Even after installing an SSL certificate, you must force an HTTPS redirect to ensure visitors cannot access the insecure HTTP version of your site. To do this, you can configure a 301 redirect in your server's .htaccess file, use a force-HTTPS plugin in WordPress, or enable the strict HTTPS toggle in your hosting control panel.
HTTP vs HTTPS: Why Redirect Isn't Automatic
Installing an SSL certificate enables HTTPS, it doesn't enforce it. Both versions of your site remain accessible:
The problem: Visitors typing your domain without https:// still land on the insecure version. Browsers display "Not Secure" warnings. Search engines see two duplicate sites.
SSL enables encryption. Redirect enforces it. You need both.
Why It Matters: SEO and Trust
Browser warnings: Chrome, Firefox, and Safari display prominent "Not Secure" labels on HTTP pages. Customers see this and leave, especially on checkout or login pages.
Duplicate content: Search engines index both HTTP and HTTPS versions as separate sites. This dilutes SEO authority and can trigger duplicate content penalties.
Ranking factor: Google confirmed HTTPS as a ranking signal. Sites without forced HTTPS may rank lower than secure competitors.
Mixed content issues: If your site loads HTTP resources on HTTPS pages, browsers block them or show warnings.
One redirect rule solves all of this.
Decision Framework: Server vs Application Redirect
cPanel Force HTTPS: If your hosting uses cPanel and detects an active SSL, navigate to cPanel → Domains and enable "Force HTTPS Redirect." One click, done.
Server-level (.htaccess): Fastest, handles all requests before your application loads.
Application-level (plugins): Easier for non-technical users but adds processing overhead.
Choose cPanel toggle or .htaccess for best performance.
Implementation Steps
Option A: cPanel (Easiest)
- Find your domain and toggle "Force HTTPS Redirect" ON
Option B: Apache .htaccess
Add this code to your .htaccess file in your website's root directory:
RewriteRule ^(.*)$ https://%{HTTP_HOST}%{REQUEST_URI} [L,R=301]
This 301 redirects all HTTP requests to HTTPS permanently.
Option C: WordPress Plugin Install "Really Simple SSL" or similar. Activate it, the plugin handles redirect configuration automatically.
Add to your server block:
return 301 https://$server_name$request_uri;
Common Mistakes
Forcing HTTPS before SSL is active: If SSL isn't properly installed, forcing HTTPS creates infinite redirect loops or connection errors. Verify SSL works first by visiting https://yourdomain.com manually.
Not updating internal links: Old HTTP links in your content cause mixed content warnings. Update or use relative URLs.
Forgetting www variants: Ensure redirects cover both http://example.com AND http://www.example.com.
Multiple redirect rules: Conflicting rules in .htaccess cause loops. Keep redirect logic in one place.
What This Means for You
Need an SSL certificate first? NameSilo SSL offers affordable options starting at competitive rates. Need hosting with easy SSL management? NameSilo Hosting includes cPanel with one-click Force HTTPS toggles. Install SSL, enable redirect, eliminate "Not Secure" warnings permanently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my site still say not secure with an SSL?
SSL is installed but redirects aren't forced. The HTTP version still loads by default.
How do I automatically redirect to HTTPS?
Use cPanel toggle, .htaccess rules, or WordPress plugin.
What is an .htaccess file?
Apache server configuration file controlling redirects, security, and URL handling.
Does forcing HTTPS cause a redirect loop?
Only if SSL isn't properly installed. Verify HTTPS works first.
Is HTTPS a ranking factor for Google?
Yes. Google confirmed it as a ranking signal.
How do I force HTTPS in WordPress?
Use "Really Simple SSL" plugin or add redirect rules to .htaccess.
HTTP Strict Transport Security, tells browsers to only use HTTPS. Advanced protection.
Does NameSilo sell SSL certificates?
Yes. Multiple options available at namesilo.com/ssl.
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