WordPress SSL Configuration

Move your WordPress site to HTTPS correctly.

Moving WordPress to HTTPS involves more than installing a certificate. The database contains hardcoded URLs, plugins can cause mixed content, and configuration must be adapted.

A poorly executed migration can break the site, cause redirect loops, or leave mixed content that scares visitors.

This guide covers all steps for a successful WordPress HTTPS migration.

WordPress Specifics

Why WordPress needs special attention:

URLs in database: URLs are stored as absolute in the database.
wp-config.php: some settings must be configured manually.
Plugins and themes: some may hardcode HTTP URLs.
CDN and cache: caches must be purged after migration.

HTTPS Benefits for WordPress

Why migrate your WordPress:

SEO boost: Google favors HTTPS sites.
Trust: the padlock reassures your visitors.
Security: protect your users' logins and data.
Performance: HTTPS enables HTTP/2 for faster loading.

Migration Steps

Complete process for WordPress HTTPS:

Install certificate: configure SSL on your hosting.
Update URLs: change siteurl and home to HTTPS.
Replace in database: use Search & Replace to change URLs.
Force HTTPS: configure redirects and wp-config.

Configuration

Necessary modifications:

// wp-config.php - Force HTTPS
define("FORCE_SSL_ADMIN", true);
if (isset($_SERVER["HTTP_X_FORWARDED_PROTO"]) && $_SERVER["HTTP_X_FORWARDED_PROTO"] === "https") {
    $_SERVER["HTTPS"] = "on";
}

// .htaccess - HTTP to HTTPS redirect
<IfModule mod_rewrite.c>
RewriteEngine On
RewriteCond %{HTTPS} off
RewriteRule ^(.*)$ https://%{HTTP_HOST}%{REQUEST_URI} [L,R=301]
</IfModule>

// WP-CLI - Search & Replace
wp search-replace "http://example.com" "https://example.com" --all-tables

FORCE_SSL_ADMIN secures the dashboard. X-Forwarded-Proto handles proxies/CDN.

Best Practices

Tips for smooth migration:

Backup first: complete backup of database and files before any modification.
Use a plugin: Really Simple SSL can help but understand what it does.
Purge caches: clear all caches after migration.
Test mixed content: use DevTools to find HTTP resources.

WordPress HTTPS Checklist

Backup performed
Certificate installed
siteurl and home updated
Search & Replace executed
Redirects configured
Mixed content fixed

Frequently Asked Questions

Which SSL plugin should I use?

Really Simple SSL is popular, but manual configuration is cleaner.

I have a redirect loop!

Add the X-Forwarded-Proto code in wp-config.php if you're behind a proxy.

My theme breaks things

Look for hardcoded URLs in theme files and fix them.

How to find mixed content?

Browser console (F12) or use whynopadlock.com.

Should I regenerate the sitemap?

Yes, regenerate the sitemap with new HTTPS URLs.

What about Google Search Console?

Add the HTTPS version of your site as a new property.

Secure WordPress

A well-executed WordPress HTTPS migration improves security, SEO and visitor trust.

Monitor your SSL certificate with MoniTao to be alerted before any expiration.

Useful Links

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