NerdTools

Fast, free online tools for sysadmins, developers, and nerds.

DNS Redirect

How does SSL provisioning work?

NerdTools automatically provisions free SSL certificates from Let's Encrypt for your redirected domains.

Requirements

For SSL provisioning to succeed:

  1. Domain verification must be complete.
  2. Your domain's A record must point to the redirect server IP.
  3. DNS must have propagated (the server must be reachable via your domain).

The provisioning process

  1. You click "Provision SSL" in your dashboard.
  2. Our server requests a certificate from Let's Encrypt.
  3. Let's Encrypt verifies domain control via HTTP challenge.
  4. Certificate is issued and installed automatically.
  5. Your redirect becomes active with HTTPS support.

Troubleshooting

If SSL provisioning fails:

  • DNS not pointing correctly — Double-check your A record points to the correct IP.
  • DNS not propagated — Wait longer and try again.
  • Rate limits — Let's Encrypt has rate limits. If you've requested many certificates recently, wait an hour.

Certificate renewal

Certificates are renewed automatically before expiration. No action is required on your part.

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