Installing SSL on your WordPress site is one of the most important steps for improving security and protecting user data. SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) encrypts data between your website and visitors, ensuring secure communication.

1. What is SSL?

SSL changes your website address from “http://” to “https://” and adds a padlock icon in browsers, indicating your site is secure.

2. Free SSL Installation (Let’s Encrypt)

All SosyoHost hosting plans include free Let’s Encrypt SSL. To activate it:

• Log in to your Plesk or Cpanel control panel.
• Open “SSL/TLS Certificates” or “Security”.
• Click “Issue Let’s Encrypt” or “Install SSL”.

3. Manual SSL Installation

• Upload your certificate files (.crt, .key, .ca-bundle) from your SSL provider (e.g., Comodo, Sectigo, RapidSSL).
• In Plesk, go to “Upload Certificate Files”; in Cpanel, use “Install an SSL Website”.

4. Update WordPress Settings

After installing SSL:

• Go to Settings → General.
• Change both the “WordPress Address (URL)” and “Site Address (URL)” to “https://”.

5. Force HTTPS via .htaccess

Add the following code to your root .htaccess file:

RewriteEngine On
RewriteCond %{HTTPS} !=on
RewriteRule ^(.*)$ https://%{HTTP_HOST}%{REQUEST_URI} [L,R=301]

6. Test Your SSL

Verify your SSL installation at SSL Labs Test or WhySSL.

7. Fix Mixed Content Issues

If some content still loads via HTTP, install the “Really Simple SSL” plugin to automatically correct it.

Note: HTTPS improves not only security but also SEO. Google prioritizes secure websites with SSL certificates.