Easy Steps to Install SSL/TLS HTTPS on WordPress Website

Easy Steps to Install SSL/TLS HTTPS on WordPress Website

In today's digital era, security has become a major concern for website owners. One of the most effective ways to secure your website and protect sensitive information is by installing an SSL/TLS certificate. SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) and its successor TLS (Transport Layer Security) provide encryption and authentication, ensuring a secure connection between the user's browser and the website server. In this article, we will guide you through the easy steps to install SSL/TLS HTTPS on your WordPress website.

Choose a SSL/TLS Certificate Provider

The first step is to select a reliable SSL/TLS certificate provider. There are several reputable providers available, such as Let's Encrypt, Comodo, and DigiCert. Consider factors like pricing, customer support, and the types of certificates offered before making your decision.

Purchase or Generate a SSL/TLS Certificate

Once you have chosen a certificate provider, you need to purchase or generate the SSL/TLS certificate. Some providers offer free certificates, like Let's Encrypt. Other providers may charge a fee based on the level of security and features offered. Follow the instructions provided by your chosen provider to obtain your certificate.

Install the SSL/TLS Certificate

The next step is to install the SSL/TLS certificate on your WordPress website. This process may vary depending on your hosting provider. Many hosting companies offer built-in tools to simplify the installation process. Alternatively, you can install the certificate manually through your hosting control panel or by using an SSL/TLS plugin.

If your hosting provider offers a built-in SSL/TLS installation tool, follow their instructions to install the certificate. This tool usually automates the process and saves you from manually uploading and configuring the certificate.

If you prefer to install the certificate manually, access your hosting control panel and locate the SSL/TLS section. Look for the option to install a new certificate or upload an existing one. Choose the appropriate option and follow the prompts to complete the installation.

Another option is to use an SSL/TLS plugin. There are numerous WordPress plugins available that simplify the installation process. Install a reputable SSL/TLS plugin from the WordPress plugin directory, activate it, and follow the plugin's instructions to install and configure your certificate.

Update WordPress Settings

After successfully installing the SSL/TLS certificate, you need to update your WordPress settings to ensure your website uses HTTPS. To do this, access your WordPress dashboard and navigate to the "Settings" menu. Click on "General" and update both the "WordPress Address (URL)" and "Site Address (URL)" fields to include "https://" instead of "http://". Save the changes to apply the new settings.

Update Internal Links

Next, you should update any internal links within your website to use HTTPS. This includes links in posts, pages, menus, and widgets. Failure to update internal links may result in mixed content warnings and impact the overall security of your website.

To update internal links, you can use a WordPress plugin like "Better Search Replace". This plugin allows you to search for HTTP links and replace them with HTTPS in bulk. Before making any changes, it's essential to backup your website to avoid any potential data loss.

Redirect HTTP to HTTPS

To ensure that all visitors access your website securely, you should set up a redirect from HTTP to HTTPS. This redirect will automatically send users who enter "http://yourwebsite.com" to "https://yourwebsite.com".

There are several ways to set up this redirect, depending on your hosting configuration. Some hosting providers offer a built-in option to enable the redirect. Check your hosting control panel or contact your hosting provider's support for guidance.

Alternatively, you can set up the redirect manually by editing your website's .htaccess file. Access your website's root directory via FTP or your hosting control panel's file manager. Look for the .htaccess file. If you can't find it, create a new file and name it ".htaccess". Open the .htaccess file and add the following code:

RewriteEngine On
RewriteCond %{HTTPS} off
RewriteRule ^(.*)$ https://%{HTTP_HOST}%{REQUEST_URI} [L,R=301] 

Save the changes and upload the .htaccess file to your website's root directory.

Test the redirect by entering your website URL with "http://". It should automatically redirect to "https://".

Update External Links

In addition to updating internal links, you should also update any external links on your website to use HTTPS. This includes links to external websites, images, scripts, or other resources. Updating external links ensures a seamless and secure browsing experience for your visitors.

To update external links, go through your website's content and identify any links that use "http://". Replace them with "https://" to reflect the secure protocol. This process may involve editing your posts, pages, or theme files. If you're using a caching plugin, clear the cache after making these changes.

Test SSL/TLS Configuration

After completing the installation and configuration steps, it's crucial to test your SSL/TLS configuration to ensure everything is functioning correctly. You can use online tools like SSL Labs (https://www.ssllabs.com/ssltest/) or Qualys SSL Labs (https://www.qualys.com/ssltest/) to perform a comprehensive analysis of your SSL/TLS setup.

These tools will provide a detailed report on your certificate's validity, encryption strength, and overall security. Address any issues or vulnerabilities identified in the report to ensure optimal security for your website.

Renew SSL/TLS Certificate

SSL/TLS certificates typically have an expiration date, usually ranging from 90 days to several years. It's crucial to keep track of your certificate's expiration date and renew it before it expires. Most certificate providers offer automated renewal options to simplify the process.

Check with your certificate provider or hosting company to understand their specific renewal process. Set up notifications or reminders to ensure you don't miss the renewal deadline, as an expired certificate will result in a security warning on your website.

Conclusion

Securing your WordPress website with an SSL/TLS certificate is a crucial step in protecting sensitive information and establishing trust with your visitors. By following the easy steps outlined in this article, you can easily install SSL/TLS HTTPS on your WordPress website.

Remember to choose a reliable certificate provider, install the certificate correctly, update WordPress settings and internal/external links, set up HTTP to HTTPS redirect, and regularly test and renew your certificate. By prioritizing website security, you can create a safe and secure browsing experience for your audience.