How to Fix Common SSL Issues in WordPress (Beginner’s Guide)

As a WordPress expert with over 15 years of experience, I’ve encountered my fair share of SSL issues. While SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is essential for website security, migrating to HTTPS can sometimes bring unexpected problems. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the most common SSL issues in WordPress and provide clear solutions for fixing them.

You might be asking, “Why is SSL so important?” Well, SSL encrypts the communication between your website and visitors’ browsers. This means sensitive information like login credentials, payment details, and personal data is protected from snooping eyes. Google also favors websites with SSL, ranking them higher in search results. In short, SSL is a must-have for any WordPress website, especially if you’re running an online store or collecting user data.

Let’s dive into the common SSL issues and how to fix them. This guide is tailored for beginners, so I’ll provide step-by-step instructions and clear explanations.

What is SSL/HTTPS, and Why You Should Start Using It Right Away?

SSL, or Secure Sockets Layer, is a technology that creates a secure connection between a user’s browser and your WordPress hosting server. When SSL is enabled, your website uses HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) instead of HTTP. You’ll notice a padlock icon or “secure” indicator next to your website’s address in the browser, signifying a secure connection.

The importance of SSL/HTTPS goes beyond just the padlock icon. Here’s why you should prioritize SSL for your WordPress website:

• Enhanced Security: SSL encrypts data transmitted between your website and visitors, making it harder for hackers to intercept and steal sensitive information.
• Improved User Trust: The padlock icon and “secure” designation in the browser address bar instill confidence in your visitors, assuring them that their data is safe.
• Better SEO Ranking: Google prioritizes HTTPS websites in search results, potentially boosting your website’s visibility and organic traffic.
• Compliance with Security Standards: Many security standards and regulations, including PCI DSS for online payment processing, require SSL/HTTPS encryption.
• Essential for eCommerce and Online Forms: If you run an online store or have forms collecting user data, SSL/HTTPS is crucial for securing financial transactions and personal information.

If you haven’t already, consider switching your WordPress website to SSL/HTTPS. You can find detailed instructions on how to properly move WordPress from HTTP to HTTPS in our comprehensive guide: How to Properly Move WordPress from HTTP to HTTPS (Beginner’s Guide)

Now, let’s explore some common SSL issues you might encounter and how to resolve them.

Fixing the NET::ERR_CERT_INVALID Error

The “NET::ERR_CERT_INVALID” error message usually appears in Google Chrome, although other browsers might display a similar warning. This error indicates that your website’s SSL certificate is not trusted by the user’s web browser. Here are some common reasons for this error:

• Incorrect Domain Name or Subdomain: The SSL certificate might be issued to a different domain name or subdomain than the one you’re trying to access.
• Expired Certificate: The SSL certificate might have expired, rendering it invalid.
• Untrusted Certificate Authority: Your browser might not recognize the certificate-issuing authority, leading to a trust issue.

Here’s how to fix the “NET::ERR_CERT_INVALID” error:

1. Verify SSL Certificate Installation: If you purchased an SSL certificate and asked your WordPress hosting provider to install it for you, contact them to confirm the installation and troubleshoot any issues. They can verify that the certificate is correctly installed and configured for your domain.
2. Reinstall or Update the Certificate: If you manually installed the SSL certificate, try reinstalling it or updating it to the latest version. You can also contact your SSL certificate provider for support and guidance on the reinstallation process.
3. Check Certificate Validity: Ensure that the certificate hasn’t expired. You can check the certificate’s validity using a tool like SSL Shopper’s SSL Checker.
4. Trust the Certificate Authority: If the certificate is from a trusted authority, add it to your browser’s list of trusted authorities. However, this is rarely necessary as most modern browsers already include trusted authorities in their default settings.

Fixing Mixed Content Errors After Moving to SSL/HTTPS

Mixed content errors occur when some resources on your website are still loading using the insecure HTTP protocol, while the rest of the site is using HTTPS. This creates a conflict, making the browser consider the website partially secure. You’ll likely see a warning message and might not be able to see the secure padlock icon in the browser address bar.

Mixed content errors are a common issue after migrating to SSL/HTTPS, but fixing them is essential for a fully secure website. Here are two methods you can use:

1. Fixing Mixed Content Errors in WordPress Using a Plugin

This method is easier and is recommended for beginners. While plugins can be helpful, it’s important to note that they might impact your website’s performance, especially if you’re not using a caching plugin. The plugin works by intercepting and modifying the HTTP requests, which can slow down page loading times. However, the impact is typically minimal and affects only the initial page load for visitors. Returning visitors will experience normal performance.

1. Install and Activate the Plugin: Install and activate the “Really Simple SSL” plugin. You can find it in the WordPress plugin directory or search for it directly from your WordPress dashboard. For detailed instructions on installing a WordPress plugin, refer to our guide: How to Install a WordPress Plugin (Step by Step).
2. Review Plugin Settings: After activation, visit the “Settings » SSL” page in your WordPress admin dashboard. The plugin usually works automatically, fixing mixed content errors without requiring any manual configuration. However, it’s a good idea to review the settings to ensure they’re configured correctly for your website.

For a more in-depth look at the Really Simple SSL plugin, check out our review: Really Simple SSL Review.

2. Manually Fixing Mixed Content Errors in WordPress

This method is more efficient and better for your website’s performance as it doesn’t rely on plugins to intercept and modify requests. However, it requires manual troubleshooting and might be a bit more technical. If you’re comfortable with basic WordPress settings and have some technical knowledge, this method will be more suitable.

1. Update WordPress Address and Site Address: Go to “Settings » General” in your WordPress admin dashboard. Ensure that the “WordPress Address (URL)” and “Site Address (URL)” fields both have HTTPS URLs. If you see URLs starting with “http,” change them to “https.” Don’t forget to click the “Save Changes” button to apply your updates.
2. Replace HTTP URLs in the Database: Find and replace old HTTP URLs in your WordPress database with the new HTTPS URLs. You can use the “Search & Replace Everything” plugin for this task. Install and activate the plugin, then navigate to “Tools » WP Search & Replace.” In the “Search” field, enter your website’s URL with “http.” In the “Replace” field, enter the same URL but with “https.” Click “Preview Search & Replace” to review the URLs that will be replaced, and then click “Replace All” to update the database.
3. Troubleshoot Mixed Content in Theme and Plugin Files: If you’re still seeing mixed content errors, the next step is to identify and fix the HTTP URLs within your WordPress theme and plugin files. Use your browser’s “Inspect” tool (usually accessible by right-clicking on the page and selecting “Inspect” or by pressing F12) to pinpoint the specific resources causing the mixed content errors. Note the website files from which these resources are being loaded. If you’re comfortable editing WordPress files, you can access the theme files via FTP (File Transfer Protocol) or your web hosting file manager. Edit each file and replace “http” with “https.” If you’re not comfortable editing files directly, contact the theme developer and ask them to update the theme to load files using HTTPS. The same approach applies to WordPress plugins. We don’t recommend editing plugin files directly; instead, contact the plugin developer and request an update. In the meantime, you can either disable the plugin or find an alternative plugin that’s compatible with HTTPS.

Fixing the Too Many Redirects Errors After Moving to SSL/HTTPS

The “Too many redirects” error occurs when your website is caught in a loop, continuously redirecting between HTTP and HTTPS versions. This often happens when you’ve enabled SSL for the WordPress admin area but haven’t configured the redirects properly. You can force SSL for the admin area by adding the following line to your `wp-config.php` file:

define('FORCE_SSL_ADMIN', true);

To fix the “Too many redirects” error, add the following code to your `wp-config.php` file just before the line that says, “That’s all, stop editing! Happy blogging.”:

define('FORCE_SSL_ADMIN', true);
// in some setups HTTP_X_FORWARDED_PROTO might contain
// a comma-separated list e.g. http,https
// so check for https existence
if (strpos($_SERVER['HTTP_X_FORWARDED_PROTO'], 'https') !== false)
       $_SERVER['HTTPS']='on';

Fixing the WordPress HTTP to HTTPS Redirect

By default, WordPress doesn’t automatically redirect HTTP requests to HTTPS. If you’re not using a plugin like Really Simple SSL to handle redirects, you’ll need to manually set them up. To configure HTTP to HTTPS redirection, add the following code to your `.htaccess` file:

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

Conclusion

Enabling SSL/HTTPS is a vital step for securing your WordPress website and improving its overall performance and SEO ranking. While the migration process can sometimes bring unexpected issues, understanding the common SSL errors and their solutions will empower you to troubleshoot and fix them effectively. By following these steps and utilizing the recommended tools, you can ensure that your website is secure and enjoys the benefits of HTTPS encryption.

FAQs

Why is my website showing “Not secure” even though I have an SSL certificate?

This usually happens due to mixed content errors. Some resources (like images, scripts, or stylesheets) might be loading from HTTP URLs, creating a conflict with the HTTPS protocol. Follow the steps mentioned in the “Fixing Mixed Content Errors After Moving to SSL/HTTPS” section to resolve this issue.

How do I know if my SSL certificate is correctly installed?

You can check the certificate’s installation and validity using tools like SSL Shopper’s SSL Checker. If you’re using a hosting provider, they can also verify the certificate’s installation for you. Additionally, look for the secure padlock icon or “secure” indicator in the browser address bar.

What should I do if I’m still getting mixed content errors after following the steps?

If you’re facing persistent mixed content errors, use your browser’s Inspect tool to identify the specific resources causing the issue. Then, check the theme and plugin files where these resources are loaded. Ensure that the URLs in those files are using HTTPS. If you’re not comfortable editing files directly, contact the theme or plugin developer for assistance.

Can I use the “Really Simple SSL” plugin on all WordPress websites?

While “Really Simple SSL” is a popular and effective plugin, it’s essential to consider your website’s performance. If you’re using a caching plugin, the impact of the plugin might be minimal. However, if you’re not using a caching plugin, it’s best to try the manual method for better performance.

How do I check for expired SSL certificates?

Use a tool like SSL Shopper’s SSL Checker to check the certificate’s validity and expiration date. You can also check the certificate details from your hosting provider’s control panel.

What if I don’t see the padlock icon or “secure” indicator in the browser?

If you don’t see the padlock icon or “secure” indicator, it could indicate that the SSL certificate is not installed correctly, has expired, or you’re experiencing mixed content errors. Review the steps mentioned in this guide to troubleshoot and fix the issue.

Why am I getting a “Too many redirects” error?

The “Too many redirects” error often occurs when you’ve enabled SSL for the admin area but haven’t configured the redirects properly. Ensure that you’ve added the code snippet for redirecting to HTTPS in your `wp-config.php` file.

Can I manually update URLs in the database without using a plugin?

Yes, you can update URLs in the database manually using phpMyAdmin. However, this requires some technical knowledge and careful execution to avoid data loss. If you’re not comfortable with database management, using the “Search & Replace Everything” plugin is a safer and easier option.

Is it okay to edit plugin files directly to fix mixed content errors?

No, it’s not recommended to edit plugin files directly. This can lead to unexpected issues and might void the plugin’s warranty. Contact the plugin developer for assistance or consider using an alternative plugin.

What if I’m still unable to fix the SSL issues?

If you’ve tried all the steps mentioned in this guide and are still encountering SSL issues, contact your WordPress hosting provider for support. They have access to your server and can help troubleshoot and resolve any underlying issues with the SSL certificate or server configuration.

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