SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is a security protocol that guarantees the security of information passing between the server and the browser. It is essential for websites that handle sensitive data such as login details and payment information. Even though SSL usually works smoothly, some issues can prevent this protocol from working properly on WordPress sites. Here are some common SSL problems and how to fix them.
Problem 1: No SSL certificate
The most common SSL problem on WordPress is the lack of an SSL certificate. Without it, your website will not be able to establish a secure connection.
Solution: Purchase an SSL certificate from a certificate provider such as Let's Encrypt, DigiCert, or Comodo. After purchasing, you need to install the certificate on your server. If you're not sure how to do this, ask your host - they usually offer support in this regard.
Problem 2: Mixed content
Mixed content is an issue that occurs when a website loads over HTTPS, but some resources (such as images, scripts, CSS stylesheets) are loaded over an insecure HTTP connection.
Solution: To solve this problem, you can use a plugin like “Really Simple SSL”. This plugin automatically redirects all resources on your website to use HTTPS. Once you install and activate the plugin, it scans your site and updates any links to resources that do not use HTTPS.
Problem 3: Infinite redirection
Sometimes after enabling SSL, users may encounter an infinite redirection issue. This means that the browser is constantly trying to redirect the user to another page, leading to an error.
Solution: This redirection is often the result of server configuration. You need to make sure your server configuration supports HTTPS. In the case of Apache servers, you can do this by adding the appropriate code to the file .htaccess
:
RewriteEngine On RewriteCond %{HTTPS} off RewriteRule ^(.*)$ https://%{HTTP_HOST}%{REQUEST_URI} [L,R=301]
This code will check if the connection is established via HTTPS. If not, it will redirect the user to the appropriate page.
Problem 4: SSL certificate error
Sometimes the SSL certificate may be invalid or expired, which leads to SSL certificate error. Web browsers usually show a warning when they encounter such problems.
Solution: You need to check the validity of your SSL certificate. If it has expired, you need to renew it. If it is wrong, you need to reinstall it. You can do this through your hosting admin panel or contact your hosting support.
Remember that properly configured SSL is the key to the security of your website. Make sure you resolve any SSL issues to ensure users have a safe and hassle-free experience on your site.