SSL Certificate Setup Guide: Request, Validation, and Installation

An SSL certificate encrypts the connection between your device and the users accessing it. If you’re securing a server, website, or No-IP hostname, you’ll need to request, validate, and install an SSL certificate before it can protect your traffic.

Types of SSL Certificates Available Through No-IP

Before installing an SSL certificate, make sure you’ve purchased the correct certificate for your setup:

RapidSSL Basic DV will cover one hostname or domain, such as, example.ddns.net.
RapidSSL Wildcard DV will cover your domain (example.com) and can cover all sub-domains (name.example.com).
GeoTrust QuickSSL Premium covers only a single hostname or domain, but with a much higher warranty. This has a different method of validation.
No-IP Vital Encrypt DV SSL will cover one hostname or domain, such as, example.ddns.net. This certificate is included automatically if you have our Plus, Pro, or Enhanced service.

SSL coverage is not automatic so you will need to have it issued to you, and install it, for it to work properly. You can learn how, below.

Step 1: Locate Your SSL Certificate in Your No-IP Account

From your No-IP account, click on SSL Certificates. On this page, you will find your certificates. Your goal is to create, and a submit a CSR (Certificate Signing Request).

Step 2: Generate a CSR (Certificate Signing Request)

If you are setting up a Wildcard Certificate or would like both your domain (example.com) and the www sub-domain (www.example.com) covered by the SSL, you will need to add alternative names to your certificate signing request and your common name needs to be listed as *.youdomain.com. Please follow our SAN CSR guide for instructions.

You will need to generate a CSR. You can do this from the device that will receive the certificate. We have several guides for different operating systems on how to create a CSR. If you don’t see your server in our knowledge base you can also check out our certificate provider’s knowledgebase.

If you run into any issues submitting the CSR, here’s a list of CSR Upload Errors you may encounter.

The CSR must use the signature algorithm SHA256.

Step 3: Submit Your CSR

Once you have created a CSR, navigate back to the “SSL Certificates” page.
Locate the SSL that needs the CSR added and click the Create button.

In the pop up that appears is where you will paste the CSR you have generated.

Click Decode to proceed. Next, you will need to enter your contact information for the SSL.

Click Confirm when finished.

Step 4: Domain Validation and Certificate Issuance

To verify control of your domain or hostname, you’ll receive a TXT record value for verification.

If No-IP manages your DNS:

We’ll automatically add the TXT verification record to your hostname.

If another provider manages your DNS:

You’ll need to manually add the TXT record to their DNS system.

Verification can take up to 24 hours. Once complete, you will be able to download the certificate straight from the SSL page in your No-IP account.

Step 5: Install Your SSL Certificate

Our certificate provider has an extensive knowledge base with instructions on installing your new certificate. Find your server in the list, and follow the instructions.

Once installed and configured on your server, connections to your device will now be secured.