Every FimuroHost Cloud Hosting plan includes a free SSL certificate. For it to work, there is one condition: your domain has to use the FimuroHost Cloud Hosting nameservers. This article explains the requirement, answers the most common questions, and covers what to do if you can't switch your DNS.
The nameservers you need
At your domain registrar, set your domain's nameservers to:
ns1.stackdns.com ns2.stackdns.com ns3.stackdns.com ns4.stackdns.com
If your domain is registered with FimuroHost, you can change these from the domain's page in your client area. If it's registered somewhere else, change them in that registrar's dashboard.
Why an A record isn't enough
Some people keep their DNS with another provider and just point an A record at the hosting IP address. The website will load that way, but the free certificate can't be activated. The free SSL is issued and installed on the hosting platform itself, and to do that the platform needs to control your domain's DNS. That is also what lets the certificate cover your subdomains.
Quick answers
| Your setup | Free SSL available? |
|---|---|
| Domain uses ns1–ns4.stackdns.com | Yes |
| Domain uses virtual (white-label) nameservers set up on our platform | Yes. Activate it as normal. |
| DNS is somewhere else, with only an A record pointing at the hosting | No |
| DNS is on another provider, e.g. a CDN or proxy service | No, not the free certificate |
How to check your current nameservers
On a computer with a terminal, run:
dig NS example.com +short
Replace example.com with your domain. On Windows you can use nslookup -type=NS example.com. Any online "DNS lookup" tool will also show the NS records. If you only just changed them, it can take a few hours, and occasionally up to 48 hours, before everyone sees the new nameservers.
If you can't move your DNS
Sometimes you need to keep DNS with another provider, for example because other services depend on records you manage there. In that case you can still secure the site by installing a certificate from another source in StackCP. See our guide "Install a Third-Party SSL Certificate in StackCP". If you're not sure which option suits your setup, ask us.
Before you switch nameservers
- Make a note of any DNS records you use at your current DNS provider, such as email (MX), verification TXT records and subdomains. Recreate them in StackCP's DNS settings so nothing stops working after the switch.
- Once the new nameservers are live, activate the free SSL from StackCP (Security → SSL/TLS).
Need help?
If something doesn't work as described, open a support ticket from your FimuroHost client area or message us on WhatsApp at 01818160926. Please include your domain name so we can check your account quickly.
Categories
Written by
FimuroHost Team
Technical Writer