What is a Wildcard SSL Certificate?

A Wildcard SSL certificate allows you to secure your main domain and all first-level subdomains with a single certificate. This means you can protect multiple services such as mail.example.com, blog.example.com, or shop.example.com without needing to purchase and manage separate SSL certificates for each one.

Wildcard SSLs are designed to cover one level of subdomains at a time. For example, a wildcard certificate for *.example.com will secure example.com and subdomains like mail.example.com or blog.example.com. However, it will not cover deeper levels such as login.mail.example.com or test.blog.example.com.

This makes wildcard certificates a convenient and cost-effective option for websites and organizations that operate multiple subdomains under a single domain. This article covers the following: 

• How do I purchase a Wildcard SSL?
• How do I generate my CSR?
• How do I activate my SSL?
• How do I download and upload the certificate?

How do I purchase a Wildcard SSL?

You can purchase through the following instructions:

Step 1.

Log in to your Rebel account, then select "Products" in the top-left corner. In the top toolbar, you will see “SSL”. Please select this. 

Step 2.

In the upper right corner, you will see the option to "Proceed with SSL Purchase." Please select this. 

Step 3.

A pop-up will appear with some notes and tips on creating the SSL. Once you have finished reading, select "Proceed". 

Step 4.

You will see our three SSL options, of which you can purchase. For the one you would like to purchase, please click "Select" at the bottom. Once you have chosen your SSL package, click "Proceed" in the bottom right corner. 

Step 5.

On this page, you will be able to modify your SSL certificate. To register your Wildcard SSL properly, please:

• Select the Wildcard option for the Certificate Type
• Add an asterisk (*) to your root domain in the Domain Name field 
  • Example: *.example.com

Once you have completed this step, click "Add to cart" on the right-hand side.

Step 6.

You will be taken to your shopping cart, where you can verify your order details, check the box next to I agree to the Terms and Conditions, and finally click "Process Order" to begin the transaction.

I have purchased my Wildcard SSL. How do I generate the CSR in my Rebel hosting package?

Please contact our Customer Service team in order to submit a request for a wildcard CSR. 

How do I activate my SSL?

Every hosting company has their own preferred formats, as well as their own installation instructions and practices. If you are hosted with us, please refer to the following FAQ articles:

• Hosting with Plesk  
• Classic Hosting
• Third Party Hosting. Please note that if you are hosted with a Third Party, your CSR will be created with them, as well as the upload of the certificate.