As of June 4, 2025, Let’s Encrypt will officially end its practice of sending certificate expiration reminder emails. For many website owners, indie hackers, and system admins who've relied on these handy notifications, this news means it's time to rethink SSL certificate management strategies.
Why Is Let’s Encrypt Making This Change?
Let’s Encrypt has grown tremendously, issuing millions of free SSL certificates that secure websites worldwide. With automated renewal systems becoming increasingly common, Let’s Encrypt has determined these expiration alerts are no longer the best use of their resources. By phasing out these emails, the nonprofit hopes to encourage broader adoption of automated renewal workflows, reducing manual interventions.
What Does This Mean for Your SSL Renewals?
If you’ve depended on these expiration emails as your primary reminder to renew SSL certificates, you’ll now need an alternative solution. Overlooking SSL renewals can cause expired certificates, leading to browser warnings, a loss of user trust, and potentially severe SEO consequences.
How Indie Hackers and System Admins Can Adapt
Thankfully, adapting is straightforward with several robust options available:
1. Strengthen Your Automated Renewals:
Let’s Encrypt recommends—and has always supported—fully automated certificate renewals. Automating SSL renewals through tools like Certbot ensures your certificates renew well before they expire, typically within 30 days.
- Pros: Hands-off, recommended by Let’s Encrypt.
- Cons: Unreliable. Requires initial setup and occasional monitoring to ensure continued functionality.
2. Third-Party SSL Monitoring Services:
Dedicated monitoring services like CertNotifier can step into the gap left by Let’s Encrypt's discontinued emails. CertNotifier proactively tracks certificate expiration dates and sends timely email reminders, offering peace of mind without manual checking.
- Pros: Easy setup, reliable reminders, supports multiple domains.
- Cons: Paid service, though cost is minimal compared to potential downtime.
3. Custom Monitoring Solutions:
Tech-savvy users might build or deploy custom scripts to monitor SSL certificate validity, integrating directly into their existing monitoring infrastructure.
- Pros: Highly customizable, integrates with existing workflows.
- Cons: Maintenance overhead, requires technical skill and ongoing monitoring.
Making the Right Choice for Your Needs
The end of Let’s Encrypt certificate expiration reminders doesn't have to disrupt your operations. Evaluate the size, complexity, and specific needs of your setup to choose the best renewal strategy. For many indie hackers and site admins, automating renewals combined with a reliable third-party monitoring service like CertNotifier strikes the ideal balance between simplicity and reliability.