How to Setup Free SSL for Your WordPress Website

Securing your WordPress website is no longer optional. With Google’s push for HTTPS and user expectations around online safety, having an SSL certificate is critical for both security and SEO. The good news is that you don’t need to spend money to secure your site. You can easily set up a free SSL certificate for your WordPress website and enjoy the benefits of improved trust, rankings, and data protection.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of setting up free SSL for WordPress.

Why SSL is Important for Your WordPress Website

1. Data Security

SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) encrypts data exchanged between the user’s browser and your server, protecting sensitive information like login credentials, payment details, and personal data.

2. Improved SEO Rankings

Google considers HTTPS as a ranking factor. A site without SSL is marked as “Not Secure” and risks losing both credibility and traffic.

3. User Trust and Conversions

Visitors are more likely to engage with a secure site. The padlock icon in the browser builds confidence and encourages conversions.

How to Get Free SSL for WordPress

Several providers and hosting companies now offer free SSL certificates. Here are the most popular methods:

1. Let’s Encrypt (Free SSL Provider)

Let’s Encrypt offers 100% free SSL certificates.
Most WordPress hosting providers (like Bluehost, SiteGround, Hostinger) have direct integration with Let’s Encrypt.
You can activate SSL from your hosting dashboard with just a few clicks.

2. Cloudflare Free SSL

Cloudflare provides free SSL along with CDN and security features.
By pointing your domain to Cloudflare’s nameservers, you can enable “Flexible SSL” or “Full SSL.”
Ideal for websites looking for added performance and protection.

3. Hosting Provider’s Free SSL

Many hosting companies now include SSL at no extra cost.
Check your hosting panel (cPanel, Plesk, or custom dashboard) for an SSL/TLS option.
Activating SSL here is usually as simple as toggling a switch.

Step-by-Step: Setup Free SSL in WordPress

Step 1: Install SSL Certificate

Log in to your hosting account.
Go to the Security > SSL/TLS section.
Choose Let’s Encrypt (or your host’s free SSL option) and activate it for your domain.

Step 2: Update WordPress Settings

Go to WordPress Dashboard > Settings > General.
Update your WordPress Address (URL) and Site Address (URL) from http:// to https://.

Step 3: Force HTTPS Using a Plugin

Install a plugin like Really Simple SSL.
This plugin automatically detects your SSL certificate and forces HTTPS across your website.
It also handles redirects, ensuring users don’t land on insecure pages.

Step 4: Update Internal Links

Use a search-and-replace plugin or tool to update all http:// links to https://.
This prevents mixed-content errors (when some resources still load over HTTP).

Step 5: Verify Installation

Visit your website in the browser.
Look for the padlock icon in the address bar.
You can also test using Why No Padlock to confirm everything is secure.

Common Issues with Free SSL Setup

Mixed Content Warnings: Caused when images, scripts, or CSS load via http://. Use Really Simple SSL or manually update the URLs.
SSL Not Detected: Clear browser cache or DNS cache. Sometimes propagation takes a few hours.
Redirect Loops: If you use Cloudflare, ensure you select the right SSL mode (Full vs Flexible).

Best Practices After Enabling SSL

Always redirect HTTP to HTTPS (301 redirects).
Update your Google Search Console and Analytics with the HTTPS version.
Regularly renew your SSL certificate (Let’s Encrypt renews automatically every 90 days if configured correctly).

FAQs: Free SSL for WordPress

Q1: Is free SSL safe to use?
Yes, free SSL certificates (like Let’s Encrypt) provide the same level of encryption as paid SSLs. The difference lies in support and warranty, which is usually not needed for small to medium websites.

Q2: Will free SSL help my website’s SEO?
Absolutely. Google favors HTTPS websites, and SSL helps boost rankings as well as user trust.

Q3: Do I need technical knowledge to set it up?
Not at all. Most hosting providers and plugins make it a one-click setup process.

Q4: What happens if my SSL certificate expires?
Expired certificates show “Not Secure” warnings. Free SSL (Let’s Encrypt) auto-renews every 90 days when properly configured.

Q5: Can I switch from free SSL to paid SSL later?
Yes, you can easily upgrade anytime if you need extended validation, warranties, or enterprise-grade support.