Guide for Transferring WordPress from HTTP to Secure HTTPS Protocol
In the digital age, the shift from HTTP to HTTPS is no longer optional for WordPress websites. With over 40% of all websites powered by WordPress, implementing HTTPS is crucial for security, trust, and SEO rankings. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to resolve mixed content issues during the HTTP to HTTPS migration in WordPress.
- Locate Mixed Content
- Utilise your browser’s developer tools (F12 > Console or Network tab) to identify resources (images, scripts, stylesheets) loading over HTTP on HTTPS pages.
- Alternatively, use online scanners like Why No Padlock? to detect insecure content.
- Update URLs in the Database
- Replace all HTTP URLs with HTTPS within your WordPress database, particularly for media files and internal links.
- This can be done with SQL queries or a plugin like Better Search Replace.
- Check Theme and Plugin Files
- Look for hardcoded HTTP URLs in your theme templates and plugin source code, and manually update them to HTTPS.
- If unsure which plugin causes the problem, deactivate plugins one by one to isolate offenders.
- Use a Plugin to Handle Mixed Content
- Plugins such as Really Simple SSL can automatically rewrite HTTP URLs to HTTPS on the fly, significantly reducing mixed content issues.
- This is often easier for beginners, but manual fixes provide better control.
- Set up Proper Redirects
- Implement a 301 redirect from HTTP to HTTPS in your or via your host to ensure all traffic goes through HTTPS, preventing mixed content from HTTP requests.
- Test Thoroughly
- After fixes, verify your site using browser console checks or online tools to confirm that no HTTP content remains.
- Also test your site’s appearance and functionality to ensure resources load correctly over HTTPS.
By following these steps, you can effectively resolve mixed content issues during WordPress HTTPS migration. For enhanced security, consider enabling SSL on admin and login pages by adding code to the file, and using professional themes from WPZOOM to further enhance your HTTPS WordPress site.
[1] Why No Padlock?: https://whynopadlock.com/ [3] Really Simple SSL: https://really-simple-ssl.com/ [4] Better Search Replace: https://interconnectit.com/products/search-replace/ [5] How to Fix Mixed Content Warnings in WordPress: https://www.wpbeginner.com/wp-tutorials/how-to-fix-mixed-content-warnings-in-wordpress/
When transitioning from HTTP to HTTPS on a WordPress website, it's essential to detect resources loading over HTTP on HTTPS pages. This can be done by utilizing browser’s developer tools or using online scanners like Why No Padlock?.
After identifying mixed content, replace all HTTP URLs with HTTPS within the WordPress database, particularly for media files and internal links, using SQL queries or a plugin like Better Search Replace.
