If you’ve recently installed an SSL certificate on your WordPress site, you might encounter the dreaded Mixed Content Error. This error occurs when both HTTP and HTTPS resources are loaded on the same page, leading to security warnings and potential issues with your site’s ranking in search engines. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to solve wordPress mixed content error and secure your website fully.
What is the WordPress Mixed Content Error?
The mixed content error happens when your site is served over a secure HTTPS connection, but some of your assets (like images, scripts, or stylesheets) are still being loaded over HTTP. This mix of secure and insecure content results in browser warnings and may affect your site’s functionality.
Step-by-Step Guide to Solve WordPress Mixed Content Error
1. Install an SSL Certificate
Before solving the mixed content error, ensure that your site is fully running on HTTPS. Installing an SSL certificate is the first step toward securing your website.
Solution:
- Obtain an SSL certificate from your hosting provider or use a free option like Let’s Encrypt.
- Install the certificate via your hosting control panel or contact your hosting support for assistance.
- Update your WordPress site’s URL to use HTTPS under Settings > General.
2. Update WordPress Address (URL)
Once your SSL certificate is installed, you need to update your site’s URLs to ensure all resources are loaded securely.
Solution:
- Go to Settings > General in your WordPress dashboard.
- Update both the WordPress Address (URL) and Site Address (URL) fields to include https:// instead of http://.
- Save the changes.
3. Use a Plugin to Fix Mixed Content
If some of your resources are still being loaded via HTTP after enabling HTTPS, you can use a plugin to automatically correct the URLs.
Solution:
- Install and activate the Really Simple SSL plugin from the WordPress repository.
- After activation, the plugin will automatically detect and fix mixed content issues by updating your site’s URLs to HTTPS.
- Go to the plugin settings and enable “Mixed Content Fixer” if necessary.
4. Manually Update URLs in Content
In some cases, hardcoded HTTP links might still exist in your content, which can cause mixed content warnings.
Solution:
- Go to your WordPress editor and manually update any HTTP links in your posts, pages, and widgets to HTTPS.
- Use a plugin like Better Search Replace to find and replace all instances of “http://” with “https://” in your database.
5. Check and Update Themes and Plugins
Outdated themes or plugins may still use HTTP to load resources, resulting in mixed content errors.
Solution:
- Update all themes and plugins to their latest versions.
- If you’re using a custom theme, check your theme’s code for hardcoded URLs and manually update them to HTTPS.
- For plugins, contact the developer if they continue to cause issues, or consider switching to more updated alternatives.
6. Force HTTPS Using .htaccess
You can ensure all traffic is redirected to HTTPS by adding a rule to your .htaccess file.
Solution:
- Access your site’s .htaccess file via FTP or your hosting control panel.
- Add the following lines of code at the top of your .htaccess file:
RewriteEngine On
RewriteCond %{HTTPS} !=on
RewriteRule ^ https://%{HTTP_HOST}%{REQUEST_URI} [L,R=301]
- Save the file and refresh your site to ensure all pages and assets are being served over HTTPS.
7. Test Your Site for Mixed Content
After applying the above steps, you’ll want to test your site to ensure there are no remaining mixed content errors.
Solution:
- Use online tools like Why No Padlock or SSL Checker to scan your site for mixed content issues.
- Also, check your site in multiple browsers to ensure the mixed content warnings are resolved.
Conclusion
Fixing the WordPress mixed content error is essential for maintaining the security and integrity of your website. By following this guide, you’ll be able to eliminate mixed content issues and ensure that all resources on your site are loaded securely over HTTPS.
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