Seeing a “Not Secure” warning in your browser’s address bar is alarming. For WordPress site owners, it’s a clear signal that urgent action is needed. This warning means your site lacks an SSL/TLS certificate, breaking user trust and hurting your Google rankings. Even after installing SSL, issues like mixed content errors or redirect loops can persist.
This comprehensive guide is your one-stop resource. We’ll explain why SSL is non-negotiable in 2026, walk you through the installation process, and provide clear, step-by-step fixes for the most common WordPress SSL problems. Let’s secure your site and restore that crucial padlock icon.
Why SSL/TLS is Essential for Every WordPress Site
An SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) or TLS (Transport Layer Security) certificate is a digital protocol that encrypts data between a visitor’s browser and your web server. This creates the secure HTTPS connection you see on professional sites.
Think of it as a tamper-proof seal for all communication—protecting login details, contact form submissions, and especially payment information. The certificate also verifies your website’s identity, confirming to visitors they’re in the right place.
Here’s why enabling HTTPS is critical:
Security & Trust: It protects sensitive data from being intercepted. A secure padlock icon builds immediate visitor confidence.
SEO Ranking Boost: Google explicitly uses HTTPS as a ranking signal. Secure sites are favored in search results.
Browser Compliance: Modern browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Safari) prominently flag non-HTTPS sites as “Not Secure,” which increases bounce rates.
Functional Requirement: Many modern web technologies, payment gateways (like Stripe and PayPal), and performance features require HTTPS.
How to Get & Install an SSL Certificate on WordPress
Most reputable web hosting providers now offer free SSL certificates via Let’s Encrypt. This is the simplest and most recommended path.
Access Your Hosting Control Panel (e.g., cPanel, Plesk, or your host’s custom dashboard).
Look for the SSL/TLS or Security Section. Find an option like “SSL Wizard,” “Let’s Encrypt SSL,” or “Free SSL.”
Select Your Domain and install the certificate. This process is often fully automated with one click.
Verify Installation: Once installed, try visiting your site using
https://before your domain (e.g.,https://www.yoursite.com). You should see a padlock icon.
If your host doesn’t offer this, you may need to purchase a certificate from a provider like Sectigo, DigiCert, or Namecheap and install it manually or request support.
5 Common WordPress SSL Errors and How to Fix Them
After enabling SSL, you might encounter one of these common issues. Follow these targeted solutions.
1. Fixing the .NET::ERR_CERT_INVALID Error
The Symptom: Browser blocks access, showing “Your connection is not private” or “NET::ERR_CERT_INVALID.”
The Solution:
Check Certificate Validity: Click the “Not Secure” warning or the ‘i’ icon in your address bar to view certificate details. Ensure it’s issued for your correct domain and hasn’t expired.
Clear Browser Cache & SSL State: Old cached data can cause false alarms. Clear your browser’s cache and SSL state (often found in “Clear browsing data” advanced settings).
Use a Trusted Certificate: Free certificates from Let’s Encrypt are globally trusted. If issues persist, contact your hosting support—the certificate may need reissuing.
2. Resolving Mixed Content Warnings
The Symptom: The padlock is broken or shows a yellow triangle. The site loads over HTTPS, but some resources (images, scripts) are loaded over insecure HTTP.
The Fix:
Plugin Method (Easiest): Install and activate the Really Simple SSL plugin. It will automatically detect settings and fix most mixed content issues upon activation.
Manual Method: Go to Settings > General in WordPress and ensure both WordPress Address (URL) and Site Address (URL) begin with
https://. Then, use a safe database search-and-replace tool (like the Better Search Replace plugin) to change all instances ofhttp://yoursite.comtohttps://yoursite.com. Always backup your database first.
3. Stopping the “Too Many Redirects” Error
The Symptom: An endless redirect loop prevents your site from loading.
The Fix:
This is often caused by conflicting redirect rules. First, check your .htaccess file for duplicate HTTPS redirect lines.
A common cause on cloud hosting is a missing server variable. Add this code to your wp-config.php file, above the line that says /* That's all, stop editing! */:
if ($_SERVER['HTTP_X_FORWARDED_PROTO'] == 'https') { $_SERVER['HTTPS'] = 'on'; }
4. Forcing a Proper HTTP to HTTPS Redirect
The Symptom: Your site is accessible via both http:// and https://, creating duplicate content.
The Fix:
Force all traffic to HTTPS by adding this rule to the top of your .htaccess file:
RewriteEngine On
RewriteCond %{HTTPS} off
RewriteRule ^(.*)$ https://%{HTTP_HOST}%{REQUEST_URI} [L,R=301]This 301 redirect tells browsers and search engines that the HTTPS version is permanent.
5. Correcting an SSL Certificate Name Mismatch
The Symptom: Error stating the certificate name doesn’t match the site.
The Fix:
Ensure your SSL certificate covers the specific domain variant you use (e.g., www.yoursite.com vs. yoursite.com). You may need to:
Reissue the certificate to include both the
wwwand non-wwwversions as Subject Alternative Names (SANs).Choose one as your primary (canonical) domain in WordPress Settings and set up a redirect from the other variant.
SSL/TLS Troubleshooting FAQ
Q: Is SSL mandatory for WordPress?
A: Practically, yes. Beyond security, it’s essential for SEO and user trust. Browsers penalize non-HTTPS sites, and features like WordPress login without SSL are considered insecure.
Q: How do I manually install an SSL certificate?
A: The process involves generating a CSR (Certificate Signing Request) on your server, submitting it to a certificate authority, then installing the issued certificate files. We strongly recommend using your host’s automated tool or support team for this.
Q: Why do I see SSL errors on every site I visit?
A: This indicates a local problem. Check your computer’s date and time, update your web browser, or temporarily disable antivirus/firewall software that may be interfering.
Conclusion
Securing your WordPress website with HTTPS is no longer optional—it’s foundational. The process in 2026 is more streamlined than ever, thanks to free certificates from Let’s Encrypt and smart plugins like Really Simple SSL. While technical hiccups like mixed content or redirects can occur, they are almost always solvable with the clear, step-by-step guidance provided above.
By taking the time to properly implement and troubleshoot your SSL certificate, you protect your visitors, boost your search engine visibility, and present a professional, trustworthy online presence.
