WordPress SSL Certificate Installation: Complete Guide 2026

WordPress and SSL: Why Is It Necessary?

WordPress is one of the most widely used website platforms in the world. Because Google uses HTTPS as a lightweight ranking signal and browsers show security warnings, every WordPress site should have an SSL certificate.

SSL certificate provides your WordPress site with:

• 🔒 Encryption of visitor data
• 📈 A lightweight ranking signal in Google (HTTPS)
• 🛡️ Removal of "Not Secure" warning
• 💳 Security of WooCommerce and payment forms
• ⚡ Ability to use the HTTP/2 protocol (which can help site speed)

Method 1: SSL Setup via cPanel

Most hosting providers offer a cPanel control panel. Follow these steps to setup SSL:

Step 1: Buy SSL Certificate

DataSSL. DV SSL is the fastest solution for WordPress sites.

Step 2: Create CSR

Go to cPanel → Security → SSL/TLS → "Generate, view, or delete SSL certificate signing requests". Create CSR by entering your domain name and information.

Step 3: Install the Certificate

Upload the files you received from the certificate authority from cPanel → SSL/TLS → "Manage SSL sites" section:

• Certificate (CRT): Master certificate file
• Private Key: Private key generated when creating CSR
• CA Bundle: Intermediate certificate chain

Step 4: HTTPS Redirect

Enable the "Force HTTPS Redirect" option in cPanel or add a 301 redirect rule to your .htaccess file.

Method 2: SSL Setup with Plesk Panel

1. Plesk → Websites & Domains → SSL/TLS Certificates
2. Click the "Add SSL/TLS Certificate" button
3. Paste certificate files (CRT, Key, CA Bundle)
4. Select your domain and make "Assign Certificate"
5. Enable HTTPS forwarding

Things to be Done on WordPress

1. Update WordPress and Site URL

WordPress Admin Panel → Settings → General section:

• WordPress Address (URL): https://www.yoursite.com
• Site Address (URL): https://www.yoursite.com

2. Update URLs in Database

You need to update all http:// links in the database to https://. To do this safely, you can use the Better Search Replace plugin:

1. Install and activate the plugin
2. Go to Tools → Better Search Replace
3. In the "Search for" field: http://www.yoursite.com
4. In the "Replace with" field: https://www.yoursite.com
5. Select all tables and click the "Run" button

3. Really Simple SSL Plugin (Quick Solution)

If your technical knowledge is limited, the Really Simple SSL plugin solves most SSL problems with one click:

• Automatic HTTPS redirect
• Automatically fixes mixed content problems
• Updates WordPress URLs
• Adds HSTS header

4. wp-config.php Settings

For additional security, add these lines to your wp-config.php file:

define('FORCE_SSL_ADMIN', true);
define('FORCE_SSL_LOGIN', true);

WooCommerce SSL Settings

If you are running an e-commerce site, also check WooCommerce's SSL settings:

• WooCommerce → Settings → Advanced → Activate the "Force secure checkout" option
• Verify that HTTPS URLs are used in payment gateway settings
• PCI DSS requires encrypted transmission of card data; for e-commerce sites we recommend at least OV SSL

Checklist After SSL Installation

• ✅ Does the site open with https://?
• ✅ Is http:// automatically redirected to https://?
• ✅ Is the lock icon visible in the browser?
• ✅ Is there a mixed content warning? (F12 → Console)
• ✅ Has HTTPS property been added in Google Search Console?
• ✅ Does Sitemap.xml contain HTTPS URLs?
• ✅ Is the sitemap URL in robots.txt HTTPS?
• ✅ Are all plugins and theme compatible with HTTPS?

Conclusion

WordPress SSL installation can be completed in less than 30 minutes when you follow the right steps. There are suitable solutions for everyone, whether they use cPanel, Plesk, or can easily do it with WordPress plugins.

Get your SSL certificate from DataSSL now and secure your WordPress site.