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Fixing SSL Errors on a WordPress Site

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Alex Bulat

Writing a blog post or building a micro niche WordPress website is something Alex can do bare-handed.

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If you’re running a WordPress site and you’re encountering SSL errors, don’t panic! There are a few scenarios that could be causing the problem, and in this guide, we’ll go over some common solutions for fixing SSL errors on a WordPress site.

Scenario 1: Invalid SSL Certificate

One of the most common causes of SSL errors is an invalid SSL certificate. If your SSL certificate is not valid or has expired, your visitors will not be able to access your site over HTTPS. To fix this issue, you’ll need to renew or purchase a new SSL certificate from your web hosting provider or SSL certificate provider.

Scenario 2: Mixed Content

Another common cause of SSL errors is mixed content. This occurs when your website contains both secure and non-secure elements, such as images or scripts. When your visitors try to access your site over HTTPS, their browser will block the non-secure elements, resulting in an SSL error. To fix this issue, you’ll need to identify the non-secure elements on your site and update them to use HTTPS.

One way to identify mixed content on your site is to use a browser extension like HTTPS Everywhere or SSL Insecure Content Fixer. These tools can help you identify which elements on your site are not using HTTPS, so you can update them.

Scenario 3: Incorrect SSL Settings

Another possible cause of SSL errors is incorrect SSL settings. This can occur if your SSL certificate is not installed correctly or if your SSL settings are misconfigured. To fix this issue, you’ll need to review your SSL settings and make sure they are set up correctly.

One way to review your SSL settings is to check your WordPress settings. In the WordPress dashboard, go to Settings > General and make sure that both the WordPress Address and Site Address fields use HTTPS. You should also check your web server configuration to make sure that SSL is enabled and configured correctly.

Scenario 4: Firewall or Security Plugin Blocking SSL

If you’re using a firewall or security plugin on your site, it’s possible that it could be blocking SSL connections. To fix this issue, you’ll need to review your firewall or security plugin settings and make sure that SSL connections are allowed.

One way to review your firewall or security plugin settings is to disable them temporarily and see if the SSL error goes away. If the error disappears when the plugin is disabled, you’ll need to review the plugin settings and make sure that SSL connections are allowed.

Plugins to Help Fix SSL Errors

  1. Really Simple SSL is a popular WordPress plugin that automatically detects your site’s SSL certificate and configures your site to use HTTPS. It also checks for mixed content and fixes any issues that it finds.
  2. SSL Insecure Content Fixer plugin helps you identify and fix mixed content issues on your site. It provides several levels of fix options, depending on the complexity of your site and the extent of the mixed content issues.
  3. Cloudflare is a content delivery network that offers a range of security features, including SSL encryption. It provides a free SSL certificate and can help you fix SSL errors on your site. It also offers other security features like a firewall and DDoS protection.
  4. Let’s Encrypt is a free SSL certificate provider that offers easy installation and configuration of SSL certificates on your site. It can help you fix SSL errors and ensure that your site is secure.
  5. Your web hosting provider may also offer tools and support to help you fix SSL errors on your site. They may provide a free SSL certificate, SSL installation services, or support for configuring SSL settings.

SSL Providers

When choosing an SSL certificate provider, it’s important to consider your needs and budget. Free SSL certificates may be sufficient for basic websites, while premium SSL certificates may be necessary for websites that handle sensitive information. Be sure to do your research and choose a provider that offers the features and support that you need.

Free SSL Certificate Providers

  1. Let’s Encrypt is a popular free SSL certificate provider that is supported by a range of web hosting providers. They offer domain validation certificates, which are easy to install and configure.
  2. Cloudflare provides a free SSL certificate with their free plan. They offer easy setup and configuration of SSL certificates, as well as other security features like a firewall and DDoS protection.
  3. ZeroSSL provides a free SSL certificate with a 90-day validity period. They offer domain validation certificates, as well as support for wildcard certificates.
  4. SSL For Free provides a free SSL certificate with a 90-day validity period. They offer domain validation certificates, as well as support for wildcard certificates.

Premium SSL Certificate Providers:

  1. DigiCert is one of the largest SSL certificate providers in the world. They offer a range of SSL certificates, including OV and EV certificates, as well as support for wildcard certificates.
  2. GlobalSign is a popular SSL certificate provider that offers a range of SSL certificates, including OV and EV certificates, as well as support for wildcard certificates.
  3. Comodo SSL is a well-known SSL certificate provider that offers a range of SSL certificates, including OV and EV certificates, as well as support for wildcard certificates.
  4. RapidSSL is a budget-friendly SSL certificate provider that offers domain validation certificates, as well as support for wildcard certificates.

Conclusion

SSL errors can be frustrating, but they are often easily fixable. By reviewing your SSL certificate, identifying mixed content, checking your SSL settings, and reviewing your firewall or security plugin settings, you can usually resolve SSL errors on your WordPress site. If you’re still having issues after trying these solutions, don’t hesitate to reach out to your web hosting provider or a WordPress developer for additional support.

Fix WordPress SSL Errors FAQ

What is an SSL error?

An SSL error occurs when your website’s SSL certificate is not valid or there are issues with your site’s SSL settings. This can cause visitors to be unable to access your site over HTTPS.

How do I identify mixed content on my WordPress site?

You can use a browser extension like HTTPS Everywhere or SSL Insecure Content Fixer to identify non-secure elements on your site. This will help you update them to use HTTPS.

What should I do if my SSL certificate has expired?

You’ll need to renew or purchase a new SSL certificate from your web hosting provider or SSL certificate provider.

Can a firewall or security plugin block SSL connections?

Yes, a firewall or security plugin can block SSL connections. To fix this issue, you’ll need to review your firewall or security plugin settings and make sure that SSL connections are allowed.