Transition from Flexible to Full SSL: A Comprehensive Guide

Switching from a flexible SSL certificate to a full SSL certificate is a crucial step in enhancing the security and user experience of your website. This guide provides a detailed walkthrough of the process, including understanding the different types of SSL certificates, installing a certificate on your server, configuring Cloudflare settings, and testing your site.

Understanding SSL Types

Before diving into the transition process, it's essential to understand the differences between the two main types of SSL certificates: flexible and full (also known as multi-domain or multi-site).

Flexible SSL

Encrypts traffic between the user and Cloudflare but not between Cloudflare and the server.

Full SSL

Encrypts traffic between both the user and Cloudflare and the server. Requires an SSL certificate to be installed on the server.

Install an SSL Certificate on Your Server

The first step in transitioning to a full SSL certificate is to obtain a valid SSL certificate. There are several free and paid options available from Certificate Authorities (CAs) like Let's Encrypt, DigiCert, or other providers.

Obtain a Valid SSL Certificate

Visit the CA's website and follow their instructions to obtain a certificate for your domain. Some popular CA options include: Let's Encrypt (free) DigiCert (paid) ZeroSSL (free)

Install the SSL Certificate on Your Web Server

The installation process varies based on your server type (e.g., Apache, Nginx, etc.). Here, we provide a brief overview for common servers.

Apache Server

Enable the SSL module:

sudo a2enmod ssl

Restart Apache to apply the changes:

sudo service apache2 restart

Update your Apache configuration to use the SSL certificate:

VirtualHost *:443
    ServerName 
    SSLEngine on
    SSLCertificateFile /path/to/your_
    SSLCertificateKeyFile /path/to/your_
    # SSLCertificateChainFile if needed
/VirtualHost

Nginx Server

server {
    listen 443 ssl;
    server_name ;
    ssl_certificate /path/to/your_;
    ssl_certificate_key /path/to/your_;
    location / {
        # Your configuration
    }
}

Change SSL Setting on Cloudflare

After installing the SSL certificate on your server, it's time to configure Cloudflare.

Log into Your Cloudflare Account

Navigate to your domain's SSL/TLS settings and switch the SSL option from Flexible to Full or Full Strict. Ensure your server has the correct SSL certificate installed.

Test Your Configuration

Once the changes are made:

Use Online Tools for SSL Testing

Utilize online tools like SSL Labs to check your SSL configuration. Verify that your website loads properly over HTTPS without any mixed content issues.

Update Any Hardcoded Links

Ensure that all links on your site use HTTPS to avoid mixed content errors.

Monitor Your Site

After the changes are made, monitor your site for any issues or errors. Check your server logs for any SSL-related errors.

Additional Considerations

Full Strict

Ensure your server's SSL certificate is valid, properly installed, and not self-signed, especially if you choose Full Strict.

Caching

If you use caching plugins or services, clear your cache to avoid serving old content.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you should be able to successfully transition from a flexible SSL certificate to a full SSL certificate. If you encounter specific issues, consult your hosting provider or Cloudflare's documentation for more tailored assistance.