Knowledge Base

Nextel Systems Ltd includes a free SSL certificate with all hosting plans (e.g., STARTER, ~UGX 50,000/month, to TERABYTE), ensuring your app (e.g., WordPress, Joomla) uses secure HTTPS. Here’s how to add SSL to your hosted app using cPanel:

Steps to Enable SSL

1. Log into Your Domain Account
   • Visit https://www.nextelsystems.com/.
   • Access your Domain Account and click “cPanel” under “Hosting” or “Dashboard.”
2. Locate SSL/TLS Settings
   • In cPanel, scroll to the “Security” section.
   • Click “SSL/TLS” or “Let’s Encrypt” (Nextel Systems uses Let’s Encrypt for free SSL).
3. Install the SSL Certificate
   • Select your domain (e.g., yoursite.com) from the list.
   • Click “Issue” or “Install” to generate a free SSL certificate.
   • Ensure “AutoSSL” is enabled for automatic renewals (every 90 days).
4. Configure Your App for HTTPS
   • WordPress: Log into your admin panel, go to “Settings” > “General,” and update Site URL to https://yoursite.com. Install a plugin like “Really Simple SSL” to redirect HTTP to HTTPS.
   • Joomla: In “Global Configuration,” set “Force HTTPS” to “Entire Site.”
   • Magento: Update the base URL to https:// in the admin panel under “Stores” > “Configuration” > “Web.”
   • For other apps, edit configuration files (e.g., .htaccess) to enforce HTTPS (see below).
5. Force HTTPS Redirect
   • In cPanel’s “File Manager,” open /public_html/.htaccess.
   • Add this code to redirect all traffic to HTTPS:

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

   • Save and test your site.
6. Verify SSL Installation
   • Visit https://yoursite.com in a browser.
   • Look for a padlock icon or check via https://www.ssllabs.com/ssltest/.
   • If issues arise (e.g., “Not Secure”), ensure DNS points to Nextel Systems’ servers (e.g., ns1.nextelsystems.com).

Troubleshooting Tips

• Mixed Content Errors: Update app links (e.g., images, scripts) to HTTPS in your app’s database or settings.
• Certificate Not Active: Wait 5–10 minutes after installation or run “AutoSSL” in cPanel.
• DNS Issues: Confirm nameservers in cPanel’s “Zone Editor” match Nextel Systems’.
• App-Specific Errors: Check app logs (e.g., WordPress debug.log) or update PHP to 7.4+ in cPanel’s “Select PHP Version.”

Need Help?

If SSL fails to activate or your app doesn’t load on HTTPS, contact Nextel Systems’ 24/7 support:

• Phone: +256-414-696776
• Live Chat: Available at https://www.nextelsystems.com/
• Ticket/Email: Submit via your Domain Account’s support section.
  Provide your domain, app type (e.g., Drupal), and error details for faster resolution.

Start securing your app today at nextelsystems.com