Would you like to learn how to install the Let’s Encrypt certificate on the Apache server of a computer running Ubuntu Linux? In this tutorial, we are going to show you how to install the Let’s Encrypt client and configure an HTTPS website on the Apache server.

• Ubuntu 18
• Ubuntu 19
• Ubuntu 20
• Apache 2.4.41

In our example, the IP address of the Apache server is 36.160.86.106.

In our example, we are going to create the website: WWW.GAMEKING.TIPS.

Equipment list

The following section presents the list of equipment used to create this tutorial.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Apache Let’s Encrypt – DNS configuration

Access the GODADDY website and purchase a DNS domain.

In our example, we purchased a domain named:

Copy to Clipboard

You can use any website to purchase a DNS domain, GoDaddy is just my personal choice.

Create a DNS entry pointing your website to the computer running Apache.

In our example, we created a DNS entry pointing WWW.GAMEKING.TIPS to 35.160.86.106.

APACHE VIRTUALHOST DNS

Use the NSLOOKUP command to test your DNS configuration.

Copy to Clipboard

Here is the command output.

Copy to Clipboard

Congratulations! You have finished the required DNS configuration.

Tutorial Let’s Encrypt – Apache installation

Install the Apache server and the required packages.

Copy to Clipboard

Enable Apache module named: Mod_ssl.

Enable Apache module named: Mod_rewrite.

Copy to Clipboard

Edit the Apache configuration file.

Copy to Clipboard

Add the following lines at the end of this file.

Copy to Clipboard

Create directories to store the new website files and logs.

Copy to Clipboard

The website files will be stored inside the following directory:

Copy to Clipboard

The website logs will be stored inside the following directory:

Copy to Clipboard

Create an Apache configuration file for the new website.

Copy to Clipboard

Here is the file with our configuration.

Copy to Clipboard

Enable the new website.

Copy to Clipboard

Restart the Apache service.

Copy to Clipboard

Open your browser and try to access the HTTP version of the website.

In our example, the following URL was entered in the Browser:

• http://www.gameking.tips

Apache - Lets encrypt

You have finished the virtual host configuration on the Apache server.

Apache Let’s Encrypt – Installing the Certificate

We need to install the free HTTPS certificate.

We also need to redirect all HTTP traffic to the HTTPS version of the website automatically.

Install the list of required packages.

Copy to Clipboard

Install the Apache free HTTPS certificate

Copy to Clipboard

• Press (A) to Agree with the Terms of Service.
• Press (Y) to share your e-mail and receive Newsletters.
• Press (2) to automatically redirect your HTTP website to the HTTPS versions.

Copy to Clipboard

The system will automatically install a free certificate.

It will also configure the Apache server to redirect all HTTP access to the HTTPS version of your website.

In our example, the system created a virtual host configuration file.

Copy to Clipboard

Here is the file content.

Copy to Clipboard

The KEY file contains your Certificate private key and must be kept in a safe place all the time.

In our example, the KEY file was stored at :

Copy to Clipboard

The system automatically modifies the original Apache’s virtual host configuration file.

It will automatically redirect all HTTP requests to the HTTPS version of your website.

Copy to Clipboard

Open your browser and enter the DNS address of the new website using the HTTPS protocol.

In our example, the following URL was entered in the Browser:

• https://www.gameking.tips/

The HTTPS page should be presented.

Apache - Configure Lets encrypt

Verify the certificate properties.

APACHE LETS ENCRYPT CERTIFICATE

You have installed a Let’s Encrypt certificate on the Apache server.

Apache Let’s Encrypt – Certificate Renew

The free certificate installed is valid for 90 days.

The System creates a scheduled task to automatically renew any certificate within thirty days of expiration.

The scheduled task name is CERTBOT and it is located inside the following directory:

Copy to Clipboard

Here is the file content.

Copy to Clipboard

Use the following command to simulate the process of certificate renew.

Copy to Clipboard

Here is the command output.

Copy to Clipboard

Congratulations! You have configured the Let’s Encrypt automatic certificate renew.