How to Add Free SSL to WordPress with Let’s Encrypt (Step-by-Step Guide)

Hi everyone, Naveed Ahmed here, a WordPress expert with over 15 years of experience. I’ve seen firsthand how important it is to have a secure website, especially with data breaches and security threats becoming more common every day. That’s why I’m excited to share a simple and effective way to add free SSL to your WordPress website using Let’s Encrypt.

Let’s Encrypt is a free, automated, and open certificate authority that makes it easy for anyone to get a SSL certificate. This means you can have a secure HTTPS connection on your website without spending a dime!

Adding SSL is not only essential for security, but it also provides several advantages:

• Improved Search Engine Rankings: Google and other search engines prefer websites with HTTPS, giving them a slight boost in rankings. This can lead to more organic traffic and better visibility.
• Enhanced User Trust: The green padlock icon in the browser’s address bar indicates a secure connection, building trust with your visitors. This is especially important for websites that handle sensitive information like online forms or e-commerce transactions.
• Increased Security: SSL encrypts data transmitted between your website and your visitors, protecting their information from interception and unauthorized access. This is crucial for safeguarding sensitive data like passwords, credit card details, and personal information.

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through the process of setting up Let’s Encrypt SSL on your WordPress website, covering everything from basic concepts to advanced configurations. Get ready to secure your website and enjoy the benefits of HTTPS!

Understanding SSL and Let’s Encrypt

Let’s start by understanding the basics of SSL and Let’s Encrypt.

What is SSL?

SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is a standard security technology that creates an encrypted link between a web server and a web browser. This encryption ensures that all data transmitted between the server and the browser, including sensitive information like credit card details and passwords, remains private and secure.

SSL uses digital certificates to verify the identity of the website and encrypt the connection. These certificates are issued by Certificate Authorities (CAs), trusted organizations that ensure the authenticity of the certificate and the website it’s associated with.

When a website uses SSL, the browser address bar will display a green padlock icon and the URL will begin with “https://” instead of “http://”. This indicates that the connection is secure and the data transmitted is encrypted.

What is Let’s Encrypt?

Let’s Encrypt is a free and open Certificate Authority (CA) that provides SSL certificates to websites. It was created by the Internet Security Research Group (ISRG), a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting a more secure and trusted internet.

Let’s Encrypt offers a simple and automated process for obtaining and installing SSL certificates. This makes it easy for anyone to secure their website, regardless of their technical expertise. Let’s Encrypt certificates are also valid for 90 days, and they are automatically renewed, ensuring continuous website security.

How to Add Free SSL to WordPress with Let’s Encrypt

Now, let’s dive into the steps on how to add free SSL to your WordPress website using Let’s Encrypt.

Method 1: Setting Up Free SSL with Let’s Encrypt on Bluehost

Bluehost is a popular and trusted web hosting provider that makes it easy to set up Let’s Encrypt SSL certificates on their platform. Here’s how to do it:

1. Log in to your Bluehost control panel and navigate to the “Websites” section in the left-hand menu.
2. Select the website for which you want to enable free SSL and click on the “Settings” button.
3. Go to the “Security” tab. Here, you’ll find the “SSL Certificates” section. If “Basic SSL” is enabled, you’re all set! If not, you can toggle it on using the provided switch.
4. That’s it! Bluehost will automatically install and configure your Let’s Encrypt SSL certificate. You can check the status of your SSL certificate from the “Security” tab.

After setting up your SSL certificate, you need to update your WordPress URLs. See the “Updating WordPress URLs After Setting Up SSL” section below for more information.

Method 2: Setting Up Free SSL with Let’s Encrypt on SiteGround

SiteGround is another popular and reliable web hosting provider that offers automatic Let’s Encrypt SSL installation. Follow these steps to set up free SSL on SiteGround:

1. Log in to your SiteGround control panel and navigate to “Site Tools” > “Security” > “SSL Manager.”
2. Check your SSL certificate status. If your domain name is listed with “Active” in the “Status” column, your certificate is already installed.
3. If your certificate is not active, you can install it manually. Click on “New SSL Install” and select your domain name. Choose “Let’s Encrypt” from the dropdown menu and click “Get” to start the certificate installation process.
4. SiteGround will automatically install and configure your Let’s Encrypt SSL certificate. Once the process is complete, your website should be secured with HTTPS.

After setting up your SSL certificate, you need to update your WordPress URLs. See the “Updating WordPress URLs After Setting Up SSL” section below for more information.

Method 3: Setting Up Free SSL with Let’s Encrypt on DreamHost

DreamHost also offers easy SSL setup with Let’s Encrypt. Here’s how to enable free SSL on your DreamHost account:

1. Log in to your DreamHost control panel and navigate to the “Websites” section.
2. Click on “Secure Certificates”. Under the “Let’s Encrypt SSL Certificate” section, click “Choose This Certificate.”
3. DreamHost will automatically install and configure your Let’s Encrypt SSL certificate. This process may take up to 15 minutes. Your website will be secured with HTTPS once the process is completed.

After setting up your SSL certificate, you need to update your WordPress URLs. See the “Updating WordPress URLs After Setting Up SSL” section below for more information.

Method 4: Installing Let’s Encrypt Free SSL on Other Web Hosts

If your web hosting provider doesn’t have a built-in Let’s Encrypt integration, you can install Let’s Encrypt SSL manually. This process typically involves using a command-line tool called Certbot. The specific instructions may vary depending on your web host, but here’s a general overview:

1. Check with your web hosting provider for instructions on how to install Let’s Encrypt SSL manually. Most providers offer documentation or support articles to guide you through the process.
2. You may need to SSH into your server and use Certbot to obtain and install the SSL certificate. Your web host’s support team can provide guidance on how to do this.
3. Follow the prompts provided by Certbot to complete the installation process. This may involve providing your domain name, email address, and other relevant details.
4. Once the certificate is installed, make sure to configure your web server (Apache or Nginx) to use the new SSL certificate.

Remember, the specific steps for installing Let’s Encrypt SSL manually will vary depending on your web host and server configuration. Consult your web host’s documentation or support team for detailed instructions.

Updating WordPress URLs After Setting Up SSL

Once you’ve successfully installed your Let’s Encrypt SSL certificate, you need to update your WordPress URLs to use the HTTPS protocol. This ensures that all traffic is redirected to the secure version of your website.

For a New WordPress Website

If you’re setting up a new website, it’s easy to update your WordPress URLs from the start. Simply follow these steps:

1. Log in to your WordPress dashboard and navigate to “Settings” > “General.”
2. Update the “WordPress Address (URL)” and “Site Address (URL)” fields by replacing “http://” with “https://”.
3. Click “Save Changes” to apply the new URLs.

For Existing WordPress Websites

If you’re migrating an existing WordPress website to HTTPS, you’ll need to redirect traffic from the old HTTP URL to the new HTTPS URL. You can do this using the “Really Simple SSL” plugin:

1. Install and activate the “Really Simple SSL” plugin from the WordPress plugin directory.
2. The plugin will automatically detect your SSL certificate and configure your website to use HTTPS. In most cases, you won’t need to make any further changes.
3. The plugin will also fix any mixed content issues, ensuring that all resources on your website load securely over HTTPS.

If the Really Simple SSL plugin doesn’t automatically fix the issue, you can manually redirect traffic using a .htaccess file. However, it’s best to consult your web hosting provider’s documentation or support team for guidance on this process.

Update Google Analytics Settings

If you’re using Google Analytics to track your website traffic, you’ll need to update your Google Analytics settings to reflect the new HTTPS URL. This is crucial for accurate tracking of your website data.

1. Log in to your Google Analytics account and navigate to “Admin” > “Property Settings” > “Tracking Info” > “Data Streams.”
2. Click the “Edit” button (pencil icon) next to your website’s data stream.
3. In the “URL” field, replace “http://” with “https://”.
4. Click “Save” to update your Google Analytics settings.

Conclusion

Adding free SSL to your WordPress website with Let’s Encrypt is a simple and effective way to enhance security, improve user trust, and boost your search engine rankings. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can quickly and easily secure your website and enjoy the many benefits of HTTPS.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions about Free SSL with Let’s Encrypt

How Often Does My Let’s Encrypt SSL Certificate Expire?

Let’s Encrypt certificates are valid for 90 days. However, most hosting providers offer automatic renewal, so you don’t have to worry about manually renewing your certificate.

Is Let’s Encrypt SSL Reliable?

Yes, Let’s Encrypt SSL is a reliable and trusted solution. It is widely used and supported by major web browsers and Certificate Authorities. It offers the same level of security as paid SSL certificates.

Do I Need a Dedicated IP Address for Let’s Encrypt SSL?

You don’t need a dedicated IP address to use Let’s Encrypt SSL. It works perfectly well with shared hosting environments.

What if I Have a Website with a Custom Domain?

You can still use Let’s Encrypt SSL for websites with custom domains. The process is the same as for websites with standard domains. Just make sure to use the correct domain name during the certificate installation process.

Can I Use Let’s Encrypt SSL with Cloudflare?

Yes, you can use Let’s Encrypt SSL with Cloudflare. However, make sure to configure Cloudflare correctly to ensure seamless integration and secure traffic forwarding.

What Happens If My Let’s Encrypt SSL Certificate Expires?

If your Let’s Encrypt SSL certificate expires, your website will be considered insecure. This can affect user trust and search engine rankings. However, most hosting providers automatically renew Let’s Encrypt certificates, so you won’t need to worry about manual renewals.

Can I Use Let’s Encrypt SSL for Multiple Websites?

Yes, you can use Let’s Encrypt SSL for multiple websites. You’ll need to obtain a separate certificate for each website. This is typically done automatically by your hosting provider.

Will Using Let’s Encrypt SSL Affect My Adsense Income?

No, using Let’s Encrypt SSL will not affect your Adsense income. Adsense revenue is primarily based on factors like website traffic, ad placement, and click-through rates. SSL does not directly impact these factors.

How Do I Troubleshoot SSL Issues?

If you encounter any issues with your Let’s Encrypt SSL installation, you can consult your web hosting provider’s documentation or support team. They can help you troubleshoot the problem and get your website secured with HTTPS.

What are the Benefits of Using HTTPS?

HTTPS offers several benefits, including enhanced security, improved user trust, and better search engine rankings. It’s essential for websites that handle sensitive information and strive for a positive user experience.

If you’re interested in learning more about tech news, feel free to visit my website: www.naveedahmed.me.