{"id":32347,"date":"2024-04-26T01:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-04-26T08:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dhblog.dream.press\/blog\/?p=32347"},"modified":"2025-05-21T16:45:25","modified_gmt":"2025-05-21T23:45:25","slug":"how-to-fix-common-ssl-issues-wordpress","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/how-to-fix-common-ssl-issues-wordpress\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Fix Common SSL Issues In WordPress"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Installing a Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) certificate<\/a> on your WordPress website is like employing a bouncer to keep out any unwanted guests. It’s a smart move. But just occasionally you might encounter some problems with your door staff. These hiccups are known as SSL issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Obviously, no one wants security problems<\/a> on their site. But the good news is that most SSL errors<\/a> have simple fixes.  All it takes is a little troubleshooting to get your site back to full working order.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this post, we’re going to take a closer look at how to install SSL certificates on your WordPress website and fix any problems that arise. Ready to get started? Let’s go!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Is SSL\/TLS Exactly?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n
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SSL\/TLS<\/h3>\n

SSL stands for secure sockets layer. SSL is a protocol for maintaining a secure connection and protecting sensitive data to keep internet users safe during online transactions, login sequences, and more. Transport layer security (TLS) is the successor to SSL that\u2019s in place today and handles vulnerabilities even more effectively.<\/p>\n \n Read More <\/a>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

SSL, or Secure Sockets Layer, is the secret handshake of the internet. It’s a system that protects all data traveling between your web browser and a website using encryption. This prevents anyone from eavesdropping on your connection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

TLS (Transport Layer Security) is the new replacement for SSL. It performs the same role using similar technology but with improved security.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

SSL\/TLS works in conjunction with Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS) \u2014 the updated, secure version of HTTP. Since it’s encrypted, HTTPS increases the security of any information that is transferred.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

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HTTPS<\/h3>\n

HTTPS is a secure version of HTTP. With HTTPS, data sent between browsers and websites is encrypted with the TLS\/SSL protocols. That means data can\u2019t be modified or read during transfer.<\/p>\n \n Read More <\/a>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

We still usually talk about “SSL issues” and “SSL certificates” because these terms are familiar, but it’s worth remembering that TLS has largely replaced the SSL protocol \u2014 Most modern browsers only support the latter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even so, SSL and TLS are used interchangeably when talking about secure connections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Is An SSL\/TLS Certificate?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Before your web browser sends any data, it needs to verify the identity of the hosting web server. An SSL\/TLS certificate works like an ID card, providing proof that the server is legitimate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On a technical level, an SSL\/TLS certificate is more like an encryption key. Without an up-to-date certificate, it’s impossible for any browser to connect to your website securely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why You Should Be Using SSL\/TLS<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Installing an SSL\/TLS certificate<\/a> on your WordPress site is important for several reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

First and foremost, it enables your hosting server to establish a secure connection with web browsers. This helps to prevent security breaches that may compromise both your personal information and your customer data.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For this reason, Google now penalizes sites that don’t have an SSL\/TLS certificate. For example, it might display a \u201cnot secure\u201d or \u201cyour connection is not private\u201d warning message to users who try to access the site.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Your<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The exact wording of the message may vary depending on the browser you’re using, but the concept is the same.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ultimately, this can hurt your engagement and hamper your SEO (search engine optimization)<\/a> rankings. So, it’s another good reason to secure your site.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It’s also worth noting that certain types of websites really need an SSL certificate to work effectively. For instance, if you want to start an online store, you’ll need SSL\/TLS encryption to accept online payments<\/a> via gateways such as Stripe, PayPal, and Authorize.net.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How To Fix Common SSL Issues In WordPress (5 Key Solutions)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Now that we understand a little more about what SSL\/TLS is, let’s get into the unexpected issues that can come from it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Below are five of the most common SSL problems in WordPress, and how to resolve each of them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. The NET::ERR_CERT_INVALID Error<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you’re a Google Chrome user, one of the most common issues you might run into is an error message that reads \u201cNET::ERR_CERT_INVALID.\u201d This can happen in other browsers, too, although the message may differ slightly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"The<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

In both cases, this error means that the connection to the site is not secure. More specifically, it indicates that the certificate authority that signed your SSL certificate isn\u2019t on your browser’s list of trustworthy providers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unless you acquired your SSL certificate from a shady source, it\u2019s more likely that something is wrong with the settings or configuration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When this happens, there are a few steps you can take. First, you’ll want to clear your browser cache. If that doesn\u2019t do the trick, disable your antivirus software (this can interfere with SSL).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If local solutions don\u2019t work, check that your SSL certificate is assigned to the correct domain or subdomain<\/a>, and that it hasn\u2019t expired.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can do this by clicking on the small site information button or padlock icon to the left of the browser address bar. Details of the certificate will appear, and you’ll want to make sure it says \u201cvalid.\u201d If it says \u201cnot valid,\u201d you’ll need to renew it as soon as possible through the issuing provider, also listed here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"screenshot<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

If you installed the certificate yourself, you could try reinstalling it. However, you may want to use a different certificate provider this time, as your browser might not recognize the issuing authority of your current certificate. We recommend using Let’s Encrypt<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Let's<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

If the certificate is assigned to the correct domain and is up to date, you may need to contact your hosting provider. They should know what steps to take to resolve the issue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Mixed Content Errors<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Another common type of error you can encounter when moving to SSL is mixed content warnings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In a nutshell, this is what happens when images, scripts, or stylesheets on your site load while using the old, insecure HTTP protocol. In other words, some of your WordPress content is secure, while other parts aren’t. Embedded YouTube videos are commonly at fault here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are two methods you can use to fix mixed content issues. The first is to use a plugin such as Really Simple SSL<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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When you install and activate the tool on your WordPress site, the plugin will offer you the option to activate SSL and fix mixed content issues right away. If you want to make any adjustments, you can visit the plugin via Settings > SSL & Security<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"really<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

If you don’t want to use an automated plugin, the alternative option is the manual method. To get started here, navigate to Settings > General<\/strong> in WordPress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Under WordPress Address (URL)<\/strong> and Site Address (URL)<\/strong>, check to make sure that the URLs are using \u201chttps.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"General<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

After you save your changes, you can install the Better Search Replace<\/a> plugin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"screenshot<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

With this tool, you can easily search for, find, and replace old URLs within your WordPress database. Once you have activated it, navigate to Tools > Better Search Replace<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"screenshot<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

In the Search for<\/strong> field, you can add your website URL with \u201chttp\u201d at the beginning. Then, add \u201chttps\u201d to the Replace with<\/strong> field.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you’re done, save your changes. Now the mixed content errors should be gone when you refresh your site.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Note: <\/strong>Remember to back up your website, since this can affect your databases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Too Many Redirects<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Some SSL issues are caused by the too many redirects error<\/a>. This can happen if you ask WordPress to enforce SSL\/HTTPS for the admin area of your site.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To resolve this problem, you’ll need to edit your wp-config.php<\/strong> file<\/a>. You can locate this file by using a Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP)<\/a> client like FileZilla<\/a> or the file manager in your web hosting account.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To access your site’s directory, open the folder labeled with your domain name. Inside it, you’ll find the wp-config.php<\/strong> file.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you’re using FileZilla, the first step is to connect to your WordPress site. If this is your first time using the FTP client<\/a>, you’ll need to obtain your credentials from your web host. Once connected, locate the wp-config.php<\/strong> file in your site’s directory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"file<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Open the file and insert the following lines of code<\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

define('FORCE_SSL_ADMIN', true);\n\/\/ in some setups HTTP_X_FORWARDED_PROTO might contain\n\/\/ a comma-separated list e.g. http,https\n\/\/ so check for https existence\nif (strpos($_SERVER['HTTP_X_FORWARDED_PROTO'], 'https') !== false)\n       $_SERVER['HTTPS']='on';<\/code><\/pre>\n\n\n\n
Make sure to add this at the bottom of the file, right before the line that reads, \u201cThat’s all. Stop editing! Happy blogging.\u201d When you’re finished, save your changes and close the file.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
4. HTTP To HTTPS Redirect<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
WordPress won’t automatically redirect your site from HTTP to HTTPS \u2014 you need to tell it to. Without creating these instructions, visitors could see SSL errors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Since WordPress 5.7, it is possible to migrate to HTTPS with one click by following the instructions in the Site Health section of your WordPress dashboard. Go to Tools, select Site Health, and click the button to update your site to HTTPS.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If that option doesn\u2019t work for your website, use a plugin such as Really Simple SSL \u2014 or you can manually configure the HTTP to HTTPS redirect by editing your <\/strong>.htaccess<\/strong> file<\/a>. Again, you can do this via SFTP or the file manager in your hosting account. You will find it inside the folder that shares your domain name.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
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.htaccess<\/h3>\n    
\u2019.htaccess\u2019 is a configuration file used by the Apache web server software. The .htaccess file contains directives (instructions) that tell Apache how to behave for a particular website or directory.<\/p>\n            \n                            Read More                    <\/a>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Locate and open the .htaccess<\/strong> file, then add in the following code<\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<IfModule mod_rewrite.c>\nRewriteEngine On\nRewriteCond %{HTTPS} off\nRewriteRule ^(.*)$ https:\/\/%{HTTP_HOST}%{REQUEST_URI} [L,R=301]\n<\/IfModule><\/code><\/pre>\n\n\n\n
Remember to save your changes when you’re done. If you’re not comfortable editing your site’s files, we recommend using a plugin or contacting your hosting provider for assistance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
5. A Name Mismatch Error<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The name mismatch error occurs when your domain name listed in the SSL certificate does not match the browser URL. This normally happens when you purchase a certificate from a third-party seller.To fix this error, you’ll simply need to add the following code to your .htaccess<\/strong> file:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<IfModule mod_rewrite.c>\nRewriteEngine On\nRewriteCond %{HTTPS} off\nRewriteRule ^(.*)$ https:\/\/%{HTTP_HOST}%{REQUEST_URI} [L,R=301]\n<\/IfModule><\/code><\/pre>\n\n\n\n
Finish by saving your changes. When you revisit your WordPress site, you should no longer see any SSL error messages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How To Fix Other Common WordPress Errors<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Need to resolve other technical issues on your site? We’ve put together several guides to help you troubleshoot some of the most common WordPress errors<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n