Certbot
Obtain a certificate for a website with Certbot, which helps configure HTTPS.
About Certbot
Certbot is a tool from the Electronic Frontier Foundation that helps configure HTTPS for a website. It is designed mainly to switch an existing HTTP site to HTTPS and then keep its certificates renewed. Certbot runs from a command-line interface, usually on a Unix-like web server accessed over SSH. The site also offers an instruction generator that produces commands for a given server software and system.
The homepage says to first check whether your hosting provider already offers HTTPS, since Certbot is not needed in that case. Some Certbot methods expect the site to already respond over HTTP on port 80. If the site cannot be reached this way, DNS validation may be needed to obtain a certificate.
Key features
- Helps configure HTTPS for an existing HTTP website
- Obtains free HTTPS certificates
- Renews HTTPS certificates when necessary
- Instruction generator for commands based on server software and system
- Supports DNS validation for sites that cannot be accessed over HTTP
- Runs from a command-line interface, usually on a Unix-like server over SSH
Best for: Website operators who already run an HTTP site on a server they control and are comfortable using the command line.
Good for
- Developed as a project of the Electronic Frontier Foundation
- Provides an instruction generator for specific server software and systems
- Handles renewal of certificates after initial setup
Watch out for
- Requires comfort with the command line and usually SSH access to the server
- Some methods require the site to be reachable over HTTP on port 80
- Sites that cannot be accessed over HTTP may need DNS validation
Certbot at a glance
- Website
- certbot.eff.org
- Category
- Privacy & Security › Security Tools
- Type
- Website
- Pricing
- Not confirmed. Check the site
- Platforms
- Linux, macOS, Web
- Open source
- Not stated
- Last checked
- Oct 6, 2026 · Online when checked
- Listed
- Oct 5, 2026
Guides for Security Tools
Certbot alternatives
Tools and sites you could use instead, ranked by how closely they match.
ZeroSSL issues online SSL certificates and supports HTTPS setup through a certificate management interface.
Configure DNS over HTTPS on iOS and macOS using the provided configuration profiles.
Open source
24 alternatives
Configure DNS over HTTPS in curl, the command-line transfer tool and library.
SSLMate CAA helps generate CAA DNS records and explains which certificate authorities support the record type.
Test HTTP security headers such as CSP and HSTS, then review recommendations for improving a site.
SSL for Free provides SSL and wildcard certificates for enabling HTTPS on websites.
Free
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Certbot FAQ
Do I need Certbot if my hosting provider offers HTTPS?
The site advises checking whether your hosting provider has HTTPS built in first. If it does, Certbot is not needed.
What do I need to use Certbot?
You need to be comfortable with the command line. For most purposes, you install and run Certbot on your web server, which is usually accessed over SSH.
What if my site cannot be reached over HTTP?
If your site cannot be accessed over HTTP as a matter of policy, you will probably need to use DNS validation to get a certificate with Certbot.
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