Installing an SSL Certificate on macOS Yosemite and El Capitan

Author:Alex Bonnetti
Updated:Mar 8, 2025

To install an SSL certificate on your Mac running macOS Yosemite or El Capitan, follow these organized steps:

  1. Obtain Necessary Files:

    • Retrieve the .crt (certificate) and .ca-bundle (intermediate certificates) files from your Certificate Authority.
  2. Open Keychain Access:

    • Launch the Keychain application on your Mac.
  3. Import Intermediate Certificates:

    • Drag the .ca-bundle file into the Keychain window to add intermediate certificates.
    • Verify by searching for "Comodo" in Keychain to check if intermediate certificates are added (blue icon).
  4. Install SSL Certificate:

    • In Keychain, locate the pending certificate request associated with your domain.
    • Drag the .crt file into this section to install it.
  5. Assign Certificate to Services:

    • After installation, assign the certificate to specific services (e.g., Mail or web traffic) by selecting the appropriate options in Keychain during setup.
  6. Verify Installation:

    • Check the list of installed certificates in Keychain.
    • Use online tools to verify SSL settings on your website.
  7. Troubleshooting:

    • If issues arise, contact support for assistance.