The website owners need to know about the Redirect HTTP To HTTPS htaccess WordPress to improve the security feature of the website. Usually, a domain does not include the SSL certificate when initially purchased from the domain provider.
SSL certificate is essential to create a security layer around the domain, especially for eCommerce websites, to protect the payment information of online buyers.
WordPress is a convenient website builder widely used for developing websites. More than 25% of the site on the internet is developed with WordPress.
Along with the convenience of website building, there is a massive risk of hackers’ attacks, especially on websites designed with WordPress. Therefore, it is necessary to use various safety measures on WordPress websites like SSL certificates.
What is HTTP?
HTTP is an abbreviation of (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) that is used to transfer data and files in various formats on the World Wide Web (www). Usually, the URL of any website starts that starts with HTTP is marked as “not secure” in the domain bar.
It happens because it allows transferring any type of data without encryption, and it is easy for hackers to get access to data easily.
What are HTTPS and SSL?
HTTPS is an abbreviation of Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secured. It works in the same pattern just like HTTP, but it encrypts the data during communication between the client and the server.
While It helps to enhance the security of the website. It is beneficial to keep the hackers away from the site because it is secured with an SSL certificate.
The addition of “S” in HTTP represents the SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate that is installed on the domain. It is used for data encryption purposes.
How to Force HTTPS WordPress?
Users can activate the SSL certificate manually or can use a WordPress plugin for this purpose. But we recommend using a plugin if you are a beginner to avoid any type of problem.
Keep in mind; that don’t forget to take the backup of the database. It is beneficial to restore the settings in case of any problem.
Force HTTPS in WordPress by Using Plugin
It is the easiest way to redirect all traffic to HTTPS in WordPress. Different plugins are available for this purpose, but in this article, we are going to use a “really simple SSL plugin.” This plugin is recommended and widely used by websites.
Follow the below-mentioned simple steps to download and install the plugin:
Step # 1
Go to the dashboard of WordPress
Step # 2
Go to plugins options in the right menu bar
Step # 3
Select add new plugin
Step # 4
Search and install a really simple SSL plugin.
Step # 5
Activate your plugin
After installing and activating the plugin click “Go Ahead, Activate SSL”, It automatically detects the SSL certificate and redirects your website to HTTPS.
The most attractive part of using a plugin is that it automatically detects and fixes the HTTP errors in the content.
However, some drawbacks are also present in using the plugin. Plugins use a buffering technique to fix content errors that can harm the performance of the website. But this impact can be reduced up to a certain level by using a caching plugin.
Keep in mind; that you have to make sure that the plugin remains activated all the time. Otherwise, your site will face mixed content errors.
Force HTTPS in WordPress Manually
This method is somehow tricky, but it is permanent, and the best solution for 301 redirect HTTP to HTTPS access. But this method requires little knowledge about coding. If you don’t know about coding, then don’t worry, we will provide you with codes and tell you how to implement them.
At first, you have to go on the settings option in the WordPress dashboard. Under the general settings, change the site URL in the fields and replace HTTP with HTTPS. After changing the protocol, save the settings, it will result in logging out and asking you to log in again.
In the next step, you have to add the following code in the .htaccess file of WordPress to redirect the site URL from HTTP to HTTPS.
<IfModule mod_rewrite.c>
RewriteEngine On
RewriteCond %{HTTPS} off
RewriteRule ^(.*)$ https://%{HTTP_HOST}%{REQUEST_URI} [L,R=301]
</IfModule>
Nginx servers are getting popular nowadays due to their speed and efficiency. If your hosting is on ARZ Host nix servers, then add the following code.
server {
listen 80;
server_name example.com www.example.com;
return 301 https://example.com$request_uri;
}
Redirect HTTP to HTTPS access
After successful implementation of the above coding in the .htaccess file, your entire site works by using Redirect HTTP To HTTPS htaccess WordPress without displaying any type of error. But if you want to force HTTPS and SSL on the admin area and login pages, then you have to configure the wp-config.php file for SSL.
For this purpose, add the following code in the wp-config.php file just above the “That’s all, stop editing!”.
define('FORCE_SSL_ADMIN', true);
After completion of the process mentioned above, the SSL certificate is integrated completely into the website. But still, the website encounters errors of mixed content.
Old HTTP Protocol
It could be due to different sources like images, style sheets, scripts, etc. because this loading uses the old HTTP protocol. In this case, the browser doesn’t show a secured connection icon in the address bar.
However, the latest versions of browsers automatically detect and block unsecured scripts and resources. These browsers show a secured connection icon in the address bar but with a notification.
Users can use the inspect tool to find out the mixed content errors and remove them from the website for better performance.
Conclusion
SSL certificate is vital to make your site secure and safe. But sometimes website owners don’t know the entire process, and as a result, they encounter different problems.
In the above article, we discuss the entire process simply and easily. You can do it either manually or by using the plugin by following the steps mentioned above.
