How to Get Free SSL Certificates for Your Facebook Fanpage Apps

Facebook had long ago started the Secured Socket Layer (SSL) Encrypted Connections in facebook (https), At that time, Fanpages used FBML for interactive Tabs and other fanpage applications, So there was no need of Secured Connection as the apps were hosted on Facebook Servers itself, But in Mid March 2011, Facebook banned FBML and shifted to iFrame Apps which provide more functionality to developers. But with the use of iFrames, Developers have to host their iFrame content on their own servers. That was a problem for many because SSL Certificates are expensive to buy and needs to be renewed (varies from registrars).

The problem resided when https users visited these iFrame Apps which do not have SSL Certificate, Those users were prompted to disable their http connection for a while which used to scare away many users and leads to loss of developers.

Starting from October 1st 2011, Facebook has made it compulsory to have SSL Certificates for iFrame Apps. See the screenshot below:

Since I too am hosting some iFrame Apps, I was searching for some alternative methods to get Secured Certificate for my domain hosting the applications files. I came across a site which fulfills all your fanpage ssl needs with a simple solution. This post will teach you how to get the Free SSL Certificate for your iFrame App.

How to Get Free SSL Certificates for Your Facebook Fanpage Apps.

I assume you are already well familiar with the Facebook Developer Page and you are already hosting your iFrame content on your NON-SSL based domain.

https://secure.social-server.com/facebook/

Step 1. Login to your Facebook Account and Open the Facebook Developer Apps page.

Step 2.  Now Open this Application Tab > Click Create a Free Account > Fill in the Details and Click Register. (No Need to Verify Email).

Step 3. Click Login on the page and Enter the Email/Password you used while registering.

Step 4. Switch to your Facebook Developer Apps page and open the application you want to get the Secure Tab URL for, Now copy your Canvas URL & Page Tab URL. Paste the URL into Social Server Page’s field as shown below Press Enter.

Step 5. You will be given a new link to the same Canvas or Tab URL but with a https protocol. Copy the Link.

Step 6. Paste this link into the Secure Canvas URL or Secure Page Tab URL and save the settings.

Step 7. Visit your Fanpage iFrame Tab in the HTTPS Mode and you will not be prompted with the usual Disable Secure Browsing notification but you will be able to see the Tab Contents.