By Abhishek : Learn how to install a cross-server SSL certificate when your hosting is on GoDaddy and SSL is purchased from BigRock. Step-by-step guide covering CSR generation, DNS verification, installation, and HTTPS setup.

Installing an SSL certificate when your hosting provider and SSL provider are different is very common. For example:

• 🌐 Website Hosting: GoDaddy

• 🔒 SSL Provider: BigRock (powered by Sectigo)

This setup is called a cross-server SSL installation.

If your website is hosted on GoDaddy but your SSL certificate is purchased from BigRock, this detailed guide will walk you through the complete, professional process — from CSR generation to final HTTPS activation.

What is a Cross-Server SSL Installation?

A cross-server SSL setup means:

• Your domain/hosting server is with one company

• Your SSL certificate is purchased from another company

The process involves:

1. Generating a CSR on the hosting server

2. Activating the SSL with the provider

3. Verifying domain ownership

4. Installing the issued certificate back on the hosting server

Once completed, your website becomes secure and accessible via HTTPS.

Step 1: Generate CSR on GoDaddy (Hosting Server)

The CSR (Certificate Signing Request) must be generated on the server where the website is hosted.

How to Generate CSR in GoDaddy cPanel

1. Login to GoDaddy

2. Go to My Products

3. Click Web Hosting → Manage

4. Open cPanel

5. Navigate to SSL/TLS

6. Click Generate, view, or delete CSR

Fill in:

• Domain name (e.g., yourdomain.com)

• Country

• State

• City

• Organization name

Click Generate.

You will see a block of code:

-----BEGIN CERTIFICATE REQUEST-----
XXXXXXX
-----END CERTIFICATE REQUEST-----

Copy the entire CSR — you’ll need it in the next step.

Step 2: Activate SSL Certificate in BigRock

Now activate the certificate using the CSR.

Steps:

1. Login to BigRock

2. Go to My Products

3. Click SSL Certificates

4. Click Manage

5. Select Activate

6. Paste the CSR generated from GoDaddy

Proceed to domain validation.

Step 3: Complete Domain Verification (DNS Method – Recommended)

BigRock will provide a CNAME record for verification.

Example:

• Type: CNAME

• Host: _XXXXXXXXXXXX

• Points to: XXXXXXXX.sectigo.com

Add CNAME Record in GoDaddy DNS

⚠ Important: Add the DNS record in GoDaddy (where your domain DNS is managed), NOT in BigRock.

Steps:

1. Login to GoDaddy

2. Go to Domains

3. Click Manage DNS

4. Click Add Record

Fill in:

• Type: CNAME

• Name: (copy exactly from BigRock)

• Value: (copy exactly from BigRock)

• TTL: Default

Click Save.

DNS Propagation Time

• Usually: 10–30 minutes

• Maximum: 4–6 hours

After adding the record:

Return to BigRock and click Done.

Step 4: Check SSL Certificate Status

In BigRock:

Go to → My Products → SSL Certificates

You’ll see one of these statuses:

Once status shows Issued / Active, download:

• Certificate (CRT file)

• CA Bundle (Intermediate certificate)

Step 5: Install SSL Certificate in GoDaddy

Now install the issued certificate.

Steps:

1. Login to GoDaddy

2. Open cPanel

3. Go to SSL/TLS

4. Click Manage SSL Sites

Under Install an SSL Website, paste:

• Certificate (CRT) → From BigRock

• Private Key (Auto-filled from CSR)

• CA Bundle → From BigRock

Select your domain.

Click Install Certificate.

SSL installation complete.

Step 6: Force HTTPS Redirection

To ensure all visitors use HTTPS:

Edit .htaccess file inside public_html and add:

RewriteEngine On
RewriteCond %{HTTPS} off
RewriteRule ^ https://%{HTTP_HOST}%{REQUEST_URI} [L,R=301]

Save the file.

Step 7: Verify SSL Installation

Visit:

👉 https://yourdomain.com

You should see a 🔒 secure padlock.

You may also test using SSL checking tools for full chain verification.

Common SSL Installation Issues & Solutions

1. Private Key Mismatch

Cause: CSR generated on a different server
Fix: Regenerate CSR in GoDaddy

2. SSL Still Pending

Cause: DNS not propagated
Fix: Wait or verify CNAME record

3. No Padlock After Installation

Cause: Mixed content (HTTP images/scripts)
Fix: Update URLs to HTTPS

4. HTTPS Works but HTTP Also Loads

Cause: Missing redirect rule
Fix: Add .htaccess redirect

Why Installing SSL Correctly Matters

A properly installed SSL certificate:

• Protects user data

• Improves SEO rankings

• Builds customer trust

• Enables secure transactions

• Prevents browser security warnings

Search engines prioritize secure websites. Without HTTPS, your site may show “Not Secure” in browsers.

Cross-Server SSL Benefits

Using separate providers for hosting and SSL allows:

• Competitive pricing

• Better certificate options

• Easier hosting migration

• Independent certificate control

Many businesses buy SSL from one provider and host elsewhere without any issues.

Final SSL Installation Checklist

✔ CSR generated on hosting server
✔ SSL activated in BigRock
✔ CNAME record added in GoDaddy DNS
✔ Certificate status shows Issued
✔ SSL installed in cPanel
✔ HTTPS redirect configured
✔ Secure padlock visible

Conclusion

Installing a cross-server SSL certificate may seem technical, but the process follows a clear structure:

Generate CSR → Verify Domain → Install Certificate → Force HTTPS

Once configured properly, your website becomes secure, trusted, and SEO-friendly.

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