How To Migrate WordPress Site To HTTPS/SSL for Enhanced Security!

Key Takeaways:

• Install an SSL Certificate on your web server.
• Update all internal links and resources to use https:// instead of http://.
• Set up a 301 redirect from the old http:// URLs to the new https:// URLs.
• Update your WordPress settings to use the new https:// URL for your website.

Are you ready to take your WordPress site’s security to the next level?

In today’s digital landscape, it’s crucial to protect your website and your users’ data from potential threats.

That’s where HTTPS/SSL comes in.

In this guide, I’ll show you step-by-step how to migrate your WordPress site to HTTPS/SSL.

Not only will you enhance your website’s security, but you’ll also boost your search engine rankings and inspire trust in your visitors.

From understanding the basics to troubleshooting any issues, I’ve got you covered.

Let’s get started on this journey to a safer and more secure WordPress site.

Overview of HTTPS/SSL

HTTPS/SSL is a secure protocol that encrypts the data exchanged between a website and its users, ensuring that sensitive information is protected from unauthorized access.

Definition of HTTPS/SSL

HTTPS/SSL stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure/Secure Sockets Layer.

It ensures secure communication between a web browser and a website.

HTTPS encrypts data transferred between a browser and a website, making it difficult for attackers to intercept and read sensitive information.

The SSL certificate verifies the website’s authenticity and protects against data breaches.

Importance of HTTPS/SSL for website security

HTTPS/SSL plays a vital role in ensuring website security. It protects sensitive information like passwords and credit card details from being intercepted by hackers.

It establishes a secure connection between the user’s browser and the website, preventing data breaches and unauthorized access.

Without HTTPS/SSL, your website is vulnerable to cyber attacks and your visitors’ trust can be compromised. Switching to HTTPS/SSL is a crucial step in safeguarding your website and maintaining a secure online environment for your users.

Benefits of Migrating to HTTPS/SSL

Migrating to HTTPS/SSL offers improved website security, boosts search engine rankings, and enhances user trust and confidence.

Improved website security with HTTPS/SSL

HTTPS/SSL provides improved website security by encrypting data transmission between users and the website. This encryption prevents hackers from intercepting and modifying sensitive information.

Additionally, HTTPS/SSL certificates verify the website’s identity, ensuring a secure connection.

Implementing HTTPS/SSL safeguards against unauthorized access and enhances user trust in your website.

Boost in search engine rankings with HTTPS/SSL

HTTPS/SSL can significantly boost your website’s search engine rankings.

Search engines, like Google, prioritize secure websites and give them a slight ranking boost.

When your website is HTTPS-enabled, it creates trust and credibility with both search engines and users.

This can lead to better visibility, more organic traffic, and ultimately, a higher ranking in search engine results pages.

So, migrating to HTTPS/SSL is a smart move for improving your website’s SEO.

Keep in mind that it’s essential to follow the proper migration process to avoid any negative impact on your rankings.

Enhanced user trust and confidence

Enhanced user trust and confidence are important benefits of migrating to HTTPS/SSL.

With HTTPS/SSL, your website provides a secure connection, ensuring that users’ personal information and browsing activities are protected.

This increased security reassures users that their data is safe, leading to greater trust in your website and increased confidence in engaging with your brand.

Users will feel more comfortable sharing sensitive information and making transactions on your site, ultimately improving their overall experience.

Preparing for the Migration

Before you migrate your WordPress site to HTTPS/SSL, there are a few important steps to take in preparation.

Understanding the current hosting environment

Understanding the current hosting environment is crucial before migrating to HTTPS/SSL. Check if you have access to your hosting account and if it supports SSL certificates.

Determine if you have control over your domain’s DNS settings and if you can edit the .htaccess file.

Assess if you have access to your website’s files and database.

Checking website compatibility with HTTPS/SSL

To check website compatibility with HTTPS/SSL, you can use online tools like SSL Server Test and Why No Padlock.

These tools will analyze your website and provide a detailed report on any compatibility issues.

Additionally, you can manually check for mixed content errors by inspecting your website’s source code and looking for any HTTP links or resources.

Backing up the website files and database

To back up your website files and database before migrating to HTTPS/SSL, follow these steps:

• Use a reliable backup plugin or software to create a backup of your WordPress files and database. Plugins like UpdraftPlus and BackupBuddy are popular choices.
• Ensure that the backup includes both the files and the database, as they are essential components of your website.
• Store the backup files securely, preferably on an external storage device or cloud storage service. This will protect your data in case of any unforeseen issues during the migration process.
• Test the backup to make sure it is complete and functional. You can restore it on a staging environment or a local server to verify its integrity.
• Keep a copy of the backup in a separate location for added redundancy. This will provide further protection against any data loss or corruption.

Remember, backing up your website files and database is a crucial step in ensuring that you have a safety net in case anything goes wrong during the migration process.

Taking the time to do this will give you peace of mind and allow you to proceed with the migration confidently.

Choosing and Installing an SSL Certificate

To choose and install an SSL certificate, you need to consider the available types, determine the right certificate for your website, and purchase and install it properly.

Types of SSL certificates available

There are mainly three types of SSL certificates available:

• Domain Validated (DV Certificates: These are basic SSL certificates that verify the ownership of the domain. They are the quickest to obtain and suitable for small websites or blogs.
• Organization Validated (OV Certificates: These SSL certificates require a more thorough validation process. They verify the legal existence of the organization owning the domain. OV certificates are ideal for businesses and e-commerce websites.
• Extended Validation (EV Certificates: These SSL certificates provide the highest level of trust and security. They require a rigorous validation process, including verifying legal and physical existence of the organization. EV certificates display a green address bar in browsers and are recommended for websites dealing with sensitive information like financial transactions or personal data.

Determining the right SSL certificate for your website

To determine the right SSL certificate for your website, consider the level of security and validation you need.

Here are some options to choose from:

• Domain Validated (DV: Suitable for basic encryption and small websites.
• Organization Validated (OV: Provides higher validation and displays your organization’s information in the certificate.
• Extended Validation (EV: Offers the highest level of validation, displaying your organization’s name prominently in the address bar.

Consider your website’s needs, budget, and the level of trust you want to establish with your visitors before making a decision.

Purchasing and installing the SSL certificate

To purchase and install an SSL certificate for your website, you’ll need to follow these steps:

• Choose the right SSL certificate for your website. Determine the level of encryption and validation you require.
• Purchase the SSL certificate from a trusted Certificate Authority (CA or a reputable SSL reseller.
• Generate a Certificate Signing Request (CSR from your web hosting control panel or server.
• Submit the CSR to the CA during the certificate purchasing process.
• Complete the verification process by providing the necessary documentation as requested by the CA.
• Once the verification is complete, the CA will issue the SSL certificate.
• Download the SSL certificate, along with the CA’s intermediate and root certificates.
• Install the SSL certificate on your web server or install it through your web hosting control panel.
• Update your website configuration to ensure that all pages are using HTTPS instead of HTTP.
• Test the SSL installation to ensure that your website is properly secured.

Remember to keep your SSL certificate up to date and renew it before it expires to maintain a secure website.

Updating WordPress Settings

To update WordPress settings for your migration to HTTPS/SSL, you’ll need to change the site URL and home URL, update internal and external links to HTTPS, and ensure any mixed content issues are resolved.

Changing the site URL and home URL in WordPress

To change the site URL and home URL in WordPress, go to the Settings menu in your WordPress admin dashboard. Under the General tab, you will see the fields for WordPress Address (URL) and Site Address (URL).

Update these fields with the new HTTPS URL of your website.

Click on Save Changes to apply the changes. This will ensure that your website is accessible via HTTPS.

Updating internal and external links to HTTPS

To update internal and external links to HTTPS, you’ll need to go through your website and change all instances of “http://” to “https://”. This includes links within your website’s content, navigation menus, widgets, and any other areas where links are present.

It’s important to do a thorough check to ensure that all links have been updated correctly.

Additionally, you should also update any external links on your website, such as links to other websites or resources, to use HTTPS instead of HTTP. This will help ensure a secure browsing experience for your website visitors.

Ensuring mixed content is resolved

To ensure mixed content is resolved, you’ll need to identify any insecure HTTP resources on your website and update them to secure HTTPS.

This includes images, scripts, stylesheets, and other external links.

Double-check all internal links as well and make sure they are using HTTPS.

Use developer tools or online tools to scan for mixed content issues.

Redirecting HTTP to HTTPS

To redirect HTTP to HTTPS, you have two options: editing the .htaccess file or using plugins in WordPress.

Creating a redirect from HTTP to HTTPS in the .htaccess file

To create a redirect from HTTP to HTTPS in the .htaccess file, you can add a few lines of code. First, open the .htaccess file in the root directory of your website.

Then, add the following code: “` RewriteEngine On RewriteCond %{HTTPS} off RewriteRule (.*) https://%{HTTP_HOST}%{REQUEST_URI} [R=301,L] “` Save the file and test the redirect by visiting your website using the HTTP protocol.

It should automatically redirect to the HTTPS version.

Implementing redirects in WordPress using plugins

To implement redirects in WordPress using plugins, you can use popular plugins like Redirection or Yoast SEO.

These plugins allow you to easily set up redirects from old URLs to new URLs without any coding.

Simply install the plugin, set up the redirects in the plugin settings, and save.

The plugins will handle the rest, ensuring that visitors are automatically redirected to the correct pages on your website.

Testing and Troubleshooting

In Testing and Troubleshooting, you’ll learn how to verify the SSL certificate installation, check for any mixed content issues, and resolve common migration errors or warnings.

Verifying the SSL certificate installation

To verify the SSL certificate installation on your WordPress site, you can follow these steps:

• Visit your website: Open your website in a web browser and check if the URL begins with “https://” instead of “http://”. This indicates that the SSL certificate is installed.
• Check the padlock icon: Look for a padlock icon next to the URL in the browser’s address bar. If the padlock is closed or green, it means that the SSL certificate is valid and properly installed.
• Use an SSL checker tool: You can also use online SSL checker tools to verify the SSL certificate installation. These tools will show you information about the certificate, including its validity and expiration date.

Checking for any mixed content issues

To check for any mixed content issues after migrating your WordPress site to HTTPS/SSL, you need to ensure that all elements on your website are being loaded securely.

This means checking for any resources (such as images, scripts, or stylesheets) that are still being loaded over HTTP instead of HTTPS.

To do this, you can use various tools and methods:

• Browser Developer Tools: Use the browser’s built-in developer tools to inspect the page and look for any insecure resources. In the “Console” or “Network” tab, you may see warnings or errors for mixed content.
• Online Mixed Content Checkers: There are online tools available that can scan your website for mixed content issues. Simply enter your website’s URL, and they will provide a report highlighting any insecure resources.
• WordPress Plugins: There are plugins available that can help identify and fix mixed content issues. These plugins can automatically update your website’s URLs and resources to HTTPS.

When checking for mixed content issues, make sure to review all pages and posts on your website, including any embedded media or external content.

It’s essential to resolve any mixed content issues to ensure that your website is fully secure and functioning correctly with HTTPS/SSL.

Resolving common migration errors or warnings

Resolving common migration errors or warnings during the WordPress site migration to HTTPS/SSL is essential for a smooth transition. Here are a few common issues you may encounter and how to resolve them:

• Mixed Content Errors: If your site contains both secure (HTTPS and insecure (HTTP) elements, it can result in mixed content errors. Use a plugin or a search and replace tool to update all internal and external links to HTTPS.
• SSL Certificate Errors: Ensure that the SSL certificate is correctly installed and valid. Check the certificate chain and verify that it matches the domain name.
• Redirect Issues: If the redirect from HTTP to HTTPS is not working correctly, check your .htaccess file or use a plugin to set up a proper redirect.
• Insecure Content Warnings: Some browsers may display warnings if your HTTPS site includes insecure elements. Review your site for any insecure content (such as images or scripts and update them to use HTTPS.
• Mixed Protocol Warnings: Ensure that all third-party services and integrations, including plugins, themes, and external scripts, are compatible with HTTPS/SSL. Update them if necessary.
• Internal Server Errors: If you encounter 500 Internal Server Errors after the migration, it could be due to incorrect file permissions or conflicts with plugins. Disable plugins one by one to identify the issue.

Remember, each website’s migration process may have unique challenges, so it’s crucial to stay patient and thorough in troubleshooting.

Updating SEO and Analytics Settings

To update SEO and Analytics settings, make sure to change all tracking codes to HTTPS and inform search engines about the migration.

Keep an eye on website traffic and rankings after the migration to monitor any changes.

Updating Google Analytics and other tracking codes to HTTPS

To update Google Analytics and other tracking codes to HTTPS, you need to access the code snippets in your website’s header or footer files. Simply replace “http://” with “https://” in the code.

Remember to update all instances of the tracking codes on your site, including third-party integrations like Facebook Pixel, LinkedIn Insight Tag, etc.

Don’t forget to save the changes and test that the tracking is still functioning properly on your HTTPS site.

Notifying search engines about the HTTPS migration

To notify search engines about the HTTPS migration, you need to update your website’s XML sitemap and submit it to search engine consoles like Google Search Console. Additionally, you can use the “Change of Address” tool in Google Search Console to inform Google about the switch from HTTP to HTTPS.

Monitoring website traffic and rankings after the migration

To monitor your website traffic and rankings after the migration to HTTPS/SSL, there are a few key steps to follow.

• Set up a new property in Google Analytics or update the existing one to reflect the HTTPS version of your website.
• Use Google Search Console to submit your new HTTPS sitemap and monitor any indexing or crawling issues.
• Keep an eye on your keyword rankings using tools like SEMrush or Moz to ensure there are no major drops.
• Monitor your website’s performance in terms of traffic, bounce rate, and conversions to ensure there are no negative impacts from the migration.
• Regularly check for any errors or warnings in your website’s SSL certificate to ensure it remains valid and secure.

By consistently monitoring these aspects, you can ensure a smooth transition to HTTPS/SSL and keep track of your website’s performance and SEO metrics.

Updating External Services and Integrations

Make sure to update all third-party integrations to support HTTPS for a seamless migration. Ensure that your social media profiles and links are also updated to HTTPS for a secure browsing experience for your users.

Updating third-party integrations to support HTTPS

Updating third-party integrations to support HTTPS is crucial for maintaining a secure and functional website. To do this, make sure to contact the providers of your integrations and check if they support HTTPS.

If they do, they will provide instructions on how to update the integration to work with HTTPS.

Additionally, review your website’s code and make any necessary changes to ensure all third-party integrations are properly updated.

Updating social media profiles and links to HTTPS

To update your social media profiles and links to HTTPS, you’ll need to go into each social media platform and make the necessary changes.

Update your profile URLs to begin with “https://” instead of “http://” and ensure that any links you share in posts or bios also use the HTTPS protocol.

Don’t forget to double-check that the links are functioning correctly after the update.

Verifying email delivery after the migration

To verify email delivery after the migration, you can follow these steps:

• Send test emails: Send test emails from different email accounts to ensure that they are being delivered successfully to your inbox.
• Check spam/junk folder: Make sure to check the spam or junk folder of your email account to see if any legitimate emails are being marked as spam.
• Monitor bounce rates: Keep an eye on your email bounce rates. If you notice a significant increase in bounced emails, it could indicate an issue with the migration or email setup.
• Test email notifications: If your website or application sends email notifications, ensure that these are still being delivered correctly to recipients.
• Contact your email service provider: If you are still experiencing issues with email delivery, it may be helpful to reach out to your email service provider for assistance in troubleshooting and resolving any problems.

Remember, verifying email delivery is an important step after migrating to HTTPS/SSL to ensure that your website’s email functionality remains intact.

Best Practices for Maintaining HTTPS/SSL

To maintain HTTPS/SSL on your WordPress site, it is important to regularly update SSL certificates and monitor for security vulnerabilities. Additionally, keeping backups of website files and databases is crucial for maintaining the security and reliability of your site.

Regularly updating SSL certificates

Regularly updating SSL certificates is essential for maintaining the security of your website.

This ensures that your encryption protocols are up to date, reducing the risk of vulnerabilities and potential breaches.

It’s important to stay on top of certificate expirations and renew them in a timely manner to avoid any disruptions to your website’s security.

Regular updates help ensure that your SSL certificate remains effective and keeps your website secure.

Monitoring for security vulnerabilities

Monitoring for security vulnerabilities is a crucial aspect of maintaining a secure website.

Regularly scanning and testing your website can help identify any potential weaknesses or vulnerabilities that hackers could exploit.

By implementing a proactive monitoring system, you can stay one step ahead of potential security threats and take immediate action to address any issues that arise.

Additionally, it is important to keep up-to-date with the latest security patches and updates for your website platform and plugins.

By regularly monitoring for security vulnerabilities, you can ensure the ongoing protection and safety of your website and its visitors.

Keeping backups of website files and databases

To ensure the safety of your website and its data, it is crucial to regularly keep backups of your website files and databases. This will protect you from potential data loss or unforeseen issues during the migration process.

Backing up your website files and databases will provide you with a reliable restore point in case anything goes wrong.

Make sure to store the backups in a secure location, preferably offsite or on a cloud storage platform.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to migrate a WordPress site to HTTPS/SSL?

It can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days to migrate a WordPress site to HTTPS/SSL, depending on factors such as the size and complexity of the site, your familiarity with the process, and any potential issues that may arise during the migration.

Will migrating to HTTPS/SSL affect my website’s performance?

Yes, migrating to HTTPS/SSL can have a slight impact on your website’s performance. This is because HTTPS requires additional encryption and decryption of data, which can result in a slightly slower page load speed.

However, the performance impact is usually minimal and can be offset by implementing performance optimizations like caching and using a content delivery network (CDN).

Additionally, the benefits of improved security and boosted search engine rankings outweigh the minor performance impact.

Do I need to update all my pages and posts to HTTPS?

No, you don’t need to manually update each page and post to HTTPS.

By setting up a redirect from HTTP to HTTPS, all your website content will automatically be accessed via a secure connection.

So, once the migration is complete, all your pages and posts will be served over HTTPS without any manual updates.

Can I migrate to HTTPS/SSL without purchasing an SSL certificate?

No, you cannot migrate to HTTPS/SSL without purchasing an SSL certificate.

An SSL certificate is a crucial component of enabling HTTPS on your website.

It ensures that the information transmitted between your website and your users is encrypted and secure.

Without an SSL certificate, your website will not be able to establish a secure connection, and users may receive security warnings when trying to access your site.

Therefore, purchasing and installing an SSL certificate is necessary for a successful migration to HTTPS/SSL.

What should I do if I encounter mixed content errors after the migration?

If you encounter mixed content errors after migrating your website to HTTPS/SSL, here’s what you can do:

• Identify the mixed content: Use browser developer tools or online tools to find which resources (e.g., images, scripts are loaded insecurely.
• Update internal links: Change all internal links in your website’s code to begin with “https://” instead of “http://”.
• Update external links: If you have external links to other websites, make sure they also use HTTPS. Check with their website owners if necessary.
• Replace insecure resources: If any resources (e.g., images, videos are still loading insecurely, update their URLs to use HTTPS or upload them to your website with secure URLs.
• Check plugins and themes: Some plugins or themes may be causing the mixed content errors. Disable or update them to ensure compatibility with HTTPS.
• Force HTTPS: Implement a redirect from HTTP to HTTPS. You can do this in the .htaccess file or using plugins like Really Simple SSL.
• Test and verify: Use online tools like SSL Labs or browser extensions to check for mixed content errors. Ensure all resources are loaded securely.

Remember, resolving mixed content errors is essential for maintaining the security and trustworthiness of your website.

Final Verdict

Migrating your WordPress site to HTTPS/SSL is not just a matter of website security, it also brings numerous benefits such as improved search engine rankings and enhanced user trust. By understanding the current hosting environment, choosing the right SSL certificate, updating WordPress settings, redirecting HTTP to HTTPS, testing and troubleshooting, updating SEO and analytics settings, and updating external services and integrations, you can successfully migrate your site to HTTPS/SSL.

Remember to follow best practices for maintaining HTTPS/SSL such as regularly updating SSL certificates and monitoring for security vulnerabilities.

Start the migration process today and enjoy the added security and credibility that HTTPS/SSL brings to your WordPress site.

Shane Galvin

Shane Galvin is the founder of Blue Ocean Web Care, a WordPress maintenance and optimization company based in Rochester, NY. With 15+ years of experience in WordPress site security, speed optimization, and SEO, Shane utilizes his expertise to help clients build effective websites. His ultimate goal is to build fast, user-friendly websites that instill confidence and trust for clients.