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How to Check an SSL Certificate, Complete Guide (2026)

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2026-04-11·6 min read

Why SSL certificates matter

Every website that handles user data needs a valid SSL/TLS certificate. Without one, browsers display security warnings, search engines penalize your rankings, and attackers can intercept traffic.

An SSL certificate encrypts data in transit, authenticates the server, and ensures data integrity.

How to check your SSL certificate

Method 1: Use a free SSL checker tool

The fastest way is to use cqwerty's free SSL Checker. It analyses your certificate in seconds and shows validity, expiry, TLS version, cipher strength, and an overall grade.

Method 2: Check in your browser

Click the padlock icon in the address bar, then "Certificate" to see the details.

Method 3: Command line

openssl s_client -connect example.com:443 | openssl x509 -noout -dates

What to look for

  • Certificate expiry, renew before it expires
  • TLS version, must be 1.2 or 1.3
  • Certificate chain, must be complete
  • Key strength, 2048-bit RSA or ECDSA P-256+

    • Common issues

    IssueFix
    Expired certificateRenew and enable auto-renewal
    Mixed contentUpdate all resources to HTTPS
    Weak ciphersConfigure modern cipher suites
    Missing intermediateInstall the full chain

    Automate your monitoring

    A free cqwerty account monitors your domain weekly and emails you when a certificate is about to expire, a TLS setting changes, or a grade drops.

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