About this tool
The checker connects to the server, performs a TLS handshake with the host name you entered (SNI) and inspects the certificate chain the server sends. It then checks trust against the standard root store, the host name match, validity dates and the key.
How to read the results
- Chain is trusted: the certificate links to a trusted root using the intermediates the server sent. A missing intermediate is the most common cause of "works in my browser but not in apps" problems.
- Hostname match: the name must appear in the Subject Alternative Names. A wildcard
*.example.comcovers one level only (www.example.com, nota.b.example.comorexample.com). - Expiry: publicly trusted certificates issued since 15 March 2026 last at most 200 days, falling to 100 days in 2027 and 47 days in 2029 (CA/Browser Forum ballot SC-081). Automate renewal.
- Protocol and cipher: what was negotiated with our client. It shows the server supports at least that protocol; it is not a full protocol scan.
Limitations
- Only the negotiated protocol is shown; the checker does not test every TLS version or cipher suite.
- Revocation (OCSP/CRL) status is not checked.
- STARTTLS on ports 25 and 587 is not supported; ports 465, 993 and 995 use implicit TLS and are.
- Only public addresses can be checked; the host must resolve to a public IP.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my site work in the browser but the checker says the chain is not trusted?
Browsers often fill in a missing intermediate certificate from their cache or by downloading it. Other clients (apps, APIs, older devices) do not. Configure your server to send the full chain (the "fullchain" file with Let's Encrypt).
What key size should I use?
RSA 2048 bits or an ECDSA P-256 key. Both are widely supported; ECDSA is faster.
Does this check if my certificate was revoked?
No. Revocation checking is not included.
Can I check a mail server's certificate?
Yes, for implicit-TLS ports: enter host:465 (SMTP submission), host:993 (IMAP) or host:995 (POP3). Port 25 and 587 use STARTTLS, which this tool does not support.
How long are SSL certificates valid?
At most 200 days for certificates issued since 15 March 2026, falling to 47 days by 2029.
What is an intermediate certificate?
The link between your certificate and a trusted root; the server must send it.
Is the SSL check free?
Yes.