How to Apply an SSL on Nginx

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Introduction

Securing your Nginx web server with SSL is a critical step to protect data, enable HTTPS, and build user trust.

In this guide, you'll learn how to perform SSL setup on Nginx in Linux, whether you already have your certificate or plan to buy an SSL certificate.

Prerequisites

Before you begin, make sure you have:

Linux Server with Nginx Installed
SSL Certificate Files (including .key and .crt files). If you are still looking for a cheap SSL certificate, explore our SSL certificate offerings.
Sudo/root privileges on the server

Steps to Apply an SSL on Nginx

Step 1: Edit Virtual Host Configuration File

1.1 Open the configuration file of the virtual host

Open the configuration file of the virtual host. The path to the configuration file is usually as follows:
/etc/nginx/sites-available/your_domain_name.vhost.

Add the following command lines to the end of the configuration file to update your SSL information:

server {
listen 443 ssl;
server_name ssl.xxx.ml;  # Your domain name
# The path of the .crt file of your SSL certificate
ssl_certificate /path/to/your_domain_name.crt;
# The path of the .key file of your SSL certificate
ssl_certificate_key /path/to/your_domain_name.key;
}
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SSL Certificate Information

Step 2: Restart Nginx service

Restart Nginx service using the systemctl restart nginx.

Step 3: Verify SSL Installation

You can access your website via https://your\_domain\_name now.
Open your website

Step 4: Add Redirection from HTTP to HTTPS

Edit the configuration file vi /etc/nginx/sites-available/your_domain_name.vhost and add the following command line to the file, as shown in the screenshot.

Add Redirection from HTTP to HTTPS

Step 5: Restart Nginx service