Easy Step-by-Step Guide to How to Renew SSL Certificate While Using Cloudflare Proxy
Renewing your SSL certificate with the Cloudflare Proxy involves following steps, for implementation. Start by getting a SSL certificate from your provider and then log in to your Cloudflare dashboard.
Navigate to the SSL/TLS section. Choose either the Full (Strict) encryption mode. Upload your SSL certificate along, with the key and intermediate certificate.
Make sure to verify that the certificate chain is complete. Update your DNS records to ensure routing through Cloudflare. Finally use SSL checker tools to test your website and confirm that the renewal process is successful.
Make sure to save a copy of your SSL certificate information before you start any updates as this is essential, for keeping the connection on your website secure, for those visiting via HTTPS.
Updating your SSL certificate when utilizing the Cloudflare Proxy may appear challenging at glance; however it is a task to ensure the security of your websites data integrity and confidentiality intact. Here is a step-by-step guide to walk you through the process smoothly.
Prerequisites Before Renew SSL Certificate while using Cloudflare Proxy
Before starting the renewal process, make sure you have the following:
- Access to your SSL certificate provider’s control panel
- Ability to SSH into your origin server to install certificates
- Administrator access to your Cloudflare account
5 Easy Steps to Renew SSL while using Cloudflare Proxy
- Purchase and Download New SSL Certificate
- Use Cloudflare API to Update SSL Binding
- Install New SSL Certificate on Origin Server
- Re-enable Full SSL Support in Cloudflare
- Update Expiration Date
Step 1: Purchase and Download New SSL Certificate
Log into your SSL certificate provider’s control panel. If your current certificate is expiring soon, you may see a renewal notice. Follow their process to purchase and download a new SSL certificate file.
Typically, you will download a zipped file containing the certificate (.crt), private key, and potentially intermediate certificates. Keep this file safe for the next steps.
Step 2: Use Cloudflare API to Update SSL Binding
Here is where Cloudflare’s proxy requires special handling. We need to use Cloudflare’s API to change the SSL binding before installing the new certificate.
- Get your Cloudflare API key from the account dashboard.
- Using a tool like cURL or a browser extension, make a PUT request to the Cloudflare API:
curl -X PUT "https://api.cloudflare.com/client/v4/zones/{zone_id}/settings/ssl" \
-H "Authorization: Bearer {api_key}" \
-H "Content-Type: application/json" \
--data '{"value":"flexible"}'- Wait up to 30 minutes for changes to fully propagate before continuing.
Step 3: Install New SSL Certificate on Origin Server
Now you can safely install the new SSL certificate on your origin server without causing downtime.
The steps vary depending on the server environment:
For Apache
- Upload certificate files to the server
- Edit apache config file (e.g. ssl.conf) with new file paths
- Restart apache service to load new certificate
For Nginx
- Upload certificate files to server
- Update ssl_certificate and ssl_certificate_key in nginx config
- Reload nginx to activate new certificate
For IIS
- Open IIS Manager
- Select your site and open ‘Bindings‘
- Click ‘Add‘ and select your new SSL certificate
- Click OK to save the new binding
Step 4: Re-enable Full SSL Support in Cloudflare
Once the origin server is updated, switch Cloudflare back to full SSL support:
curl -X PUT "https://api.cloudflare.com/client/v4/zones/{zone_id}/settings/ssl" \
-H "Authorization: Bearer {api_key}" \
-H "Content-Type: application/json" \
--data '{"value":"full"}'Step 5: Update Expiration Date
Finally, log into Cloudflare and update the certificate expiration date under Crypto > SSL/TLS > Origin Server.
This ensures Cloudflare will prompt you to renew again before the next expiration.
Final Thoughts
In summary renewing your SSL certificate, with Cloudflares proxy service is a task that can be done in an easy steps. By following the instructions provided you can guarantee that your websites SSL certificate stays current and secure safeguarding your users’ data and preserving the credibility of your site.
Be sure to schedule the renewal of your certificate in advance to prevent any issues, with your websites operation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What will happen if I choose not to renew the SSL certificate?
If you fail to update the SSL certificate for your website it will end up with an expired certificate. This may lead to security alerts appearing on visitors’ browsers potentially harming the trust and credibility of the site.
When is the ideal time to renew the certificate before it expires?
It is advisable to update SSL certificates around 1 to 1 weeks to their expiry date allowing for a margin, in case there are any complications, during the renewal process.
Is it possible to utilize a SSL certificate with Cloudflare?
Certainly! You have the option to utilize no cost SSL certificates such, as Lets Encrypt in conjunction with Cloudflare. The procedure, for renewing and updating Cloudflare remains consistent and unchanged.
Do I have to renew the certificate for my server?
To ensure security measures are, in place, for your systems protection it is advisable to update the SSL certificate on your main server. Cloudflare does not handle this task.
What will occur if I opt not to utilize the Cloudflare API when renewing my subscription?
If you don’t adjust the SSL mode using the Cloudflare API before installing the certificate there might be a downtime until Cloudflare recognizes the changes made.
Priya Mervana
Verified Web Security Experts
Priya Mervana is working at SSLInsights.com as a web security expert with over 10 years of experience writing about encryption, SSL certificates, and online privacy. She aims to make complex security topics easily understandable for everyday internet users.
