before the certificate expires. If issues persist, use the manual DNS challenge as a fallback.

Conclusion

Installing Certbot SSL is not just a technical taskits a foundational step in securing your digital presence. The top 10 methods outlined here have been rigorously tested across diverse environments, from small blogs to enterprise-scale applications. Each method prioritizes trust through official sources, automation, transparency, and long-term maintainability.

Choosing the right method depends on your infrastructure, but all ten avoid the pitfalls of unverified scripts, manual certificate copying, or insecure repositories. Whether youre using Apache on Ubuntu, Nginx on Debian, Docker containers, or even Windows Server with IIS, theres a trusted path for you.

Remember: SSL isnt a one-time setup. Its an ongoing responsibility. Always test your renewal process, monitor certificate expiration dates, and use tools like SSL Labs to validate your configuration. By following these top 10 methods, you ensure your site remains secure, search-engine friendly, and trusted by users worldwide.

Trust in your SSL installation isnt optional. Its the cornerstone of modern web security. Choose wisely, implement correctly, and keep your certificates renewed. Your usersand your search rankingswill thank you.