How to Easily Move WordPress from HTTP to HTTPS

Posted on Latest In How-To Geek / Technology / Web Development / WordPress

Moving your WordPress website from HTTP to HTTPS involves securing your site with an SSL/TLS certificate. This encryption ensures a secure connection between your site and your visitors. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you easily make this transition:

Before You Begin:

  1. Backup Your Website: Before making any significant changes, it’s essential to create a backup of your WordPress website. You can use a backup plugin like UpdraftPlus or ask your hosting provider for assistance.
  2. Select an SSL Certificate: Choose the type of SSL certificate you want. Some hosting providers offer free SSL certificates, while others may require purchasing one. Make sure to check with your hosting provider.

Steps to Move WordPress from HTTP to HTTPS:

  1. Install and Activate an SSL Certificate: If your hosting provider offers a free SSL certificate, you can typically enable it through your hosting control panel. Follow their instructions for installation. If you need to purchase an SSL certificate, do so from a reputable certificate provider and follow their installation instructions.
  2. Update Your WordPress Address and Site Address:
    • Log in to your WordPress dashboard.
    • Go to “Settings” > “General.”
    • In the “WordPress Address (URL)” and “Site Address (URL)” fields, replace “http://” with “https://”.
    • Click “Save Changes.”
  3. Update Your .htaccess File: You’ll need to make changes to your .htaccess file to force HTTPS on your site. You can do this via FTP or your hosting provider’s file manager:
    • Open your .htaccess file (usually found in the root directory of your website).
    • Add the following code at the beginning of the file:
    apache
    <IfModule mod_rewrite.c>
    RewriteEngine On
    RewriteCond %{SERVER_PORT} 80
    RewriteRule ^(.*)$ https://www.yourwebsite.com/$1 [R,L]
    </IfModule>

    Be sure to replace “yourwebsite.com” with your actual domain.

  4. Update Internal Links: It’s essential to ensure that all internal links on your website are updated to use HTTPS. You can use a plugin like “Better Search Replace” to make this process easier.
  5. Update Content with HTTP Links: If you have embedded non-HTTPS content (e.g., images or scripts) on your site, update these to use HTTPS. Check for mixed content issues using tools like “Why No Padlock.”
  6. Test Your Website: After making these changes, thoroughly test your website to ensure everything is working correctly. Check for any mixed content issues or broken links.
  7. Implement 301 Redirects: It’s essential to set up 301 redirects from your old HTTP URLs to the new HTTPS URLs to maintain SEO and avoid duplicate content issues. You can use a plugin like “Redirection” for this purpose.
  8. Update Your CDN and Caching Settings: If you’re using a content delivery network (CDN) or caching plugins, make sure to update their settings to reflect the change to HTTPS.
  9. Monitor and Maintain: Continuously monitor your website for any issues and address them promptly. Regularly update your SSL certificate and ensure it doesn’t expire.

By following these steps, you can easily move your WordPress website from HTTP to HTTPS, enhancing security and user trust while also potentially improving SEO rankings.