How to Resolve Common WordPress SSL Problems Step-by-Step

1. Fixing Mixed Content Errors

Mixed content errors occur when your site loads some resources (like images, scripts, or stylesheets) over HTTP while the rest of the site uses HTTPS.

Solution:

Update URLs in WordPress Settings:

• Go to Settings > General.
• Update both the WordPress Address (URL) and Site Address (URL) to use HTTPS.

Use the “Really Simple SSL” Plugin:

• Install and activate the plugin from the WordPress repository.
• The plugin detects mixed content and forces all elements to load over HTTPS.

Manually Replace HTTP Links:

• Use a database search-and-replace tool like the “Better Search Replace” plugin.
• Search for http://yourdomain.com and replace it with https://yourdomain.com.

Check Hardcoded URLs in Theme/Plugins:

• Open theme files and look for hardcoded HTTP links.
• Update these links to HTTPS manually.

Use Online Tools to Detect Mixed Content:

• Use tools like WhyNoPadlock to identify specific insecure resources.
  
  

  2. Resolving Too Many Redirects

  This issue often happens due to conflicting redirect rules between WordPress, your server, or your .htaccess file.

  Solution:

  • Clear Browser Cache:
    • Sometimes, cached redirects can cause loops. Clear your browser cache and try again.
  • Check .htaccess File:
    • Open your website’s root directory using an FTP client or cPanel.

  Ensure the following lines are added to force HTTPS:
  apache
  Copy code
  RewriteEngine On

  RewriteCond %{SERVER_PORT} 80

  RewriteRule ^(.*)$ https://yourdomain.com/$1 [R=301,L]

  •  
  • Disable Plugins:
    • Disable all plugins temporarily to check if a plugin is causing the issue.
    • Re-enable them one by one to identify the culprit.
  • Verify WordPress Address:
    • Ensure the WordPress URL in Settings > General is set to HTTPS.
  • Server Configuration:

  If you’re using Nginx, check your configuration file to ensure proper redirect rules:
  nginx
  Copy code
  server {

      listen 80;

      server_name yourdomain.com www.yourdomain.com;

      return 301 https://yourdomain.com$request_uri;

  }
  

  3. Fixing SSL Certificate Not Trusted

  If your SSL certificate is not trusted, it may be due to a self-signed certificate or improper installation.

  Solution:

  • Use a Trusted Certificate Authority (CA):
    • Obtain an SSL certificate from reputable CAs like Let’s Encrypt, GoDaddy, or DigiCert.
  • Check Certificate Installation:
    • Use SSL testing tools like SSL Labs to verify installation.
  • Reinstall SSL Certificate:
    • Reinstall the certificate through your hosting provider’s control panel.
  • Intermediate Certificate:
    • Ensure your CA’s intermediate certificate is installed properly. Most hosting panels like cPanel provide this option.
      
      

      4. Renewing an Expired SSL Certificate

      Expired SSL certificates can cause warnings and distrust among users.

      Solution:

      • Check Expiry Date:
        • Use tools like SSL Checker to view your certificate’s expiry date.
      • Enable Auto-Renewal:
        • Many hosting providers and CAs like Let’s Encrypt support auto-renewal.
      • Manually Renew:
        • Purchase or renew your SSL certificate and follow your host’s instructions to reinstall it.
          
          

      5. Fixing HTTP to HTTPS Redirect Issues

      Improper redirection can break links or cause SEO problems.

      Solution:

      • Update .htaccess File:

      Add the following to force HTTPS:
      apache
      Copy code
      RewriteEngine On

      RewriteCond %{HTTPS} off

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

      •  
      • Use Redirection Plugins:
        • Plugins like “Redirection” can handle complex redirects without editing code.
      • Test Redirects:
        • Use tools like Redirect Checker to ensure proper redirection paths.
          
          

      6. Resolving Slow Website After SSL Installation

      SSL might slightly affect website speed due to encryption overhead.

      Solution:

      • Enable HTTP/2:
        • Ensure your server supports HTTP/2, which improves SSL performance.
      • Use a CDN:
        • A Content Delivery Network like Cloudflare can speed up content delivery.
      • Optimize Images and Scripts:
        • Use tools like Smush for images and Autoptimize for script optimization.
      • Upgrade Hosting Plan:
        • Consider switching to a hosting provider optimized for WordPress.