Free SSL Certificate Checker Tool
Verify the security status and details of any website's SSL certificate instantly. Enter a domain name below to check its SSL/TLS certificate.
What is an SSL Certificate?
An SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate is a digital certificate that authenticates a website's identity and enables an encrypted connection. It's essential for securing online transactions and maintaining customer trust.
SSL certificates create a secure connection between a visitor's browser and the server, encrypting sensitive information like credit card details, personal data, and login credentials.
When a website has a valid SSL certificate, it displays a padlock icon in the browser's address bar, and the URL begins with "https://" instead of "http://", indicating a secure connection.
Why Check SSL Certificates?
- Verify website security and encryption
- Prevent certificate expiration and website downtime
- Ensure customer trust and data protection
- Check certificate validity and technical details
- Maintain SEO rankings (Google favors secure websites)
Types of SSL Certificates
Domain Validation (DV)
The most basic type of SSL certificate that verifies domain ownership only. Ideal for blogs, informational websites, and sites without sensitive data collection.
Organization Validation (OV)
Moderate validation that verifies both domain ownership and organization details. Suitable for business websites and public-facing applications.
Extended Validation (EV)
The highest level of validation that requires extensive verification of business legitimacy. Ideal for e-commerce, banking, and websites handling sensitive customer data.
Frequently Asked Questions About SSL Certificates
You can check if a website has a valid SSL certificate by looking for the padlock icon in your browser's address bar and ensuring the URL starts with "https://" instead of "http://". Alternatively, you can use our SSL checker tool above to get detailed information about any website's certificate.
When an SSL certificate expires, browsers will display warning messages to visitors indicating that the connection is not secure. This can lead to decreased trust, lower conversion rates, and potential customer loss. Regular monitoring ensures you can renew certificates before they expire.
SSL certificates have expiration dates for security reasons. Regular renewals ensure that websites use the latest security standards and encryption methods. They also provide periodic verification that the certificate owner still controls the domain.
A Subject Alternative Name (SAN) is an extension to an SSL certificate that allows it to secure multiple domain names or subdomains with a single certificate. For example, a certificate might secure both example.com and www.example.com as SANs.
It's recommended to check your website's SSL certificate at least once a month, but automated monitoring solutions like SSL Monitor can check them daily and alert you when they're approaching expiration or if any issues arise.
Why Use Our SSL Certificate Checker Tool
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Comprehensive Certificate Details
Get detailed information about issuer, expiration dates, algorithms, and more.
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User-Friendly Interface
Easy to use with clear visual indicators of certificate status.
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Free to Use
No registration or payment required for basic certificate checks.
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Instant Results
Get certificate verification results in seconds, with no software installation.
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SAN Information
See all domains and subdomains covered by the certificate.
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Path to Advanced Monitoring
Upgrade to our full monitoring service for automated checks and alerts.
SSL Certificate Information
An SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate is a digital certificate that authenticates a website's identity and enables an encrypted connection. SSL certificates secure online transactions and keep customer information private and secure.
Why check SSL certificates?
Regularly checking your SSL certificates is important for several reasons:
- Prevent Downtime: Expired certificates can make your website inaccessible and display security warnings to visitors.
- Maintain Trust: Valid certificates ensure visitors trust your website and feel secure sharing their information.
- Verify Configuration: Proper certificate installation is essential for secure connections.
- SEO Benefits: HTTPS is a ranking factor for search engines, so valid SSL certificates help with SEO.
How to use this SSL Checker
Simply enter your domain name in the form above and click "Check Certificate." The tool will analyze your SSL certificate and display detailed information including the issuer, validity period, and security status.
How to Verify SSL Certificate is Valid and Working Properly
Verifying your SSL certificate is essential for ensuring your website is secure and trustworthy. Here's a comprehensive step-by-step guide to checking if your SSL certificate is valid and functioning correctly:
- Check the Padlock Icon: Look for the padlock symbol in the browser's address bar. A secure website displays this icon, indicating that the SSL certificate is active.
- Verify HTTPS Protocol: Ensure your website URL begins with "https://" rather than "http://". The 's' stands for 'secure' and confirms that the SSL certificate is working.
- View Certificate Details: Click on the padlock icon in your browser and select "Certificate" to view detailed information about your SSL certificate, including validity dates and issuer.
- Use an SSL Checker Tool: Utilize our SSL certificate checker tool above to perform a comprehensive analysis of your SSL certificate and identify any potential issues.
- Check Certificate Expiration: Confirm that your certificate hasn't expired and still has sufficient time before renewal is required.
Regular SSL certificate verification helps maintain website security, prevent user warnings, and ensure smooth business operations.
Common SSL Certificate Errors and How to Fix Them
Encountering SSL certificate errors can be concerning, but most issues have straightforward solutions. Here are the most common SSL certificate errors and how to resolve them:
1. "Your Connection is Not Private" Error
Cause: Usually appears when a certificate has expired, is self-signed, or wasn't issued by a trusted Certificate Authority.
Solution: Renew your expired certificate, replace self-signed certificates with ones from trusted authorities, or ensure your certificate chain is correctly installed.
2. "SSL Certificate Not Trusted" Error
Cause: The certificate was issued by a Certificate Authority that isn't in the browser's trusted list.
Solution: Purchase an SSL certificate from a widely recognized Certificate Authority or install the intermediate certificates properly.
3. Name Mismatch Error
Cause: The domain name in the URL doesn't match the domain name specified in the SSL certificate.
Solution: Ensure you're using the exact domain name listed in your certificate, or consider a wildcard or multi-domain certificate if you need to secure multiple domains.
4. Mixed Content Warning
Cause: The page includes both HTTPS and HTTP content, compromising security.
Solution: Update all references on your site to use HTTPS instead of HTTP for images, scripts, and other resources.
5. Incomplete Certificate Chain
Cause: The intermediate certificates linking your certificate to a trusted root certificate are missing.
Solution: Install the complete certificate chain provided by your Certificate Authority.
Regular monitoring with an SSL checker tool can help identify these issues before they affect your users' experience.
SSL Certificate Best Practices for Website Security
Implementing SSL certificates effectively is crucial for maintaining robust website security. Follow these industry best practices to ensure your SSL implementation provides optimal protection:
Choose the Right Certificate Type
Select an SSL certificate based on your specific needs:
- Single-domain certificates for one domain
- Wildcard certificates for a domain and its subdomains
- Multi-domain certificates for multiple unrelated domains
- EV certificates for maximum trust indicators
Implement Proper Certificate Management
- Create calendar reminders for certificate expiration dates
- Set up automated monitoring tools
- Document certificate details and renewal procedures
- Consider auto-renewal options when available
Ensure Strong Configuration
- Use modern protocols (TLS 1.2 or 1.3) and disable outdated ones
- Configure strong cipher suites
- Implement HSTS (HTTP Strict Transport Security)
- Enable OCSP stapling to improve performance
Conduct Regular Security Assessments
- Use SSL checker tools to verify certificate validity
- Perform security scans to identify vulnerabilities
- Test your SSL configuration with online tools
- Stay informed about security best practices
By following these best practices, you'll ensure your website maintains strong security, builds visitor trust, and meets compliance requirements.
How SSL Certificates Impact Website SEO and Ranking
SSL certificates don't just secure your website – they also significantly impact your search engine optimization efforts. Here's how SSL affects your website's SEO performance:
Google Rankings Boost
Since 2014, Google has officially stated that HTTPS is a ranking signal. Websites with valid SSL certificates receive a small ranking boost compared to non-secure alternatives.
Enhanced User Experience Signals
Secure websites avoid "Not Secure" warnings in browsers, which leads to lower bounce rates and longer site visits – both positive user experience signals for search engines.
Increased Referral Data
When traffic passes from an HTTPS site to a non-HTTPS site, the referral data is lost and appears as "direct" traffic in analytics. SSL certificates help preserve valuable referral information.
Required for Advanced Features
Many modern web features that enhance user experience require HTTPS, including HTTP/2 support, service workers, and progressive web apps – all of which can improve SEO performance.
Trust Signals for Authority
Websites with properly implemented SSL certificates demonstrate professionalism and attention to security, which contributes to overall site authority – an important factor in search rankings.
Regularly checking your SSL certificate with our tool ensures you maintain these SEO benefits without interruption. A properly secured website isn't just good for security – it's essential for maximizing your search visibility.