How to Install an SSL Certificate on a WordPress Site

Table of Contents

• 1. Check If Your Hosting Provider Offers Free SSL
• 2. Install an SSL Certificate via Your Hosting Provider
• 3. Manually Install an SSL Certificate (If Purchased Separately)
• 4. Update WordPress Settings for SSL
• 5. Force HTTPS Using a Plugin (Optional)
• 6. Verify SSL Installation
• Final Thoughts

Installing an SSL certificate is essential for securing your WordPress website. It encrypts data, boosts trust, and improves SEO rankings. If your site still shows “Not Secure” in the browser, it’s time to install SSL.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to installing an SSL certificate on your WordPress site.

1. Check If Your Hosting Provider Offers Free SSL

Many web hosts offer free SSL certificates through Let’s Encrypt. Before purchasing an SSL, check if your hosting provider includes it.

Steps:

1. Log in to your web hosting account.
2. Navigate to Security > SSL/TLS or a similar section.
3. If a free SSL option is available, enable it.
4. Wait for the certificate to be installed automatically.

If your host does not offer free SSL, you’ll need to install one manually.

2. Install an SSL Certificate via Your Hosting Provider

If your host provides SSL, you can install it directly from their dashboard.

Steps:

1. Log in to your hosting account.
2. Go to SSL/TLS Manager in the control panel.
3. Select Install an SSL Certificate.
4. Choose your domain and activate the SSL.
5. Wait for the installation to complete.

Most hosting providers activate SSL within minutes, but some may take a few hours.

3. Manually Install an SSL Certificate (If Purchased Separately)

If you bought an SSL certificate from a third-party provider (e.g., Namecheap, GoDaddy, or GlobalSign), you must install it manually.

Steps:

1. Generate a CSR (Certificate Signing Request) from your hosting panel.
2. Purchase the SSL certificate and provide the CSR code to the provider.
3. Download the issued certificate files (.crt, .key, and CA bundle).
4. Go to your hosting account’s SSL/TLS section and click Install SSL.
5. Upload the certificate files and save the changes.

Your SSL certificate should now be installed.

4. Update WordPress Settings for SSL

Once SSL is installed, you need to configure WordPress to use HTTPS instead of HTTP.

Steps:

1. Log in to your WordPress dashboard.
2. Go to Settings > General.
3. Change your WordPress Address (URL) and Site Address (URL) from http:// to https://.
4. Click Save Changes.

Your website is now set to load over a secure connection.

5. Force HTTPS Using a Plugin (Optional)

If some pages still load over HTTP, you can force HTTPS using a plugin.

Recommended Plugin: Really Simple SSL

1. Go to Plugins > Add New in WordPress.
2. Search for Really Simple SSL and install it.
3. Activate the plugin and follow the on-screen instructions.

The plugin automatically redirects all traffic to HTTPS.

6. Verify SSL Installation

To check if your SSL is working:

• Visit your site and ensure it loads with https://.
• Look for a padlock icon in the browser address bar.
• Use an SSL checker tool like SSL Labs to verify installation.

Final Thoughts

Installing an SSL certificate on your WordPress site is crucial for security, SEO, and trust. Most hosting providers offer a one-click SSL setup, but if needed, you can install it manually. Once installed, make sure your WordPress settings and content are updated to use HTTPS.