A reliable http to https WordPress plugin like Really Simple SSL can make the switch from HTTP to HTTPS much easier by handling key SSL settings and redirects automatically. If you run a WordPress site for a small business, eCommerce store, or digital agency, moving to HTTPS is one of the most important security upgrades you can make because it protects user data, builds trust, supports SEO, and can even improve performance.
In this guide, you’ll learn what HTTPS is, why the move matters, how to migrate your WordPress site step by step with or without a plugin, which SSL installation mistakes to avoid, and how to confirm that your certificate and redirects are working properly.
Table Of Contents:
What is HTTPS?
HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) is the secure version of HTTP, which encrypts data exchanged between your website and visitors using an SSL/TLS certificate. This encryption protects sensitive information such as login credentials, payment details, and personal data from interception or tampering by malicious actors. HTTPS also authenticates your website’s identity, ensuring users connect to the legitimate site.
Why You Should Migrate Website From HTTP To HTTPS?
HTTPS Gives Web Users Confidence
When visitors see the padlock icon or HTTPS in their browser’s address bar, they trust your site more. This confidence is crucial for eCommerce stores and any site handling user data.
HTTPS is a Must for All E-commerce Stores
Secure transactions require HTTPS to protect payment and personal information, comply with PCI DSS standards, and avoid browser security warnings that drive customers away.
HTTPS Websites Perform Better, SEO wise
Google favors HTTPS sites in search rankings, so migrating can improve your SEO and increase organic traffic.
HTTPS Sites Load Way Faster than HTTP
Thanks to HTTP/2 support, HTTPS sites often load faster, enhancing user experience and reducing bounce rates.
Steps By Step Process For Migrating Website From HTTP To HTTPS?
1. Get an SSL Certificate
Most hosting plans now include free SSL certificates from providers like Let’s Encrypt, which offer domain validation certificates at no cost, even on some free WordPress hosting services for startups and test sites. Alternatively, you can purchase a paid SSL certificate from trusted certificate authorities (CAs) that provide additional validation levels such as organization or extended validation, which enhance trustworthiness and security, or choose fully managed WordPress hosting that bundles performance, security, and expert support.
Let’s Encrypt
Let’s Encrypt offers free, automated SSL certificates that are widely supported and easy to renew. Many hosting providers integrate Let’s Encrypt directly into their control panels.
SSL For Free
SSL For Free is another service that helps you create free SSL certificates, often by validating your domain ownership automatically.
2. Install SSL Certificate from Your Host
Once you obtain an SSL certificate, your hosting plan provider usually offers tools to upload and install it on your server. Some hosts automate this process, especially when using free certificates like Let’s Encrypt. If your host does not provide automatic installation, you may need to upload the certificate files manually through your hosting control panel or via FTP/SFTP to a specific folder on your server, similar to how you would handle files when using one-click WordPress installation tools in cPanel.
3. Migrate WordPress to HTTPS
Use a Plugin
A WordPress plugin can enable SSL and handle many HTTPS settings in just a few clicks, updating your site configuration and forcing secure connections.
Really Simple SSL is one of the most popular options for moving a site to secure HTTPS. It is installed on over 5 million websites and is commonly used to activate a secure connection with minimal setup. This plugin works flawlessly, automatically handling redirects, updating URLs, and fixing mixed content issues.
WP Force SSL is a simpler choice, but it requires you to enter HTTPS URLs manually in the settings (WordPress Address and Site Address). It’s a good option if you prefer a lightweight plugin without many extra features.
Easy HTTPS Redirection can force load static files over HTTPS, including images, CSS, and JS, which helps secure the entire domain and avoid mixed content warnings.
SSL Insecure Content Fixer can clean images and videos and dynamically fix insecure content before page delivery.
CM HTTPS Pro includes a scanner for unsecured content and more advanced options, including multi-site support and URL mapping.
The HTTPS Redirection plugin can redirect incoming requests and send an SSL expiry notification 7 days before the security certificate expires, helping you keep your certificate up to date.
Depending on the WordPress plugin, you can force HTTPS across the entire domain, or apply it only to specific pages or even just a few pages, such as login or checkout pages.
Migrating Manually
In Settings > General, manually add https to both the WordPress Address and Site Address fields. These parameters need to be updated so users are redirected to the secure version correctly and your URLs stay consistent across the site.
Old blog posts may still contain HTTP image links instead of HTTPS URLs, which can trigger mixed content warnings. Running a database update or search-and-replace will update those links and clear mixed content errors. You can perform this with WP-CLI or plugins that handle database URL replacements. Understanding how WordPress plugins work and how to manage them safely will help you choose reliable tools for this task.
You may also want to define HTTPS versions of URLs in your wp-config.php file to override site and home URLs during troubleshooting or migration, much like you would when following a full guide on moving a WordPress site to a new domain.
4. Take Care of 301 Redirects
All HTTP visitors should be redirected to the HTTPS version so site visitors always access a secure connection. This HTTPS redirection code belongs in the .htaccess file, and the exact location matters if that file already contains WordPress rules. On Apache, you usually edit the file directly, while some hosts let you configure the redirect in cPanel instead, similar to how you would set WWW to non-WWW redirects in .htaccess.
< IfModule mod_rewrite.c>
RewriteEngine On
RewriteCond %{SERVER_PORT}80
RewriteRule ^(.*)$ https://www.mywebsite.com/$1 [R,L]
< /IfModule>
Once this code is added, all incoming requests are redirected to HTTPS across the entire domain, ensuring your entire site is secure.
Common Mistakes Occur While Installing SSL?
Using the wrong SSL certificate – Choosing an incorrect certificate type can delay the process when you try to migrate your site to use HTTPS, especially on complex or multi-domain setups.
Incorrect server setup – Improper configuration during the HTTPS migration may cause browsers to display “Not Secure” warnings.
Failing to redirect to HTTPS – One of the most common mistakes is not setting up proper redirects to HTTPS; if you fail to force SSL or force HTTPS, parts of the site can remain unsecured.
Overlooking internal links and resources – During the process of migrating a website from HTTP to HTTPS, many forget to update internal links or scripts, and mixed content can come from images, CSS, JS, and other files that still load over HTTP. Old blog posts can also keep pointing to insecure content until those URLs are updated.
Skipping Webmaster Tools updates – After you change HTTP to HTTPS in Webmaster Tools (Google Search Console), make sure the new HTTPS version is properly verified and submitted for indexing.
Letting SSL certificates expire – Expired SSLs can break your secure connection, so use renewal monitoring or a plugin with expiry alerts to help avoid an expired security certificate when you migrate website from HTTP to HTTPS.
SSL Check (how to check if SSL works)
Online SSL Checker
Use online tools like SSL Labs’ SSL Server Test or Why No Padlock to verify your SSL certificate installation, check for mixed content, and confirm that your site is fully secure, and if you encounter browser warnings like ERR_SSL_VERSION_OR_CIPHER_MISMATCH, you can troubleshoot compatibility issues with your SSL/TLS configuration.
Physical examination
Look for the padlock icon in your browser’s address bar when visiting your site. Click the padlock to view certificate details and confirm it is valid and issued by a trusted authority. If your browser shows connection problems like ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED when accessing your site, rule out server or network issues before blaming the SSL setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HTTPS, and why is it important for my WordPress website?
HTTPS encrypts data between your website and visitors, protecting sensitive information and improving trust and SEO, especially when combined with WordPress firewall plugins that block hacking attempts and malware.
How can I tell if my WordPress website is using HTTPS?
Check your browser’s address bar for the padlock icon and ensure your site URL starts with https://.
What is an SSL certificate, and do I need one for my WordPress website?
An SSL certificate enables HTTPS by encrypting data and authenticating your site’s identity. Yes, you need one to secure your site, whether it’s a new installation or a site you’ve built after converting a static HTML website to WordPress.
How do I migrate my WordPress website from HTTP to HTTPS?
Obtain and install an SSL certificate, update your WordPress settings, redirect HTTP to HTTPS, and fix mixed content issues. Plugins like Really Simple SSL can simplify this process. As you experiment with different tools, make sure you properly remove any unused or problematic ones by following best practices for deleting WordPress plugins safely.
Will migrating to HTTPS affect my SEO or website rankings?
Migrating to HTTPS can improve SEO rankings, but you may see temporary fluctuations as search engines reindex your site.
How do I fix mixed content warnings after migrating to HTTPS?
Update all internal links and resources to HTTPS using search-and-replace tools or plugins that fix insecure content dynamically. For additional protection of your media and backups, consider using WordPress cloud storage plugins to offload and secure files.
Will I lose traffic or data after switching to HTTPS?
No, if you set up 301 redirects properly, your traffic and data will remain intact.
Do I need to inform Google Search Console after migrating to HTTPS?
Yes, add and verify the HTTPS version of your site in Google Search Console to maintain search indexing.
Conclusion
Migrating your WordPress website from HTTP to HTTPS is essential for security, SEO, and user trust. By obtaining a paid SSL certificate or using free options like Let’s Encrypt, installing it via your hosting plan, and using a reliable http to https WordPress plugin such as Really Simple SSL, you can make the transition smoothly and ensure your entire site is secure. Remember to update your wp-config.php file if needed, handle 301 redirects properly, and fix mixed content warnings for the best results. Keep your SSL certificate renewed and monitor your site’s security regularly to maintain a safe browsing experience for your users.