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If your website opens with http:// instead of https://, visitors may see a Not Secure warning in their browser. This can reduce visitor confidence, especially if your website contains login forms, contact forms, or payment pages.

HTTPS protects the connection between a visitor's browser and your website through encryption. To use it, your domain needs a valid SSL certificate, and your website should redirect HTTP visitors to its secure HTTPS version.

Hostinger makes this process easier through its hPanel SSL settings. Once SSL is installed on supported hosting plans, HTTPS is enabled by default. You can also check the Force HTTPS setting to make sure visitors are redirected to the secure version.

Quick answer: Log in to Hostinger hPanel, open Websites, manage your website, and navigate to SSL. Check that the SSL certificate is active. If HTTPS is not already forced, open the three-dot menu beside your domain and select Force HTTPS. For WordPress websites, also verify that the WordPress Address and Site Address use HTTPS.

Table of Contents

  1. What is HTTPS?
  2. Why should you force HTTPS?
  3. Things to check before enabling HTTPS
  4. Install or check your SSL certificate
  5. Force HTTPS using Hostinger hPanel
  6. Force HTTPS on WordPress
  7. Redirect HTTP to HTTPS using .htaccess
  8. Verify that HTTPS is working
  9. Fix mixed-content errors
  10. Common HTTPS problems and solutions
  11. How to disable Force HTTPS
  12. Frequently asked questions

1. What Is HTTPS?

HTTPS stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure. It is the secure version of HTTP, the protocol used by browsers and web servers to communicate.

HTTPS uses encryption through TLS (Transport Layer Security) to protect information transferred between a visitor's browser and your website.

For example, compare these two website addresses:

Website URLConnection
http://example.comUnencrypted HTTP connection
https://example.comEncrypted HTTPS connection

When a website uses HTTPS correctly, the browser can establish an encrypted connection after validating the website's SSL/TLS certificate.

What is an SSL certificate?

An SSL certificate is a digital certificate used to authenticate a website's identity and enable an encrypted connection. Although the term SSL is commonly used, modern secure connections use TLS.

When a visitor opens an HTTPS website, the browser checks the certificate and establishes a secure connection if the certificate is valid and correctly configured.

Hostinger offers SSL certificates for supported hosting services, including Lifetime SSL on eligible Web and Cloud hosting plans.

What does Force HTTPS mean?

Force HTTPS is a setting that redirects visitors from the HTTP version of your website to the HTTPS version.

For example, if someone enters:

http://example.com

the website automatically sends them to:

https://example.com

This helps ensure that visitors consistently access the secure version of your website instead of the unencrypted HTTP version.

2. Why Should You Force HTTPS on Your Website?

Enabling HTTPS is an important part of website security and maintenance. It helps protect visitors and ensures that your website uses one consistent secure version.

1. Protect visitor information

HTTPS encrypts information exchanged between the visitor's browser and your website. This is particularly important when visitors submit contact forms, sign in to accounts, or enter other personal information.

2. Improve visitor trust

Modern browsers can display security warnings for websites that do not use HTTPS. A valid HTTPS connection helps visitors feel more confident when browsing your website.

3. Support website SEO

Google has used HTTPS as a lightweight ranking signal. Using HTTPS is also a useful technical SEO practice because it helps establish a consistent preferred version of your website.

However, HTTPS alone does not guarantee better rankings. Website content, relevance, performance, and many other factors influence search results.

4. Avoid duplicate HTTP and HTTPS versions

Without a proper redirect, visitors and search engines may be able to access both HTTP and HTTPS versions of the same page.

Forcing HTTPS helps consolidate visitors onto the secure version of your website and supports consistent canonical URLs.

5. Protect login and payment pages

If your website has a login page, customer account, checkout, or payment form, HTTPS is essential for protecting information during transmission.

Recommendation: Use HTTPS across your entire production website, not just its homepage. Make sure internal pages, images, scripts, forms, and other resources also load securely.

3. Things to Check Before Enabling HTTPS on Hostinger

Before forcing HTTPS, make sure your domain and SSL certificate are configured correctly. Otherwise, visitors may encounter certificate warnings or connection errors.

1. Confirm that your domain points to Hostinger

Your domain should point to the correct hosting destination. If you recently changed nameservers or DNS records, the changes may still be propagating.

Check your domain's DNS configuration and confirm that the required records match the values provided by Hostinger.

2. Check your SSL certificate status

Open your website's SSL management section in hPanel. Check whether the certificate is active, still installing, or showing an error.

Do not force HTTPS until the certificate is correctly installed and available for the hostname visitors use.

3. Check both www and non-www versions

Your website may be accessed using either of these addresses:

https://example.com
https://www.example.com

Check that the SSL certificate covers the domain versions you intend to use and that your preferred domain redirects correctly.

4. Back up your WordPress website

If you are changing WordPress URLs or editing configuration files, create a backup first. This gives you a recovery option if a redirect rule or URL change causes problems.

5. Check existing redirect rules

If you already use a WordPress redirect plugin, CDN, Cloudflare, or custom server rules, check for existing HTTP-to-HTTPS redirects.

Multiple conflicting rules can create redirect loops. Ideally, use one primary method to enforce HTTPS and remove unnecessary duplicate rules.

Important: Installing SSL and forcing HTTPS are related but separate actions. A certificate makes HTTPS possible, while the redirect ensures visitors using HTTP are sent to the secure version.

4. How to Install or Check an SSL Certificate on Hostinger

Before enabling Force HTTPS, check whether your SSL certificate is already installed.

Hostinger states that Lifetime SSL is automatically installed on websites using eligible Web and Cloud hosting plans. Once SSL is installed, HTTPS is forced by default on supported plans.

Step 1: Log in to Hostinger

Open Hostinger hPanel and sign in using your account credentials.

Step 2: Open your website dashboard

Navigate to the Websites section. Find the website you want to secure and click Manage site or the corresponding dashboard option.

Step 3: Open SSL settings

In the sidebar, search for SSL and open the SSL management page.

Step 4: Check the certificate status

Find your domain or subdomain and review its SSL status.

Depending on your setup, you may see an active certificate, an installation status, or an error that needs attention.

Step 5: Install SSL if necessary

If your domain does not have a certificate, use the available Install SSL option when eligible. Follow the on-screen instructions and wait for installation to complete.

If you are using a custom SSL certificate, use the custom certificate installation process and make sure the certificate matches your domain.

Tip: If you cannot see an Install SSL option, do not immediately uninstall an existing certificate. First check the current SSL status and whether a certificate is already installed.

Related guide: How to Install an SSL Certificate on Hostinger.

5. How to Force HTTPS on Hostinger Using hPanel

Once your SSL certificate is active, you can check or enable the Force HTTPS setting through Hostinger's SSL management page.

Follow these steps:

Step 1: Open Hostinger hPanel

Visit Hostinger hPanel and log in to your account.

Step 2: Go to Websites

Open the Websites section and find the domain for which you want to force HTTPS.

Click Manage site to open the website dashboard.

Step 3: Open SSL settings

Use the sidebar to find and open the SSL section.

You will see the domains or subdomains associated with the website and their SSL information.

Step 4: Find your domain

Locate the domain for which you want to enable HTTPS. Confirm that the SSL certificate is installed and active.

Step 5: Select Force HTTPS

Click the three-dot menu (⋮) next to the relevant domain or subdomain.

If HTTPS is not currently forced, select Force HTTPS from the available options.

Step 6: Test your website

Open the HTTP version of your domain in a browser:

http://yourdomain.com

Check whether it automatically redirects to:

https://yourdomain.com
HTTPS is enabled! If the redirect works and your browser displays a valid secure connection, visitors should now be directed to your HTTPS website.

Important: On supported Hostinger Web and Cloud hosting plans, HTTPS is enabled by default once SSL is installed. You may already see the option Unforce HTTPS instead of Force HTTPS. This means HTTPS forcing is already enabled.

Hostinger's official instructions: How to Enable or Disable HTTPS for Your Website at Hostinger.

6. How to Force HTTPS on WordPress Websites Hosted on Hostinger

If your website runs on WordPress, enabling HTTPS at the hosting level may not be enough. You should also check the WordPress Address and Site Address settings.

These settings tell WordPress which URL should be used for the website and its administration area.

Step 1: Make sure SSL is active

Follow the SSL installation steps explained earlier. Confirm that your domain can load using HTTPS before changing WordPress URLs.

Step 2: Log in to WordPress

Open your WordPress administration area:

https://yourdomain.com/wp-admin

Log in using your WordPress username and password.

Step 3: Open General Settings

From the WordPress dashboard, navigate to:

Settings → General

Step 4: Update WordPress Address and Site Address

Find these two fields:

  • WordPress Address (URL)
  • Site Address (URL)

If they currently use HTTP, change them to HTTPS.

For example:

SettingBeforeAfter
WordPress Addresshttp://example.comhttps://example.com
Site Addresshttp://example.comhttps://example.com

Make sure both fields use your intended primary domain version, including the same www or non-www format.

Step 5: Save the changes

Scroll down and click Save Changes.

WordPress will now use the HTTPS version in its main website URL settings.

Step 6: Check the website

Open your homepage and several internal pages. Confirm that they load using HTTPS without certificate warnings or missing content.

Important: Changing the WordPress URLs can log you out or change the address used to access the administration area. Make sure SSL works first and keep a backup before making the change.

Official Hostinger guide: How to Force HTTPS on WordPress Websites at Hostinger.

7. How to Redirect HTTP to HTTPS Using .htaccess

If you need to manage HTTPS redirects manually, you may be able to use the .htaccess file on Apache-compatible hosting environments.

This method is useful when you need a custom redirect rule or are troubleshooting an existing website configuration.

Step 1: Open File Manager

  1. Log in to Hostinger hPanel.
  2. Open Websites and manage your website.
  3. Find File Manager in the dashboard.
  4. Open the public_html directory.

Step 2: Find the .htaccess file

Look for the .htaccess file in your website's root directory.

If you cannot see it, check whether hidden files are displayed in File Manager.

Step 3: Create a backup

Download a copy of the current file or copy its contents into a separate document before editing.

Step 4: Add the HTTPS redirect rule

For a typical Apache configuration, the following rule redirects HTTP requests to HTTPS:

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

The rule checks whether the current request is using HTTPS. If it is not, the browser receives a permanent redirect to the HTTPS version of the same URL.

Step 5: Save and test

Save the changes and open the HTTP version of your website. Check whether the browser redirects to HTTPS correctly.

Important: Do not add this rule blindly if Hostinger is already forcing HTTPS. Duplicate redirect rules can cause redirect loops. Also, .htaccess is an Apache configuration file; do not assume it controls every Hostinger website type or every server configuration. Prefer Hostinger's hPanel option when it is available.

8. How to Verify That HTTPS Is Working

After enabling Force HTTPS, verify the website from a visitor's perspective. A successful setting change does not automatically mean every page and resource is configured correctly.

1. Open the HTTP version

Enter your website using the HTTP address:

http://yourdomain.com

It should automatically redirect to the HTTPS version.

2. Check the browser address bar

After the redirect, confirm that the address starts with:

https://

Click the browser's site information or connection icon to inspect the connection and certificate details.

3. Test the www version

If your website supports both www and non-www versions, test them separately.

http://yourdomain.com
http://www.yourdomain.com

Both should reach your preferred HTTPS version if that is how your domain is configured.

4. Check internal pages

Open several pages, such as your About, Contact, Blog, and product pages. Make sure each one loads securely.

5. Check the certificate

Use your browser's certificate information to confirm that the certificate is valid and covers the domain being visited.

You can also use Qualys SSL Labs to inspect the publicly accessible SSL/TLS configuration of your website.

9. How to Fix Mixed-Content Errors on Hostinger

Sometimes a website loads over HTTPS but still displays browser warnings or looks broken. This can happen because of mixed content.

Mixed content occurs when an HTTPS page loads some resources using an insecure HTTP address.

For example, your website may load through:

https://example.com

But an image, stylesheet, script, font, or embedded resource may still use:

http://example.com/wp-content/uploads/image.jpg

Because the resource is requested over HTTP, the browser may block it or display a warning.

Common causes of mixed content

  • Old image URLs stored with HTTP.
  • Hard-coded HTTP links inside website themes.
  • Plugins loading scripts or stylesheets through HTTP.
  • External fonts, videos, or embedded content using insecure URLs.
  • Old database links left behind after a website migration.

How to fix mixed content in WordPress

Step 1: Check the browser console

Open your website in Chrome, press F12, and select the Console tab. Look for mixed-content warnings that identify resources still loading through HTTP.

Step 2: Identify the affected resources

Check whether the insecure URLs belong to images, scripts, stylesheets, fonts, plugins, or external services.

Step 3: Update insecure URLs

Update old HTTP resource addresses to HTTPS where the resource supports it. Check theme settings, plugin settings, and any hard-coded website links.

Step 4: Review database URLs carefully

If old HTTP URLs are stored in the WordPress database, use a compatible search-and-replace method to update them. Back up your database before making bulk changes.

Step 5: Clear website caches

Clear WordPress caching plugins, Hostinger cache, CDN cache, and browser cache where applicable.

Step 6: Test the website again

Reload the affected pages and inspect the browser console. Confirm that insecure resource requests have been resolved.

Official guide: How to Fix the Mixed Content Error on WordPress at Hostinger.

10. Common HTTPS Problems on Hostinger and Their Solutions

If your website still does not work correctly after enabling HTTPS, check the symptoms below to identify the possible cause.

ProblemPossible reasonWhat to do
Force HTTPS option is missingSSL is not installed, the site uses a different product, or the plan does not support the same control.Check the SSL status and your website type.
SSL certificate is not activeDomain pointing, DNS conflicts, or installation issues.Verify DNS and follow Hostinger's SSL troubleshooting instructions.
Website still loads using HTTPHTTPS forcing is not enabled or another configuration controls redirects.Check hPanel and existing redirect rules.
ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTSConflicting redirects between hosting, WordPress, or a CDN.Review all redirect settings and remove duplicate rules.
Mixed-content warningSome resources still load through HTTP.Update insecure image, script, stylesheet, and font URLs.
SSL certificate warningInvalid, expired, or mismatched certificate.Check certificate status, hostname coverage, and renewal.
Website works on www but not non-wwwCertificate or domain redirect configuration is incomplete.Check both hostnames and the preferred domain setup.
HTTPS works on homepage but not inner pagesPage-specific resources or redirect rules are incorrect.Test individual pages and inspect their URLs.

Fix ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS

This error appears when your website keeps redirecting visitors between different URLs without reaching a final page.

For example:

HTTP → HTTPS → HTTP → HTTPS

This can happen when multiple systems try to control the same redirect.

To troubleshoot the issue:

  1. Check the Force HTTPS setting in Hostinger.
  2. Review the WordPress Address and Site Address settings.
  3. Check redirect plugins and custom server rules.
  4. Review the SSL or proxy mode if you use Cloudflare.
  5. Remove conflicting HTTP-to-HTTPS or HTTPS-to-HTTP rules.
  6. Clear relevant caches and test again.
Do not repeatedly toggle HTTPS settings without checking the cause. A redirect loop can originate from WordPress, a CDN, or another server-level rule, even when Hostinger's Force HTTPS setting is correct.

Fix an invalid or expired SSL certificate

If your certificate is invalid or expired, check whether it covers the correct domain and whether its renewal or installation has failed.

If you use a custom SSL certificate, make sure it is renewed before expiry. Hostinger warns that an invalid or expired custom certificate can make a website inaccessible while HTTPS is being forced.

Official troubleshooting: How to Fix Connection Not Secure or Not Private Errors at Hostinger.

11. How to Disable Force HTTPS on Hostinger

In most cases, keeping HTTPS enabled is recommended. However, you may need to temporarily disable the forced redirect when troubleshooting a redirect loop or testing a specific configuration.

Hostinger allows supported Web and Cloud hosting users to unforce HTTPS through the SSL management page.

Steps to disable Force HTTPS

  1. Log in to Hostinger hPanel.
  2. Open Websites and manage the relevant website.
  3. Navigate to the SSL section.
  4. Find the domain or subdomain you want to change.
  5. Click the three-dot menu (⋮) beside it.
  6. Select Unforce HTTPS.
  7. Test the website using both HTTP and HTTPS.

This makes HTTP available from Hostinger's hosting-level redirect perspective. It does not necessarily remove the SSL certificate.

Security warning: Disabling Force HTTPS can allow visitors to use an unencrypted HTTP connection. This is not recommended for production websites, especially those with login forms, customer accounts, or payment pages. Re-enable HTTPS after testing.

Force HTTPS vs uninstall SSL

These are two different actions:

ActionWhat it does
Unforce HTTPSStops Hostinger's automatic HTTP-to-HTTPS redirect.
Uninstall SSLRemoves the SSL certificate from the website.

Do not uninstall your SSL certificate simply because you want to test the HTTP version of a website. Unforcing HTTPS is a separate and less disruptive setting.

12. Frequently Asked Questions

1. What does Force HTTPS mean in Hostinger?

Force HTTPS redirects visitors from the HTTP version of your website to the secure HTTPS version. It helps ensure that visitors use an encrypted connection when accessing your website.

2. Does Hostinger automatically enable HTTPS?

Yes. According to Hostinger, when an SSL certificate is installed on a website using a supported Web or Cloud hosting plan, HTTPS is enabled and forced by default. You can verify its status through hPanel's SSL settings.

3. Do I need an SSL certificate to force HTTPS?

Yes. Your website needs a valid SSL/TLS certificate for the domain before visitors can establish a secure HTTPS connection without certificate warnings.

4. How do I force HTTPS on a WordPress website hosted on Hostinger?

First, make sure SSL is installed and active. Then check Hostinger's Force HTTPS setting and update the WordPress Address and Site Address under Settings → General so both use HTTPS.

5. Why does my website show a Not Secure warning even after enabling HTTPS?

The SSL certificate may be invalid, expired, or incorrectly configured. Another possibility is mixed content, where some page resources still load through HTTP. Check the certificate status and browser console.

6. Does forcing HTTPS improve SEO?

HTTPS is a lightweight Google ranking signal and a recommended website security practice. However, it does not guarantee higher rankings. You should also maintain correct redirects, canonical URLs, internal links, and website content.

7. Can I force HTTPS without editing the .htaccess file?

Yes. On supported Hostinger Web and Cloud hosting plans, you can manage HTTPS through the SSL section in hPanel. Manual redirect rules are only needed for certain custom configurations.

8. Why does my website show ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS?

This usually happens because two or more systems are applying conflicting redirect rules. Check Hostinger's Force HTTPS setting, WordPress URLs, redirect plugins, server rules, and CDN configuration.

9. Does Unforce HTTPS remove my SSL certificate?

No. Unforce HTTPS disables Hostinger's forced redirect but does not necessarily uninstall the SSL certificate. Removing the certificate is a separate action.

10. Can I force HTTPS on a Hostinger Agency Hosting plan?

Hostinger's current documentation states that the Force HTTPS and Unforce HTTPS controls are not available on Agency Hosting plans. Agency Hosting users can install or uninstall SSL certificates, but the standard forcing control is not provided in the same way.

Secure Your Hostinger Website With HTTPS

Using HTTPS helps protect visitor information, improve trust, and maintain a consistent secure version of your website.

Check your SSL certificate, enable Force HTTPS through hPanel, and verify that your WordPress URLs and website resources use HTTPS correctly.

Explore Hostinger SSL Guides

Editorial note: Hostinger dashboard labels and available HTTPS controls may vary depending on your hosting plan and website type. This guide primarily covers supported Web and Cloud hosting setups. Always confirm that SSL is active before enabling forced HTTPS, and back up your website before changing WordPress URLs or server configuration.

The post How to Force HTTPS on Hostinger (2026 Step-by-Step Guide) appeared first on GeekyBeginner.

The post How to Force HTTPS on Hostinger (2026 Step-by-Step Guide) appeared first on GeekyBeginner.

]]> How to Install an SSL Certificate on Hostinger in 2026 https://geekybeginner.com/install-ssl-certificate-on-hostinger/ Sun, 01 Nov 2026 13:05:47 +0000 https://geekybeginner.com/?p=4609 Learn how to install an SSL certificate on Hostinger and secure your website with HTTPS. This guide explains how Hostinger's free Lifetime SSL works, how to install or reinstall a certificate through hPanel, how to use a custom SSL certificate, force HTTPS, verify certificate status, and troubleshoot common SSL installation and mixed content problems.

The post How to Install an SSL Certificate on Hostinger in 2026 appeared first on GeekyBeginner.

The post How to Install an SSL Certificate on Hostinger in 2026 appeared first on GeekyBeginner.

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Hostinger Knowledgebase

How to Install an SSL Certificate on Hostinger

Secure your website with HTTPS by activating Hostinger's free Lifetime SSL or installing a custom certificate. Follow the steps to check SSL status, enable HTTPS, and troubleshoot common certificate errors.

Updated for 2026 Beginner Friendly Step-by-Step Guide

An SSL certificate helps protect information exchanged between your website and its visitors. It encrypts the connection, helps browsers verify your website's identity, and allows visitors to access your pages using HTTPS instead of HTTP.

If your website is hosted on Hostinger, you may not need to purchase or manually install an SSL certificate. Hostinger includes free Lifetime SSL certificates with its Web, Cloud, and Agency hosting plans. For eligible websites, the certificate is installed automatically after you add the domain or subdomain to your hosting plan.

In this guide, you will learn how to check your SSL status, install or reinstall a free certificate through hPanel, use a custom SSL certificate, enable HTTPS, and resolve common security warnings.

Before you begin: Make sure your domain is added to your Hostinger hosting plan and correctly points to Hostinger. SSL installation may not complete while DNS changes are still propagating.

1. What Is an SSL Certificate?

SSL stands for Secure Sockets Layer. Although modern secure connections use TLS (Transport Layer Security), the term SSL certificate is still commonly used when discussing website security.

An SSL/TLS certificate helps establish an encrypted connection between a browser and a web server. It also allows the browser to verify that the certificate was issued for the domain being visited.

HTTP vs HTTPS

Feature HTTP HTTPS
Connection Not encrypted by TLS Encrypted using TLS
Certificate Not required for HTTP Requires a valid SSL/TLS certificate
Browser display May be marked Not Secure Shows a secure connection indicator when valid
Data protection Information can be exposed during transmission Helps protect information while it travels between browser and server

Why does your website need SSL?

  • Encrypts connections: Helps protect information submitted through forms and other website features.
  • Builds visitor confidence: Visitors can see that the website uses a valid secure connection.
  • Supports secure transactions: HTTPS is essential for protecting connections to login pages, checkout pages, and other sensitive areas.
  • Supports SEO: HTTPS is a lightweight ranking signal and is generally the preferred version of a website.

Remember: SSL encrypts the connection, but it does not automatically make a website safe from malware, weak passwords, vulnerable plugins, or other security problems.

2. Does Hostinger Provide Free SSL?

Yes. Hostinger includes free Lifetime SSL certificates with its Web, Cloud, and Agency hosting plans. These certificates are available for eligible domains and subdomains hosted on Hostinger.

When you add a domain or subdomain to an eligible hosting plan, Hostinger normally installs its Lifetime SSL certificate automatically. The certificate renews automatically while the website remains hosted with Hostinger and the domain continues to meet the installation requirements.

Hostinger SSL availability

Website or Hosting Type SSL Management
Web Hosting Free Lifetime SSL included for eligible hosted domains and subdomains.
Cloud Hosting Free Lifetime SSL included for eligible hosted domains and subdomains.
Agency Hosting Free Lifetime SSL included; HTTPS forcing controls differ from Web and Cloud plans.
Hostinger AI Website Builder SSL is managed automatically and activates after the website is published.
Custom SSL certificate Can be imported for supported file-based websites such as WordPress and PHP/HTML sites.

Hostinger Lifetime SSL is designed for websites hosted on Hostinger. It cannot be downloaded and transferred to another hosting provider or installed on a separate server.

For more information, see Hostinger's free SSL certificate guide.

3. What to Check Before Installing SSL on Hostinger

Before installing a certificate, confirm that your domain and hosting configuration are ready. SSL validation can fail if the domain does not point to the correct server.

Make sure your domain is added to Hostinger

Your website's domain or subdomain must be added to the appropriate hosting plan. If your website is hosted elsewhere and only the domain is registered with Hostinger, the SSL certificate needs to be managed by the provider hosting the website.

Point your domain to Hostinger

Depending on your domain setup, you may need to update nameservers or DNS records. Your domain must resolve to the correct Hostinger hosting environment before the certificate can be issued.

Wait for DNS propagation

If you recently changed nameservers or DNS records, allow time for the changes to propagate. Hostinger recommends allowing up to 24 hours in relevant SSL troubleshooting cases.

Check the website's status

If you use Hostinger AI Website Builder, make sure the website has been published. Its SSL certificate is managed automatically and activates after publishing.

Prepare your WordPress website

If you are using WordPress, make sure you know your current website address and whether it uses HTTP or HTTPS. You will need to check the WordPress Address and Site Address after enabling SSL.

Important: Do not force HTTPS before confirming that a valid certificate is installed and active. Forcing HTTPS too early can make the website inaccessible or create redirect problems.

4. How to Check Your SSL Status on Hostinger

Before installing a new certificate, check whether Hostinger has already installed one automatically.

  1. Log in to your Hostinger hPanel account.
  2. Open the Websites section.
  3. Find the website you want to secure and click Manage site.
  4. Search for SSL in the sidebar and open the SSL management page.
  5. Find your domain or subdomain and review its certificate status.

Understand the SSL status

Status Meaning What to Do
Active The SSL certificate is installed. Open the website using HTTPS and verify it in a browser.
Installing Hostinger is processing the certificate installation. Wait and check the status again.
Failed or Inactive The certificate has not been installed successfully. Check domain pointing, DNS records, and installation requirements.

If the status is Installing, allow the process to finish before attempting another installation. Hostinger's automatic installation may take up to one or two hours in some cases.

5. How to Install Free Lifetime SSL on Hostinger

Hostinger normally installs free Lifetime SSL automatically for eligible domains and subdomains. If automatic installation has not completed or you need to reinstall the certificate, you can use the SSL settings in hPanel.

Method 1: Automatic SSL installation

When you add a domain or subdomain to an eligible Web, Cloud, or Agency hosting plan, Hostinger starts the SSL installation process automatically.

  1. Make sure your domain or subdomain is added to your hosting plan.
  2. Point the domain to Hostinger using the required nameservers or DNS records.
  3. Wait for DNS propagation and certificate validation.
  4. Open hPanel and check the SSL section for the certificate status.
  5. Once the status changes to Active, test your website using HTTPS.

Method 2: Manually install Lifetime SSL

If the certificate is not installed automatically, follow these steps for a supported WordPress, PHP, HTML, or other file-based website.

  1. Log in to Hostinger hPanel.
  2. Open Websites and select Manage site for the domain.
  3. Search for SSL in the sidebar and open the SSL settings.
  4. Find the domain or subdomain that needs a certificate.
  5. Click Install SSL if the option is available.
  6. Wait for the installation to complete and the status to become Active.
  7. Open the website using HTTPS to confirm the certificate works.

Note: If the Install SSL option is not visible, a certificate may already be installed. Check its status before attempting to replace or reinstall it.

What if the automatic installation fails?

First confirm that the domain points to Hostinger and that DNS propagation has completed. Check for conflicting DNS records and then retry the installation if necessary. The troubleshooting section below explains these checks in more detail.

6. How to Install a Custom SSL Certificate on Hostinger

If you purchased an SSL certificate from another certificate provider, you may be able to import it through Hostinger hPanel. This process is different from installing Hostinger's free Lifetime SSL.

Custom SSL installation is intended for supported file-based websites, such as WordPress and PHP/HTML websites. Hostinger Website Builder does not support manual custom SSL installation through this workflow.

What files do you need?

Your SSL provider will normally supply the certificate files or their contents. These commonly include:

  • Certificate: The public SSL certificate, often supplied as a .crt or .pem file.
  • Private Key: The private key associated with the certificate, often supplied as a .key file.
  • CA Bundle: The certificate authority bundle containing the required intermediate certificates.

Protect your private key. Never share it publicly or upload it to an untrusted website. It is sensitive information used to establish the certificate's identity.

Step 1: Check the existing SSL certificate

Open Hostinger hPanel → Websites → Manage site → SSL. Check whether the domain already has an SSL certificate installed.

Step 2: Uninstall the existing certificate if required

If Hostinger requires you to remove the existing certificate before importing a custom one, click the options menu beside the relevant domain or subdomain and select Uninstall.

Only remove a certificate when you are ready to replace it. An invalid or missing certificate can cause HTTPS connection errors.

Step 3: Open Import SSL

On the SSL management page, select Import SSL. Choose the correct domain or subdomain from the available list.

Step 4: Enter the certificate details

Open each certificate file using a text editor and copy its complete contents into the matching field:

  • Paste the public certificate into the Certificate field.
  • Paste the matching private key into the Private Key field.
  • Paste the certificate authority bundle into the CA Bundle field, if supplied or required.

Step 5: Install the custom certificate

Review the selected domain and pasted certificate information. Click Install SSL and wait for Hostinger to process the certificate.

Step 6: Verify the certificate

Open your website using HTTPS and check that the browser recognizes the certificate. If it is not valid, confirm that the certificate matches the domain, the private key is correct, and the certificate has not expired.

For detailed instructions, read Hostinger's custom SSL installation guide.

7. How to Enable HTTPS on Hostinger

Installing an SSL certificate and forcing HTTPS are related but separate steps. The certificate provides the secure connection, while HTTPS redirection sends visitors from the HTTP version of your website to the HTTPS version.

On Hostinger Web and Cloud hosting plans, HTTPS is enabled by default after an SSL certificate is installed. If you need to check or change the setting, follow these steps.

Step 1: Open SSL settings

  1. Log in to Hostinger hPanel.
  2. Open Websites and find the relevant domain.
  3. Click Manage site.
  4. Search for SSL in the sidebar.
  5. Open the SSL management page.

Step 2: Find Force HTTPS

Locate the domain or subdomain in the SSL list. Open the options menu beside it.

Step 3: Enable Force HTTPS

If the option is available, select Force HTTPS. This makes visitors using the HTTP address redirect to the secure HTTPS version.

Step 4: Test the redirect

Open the HTTP version of your website in a browser. Confirm that it redirects to HTTPS and that the secure version loads without a certificate warning.

Agency hosting note: Hostinger's Force HTTPS and Unforce HTTPS controls are not available for Agency Hosting plans. Agency users can manage certificate installation and removal, but may need a different method to configure redirects.

For more details, see Hostinger's HTTPS configuration guide.

8. How to Enable HTTPS on WordPress Hosted with Hostinger

If your website uses WordPress, installing SSL is only part of the process. You should also make sure WordPress uses the HTTPS version of your domain.

Step 1: Confirm that SSL is active

Before changing WordPress URLs, verify that your certificate status is Active in Hostinger hPanel. Open the HTTPS version of your website and confirm that the browser accepts the certificate.

Step 2: Update WordPress URLs

  1. Log in to your WordPress Admin dashboard.
  2. Go to Settings → General.
  3. Find WordPress Address (URL).
  4. Find Site Address (URL).
  5. Change both addresses from http:// to https://, keeping the correct domain name.
  6. Save the changes.

For example, if your current website address is:

http://example.com

the secure version should be:

https://example.com

Replace example.com with your actual domain. If your WordPress URLs are already managed through another configuration or hosting tool, check that setup before changing them manually.

Step 3: Force HTTPS

Use Hostinger's Force HTTPS option if it is available for your hosting plan. This helps ensure that visitors who enter the HTTP address are redirected to HTTPS.

Step 4: Fix mixed content warnings

Mixed content happens when an HTTPS page tries to load resources using HTTP. For example, an image, stylesheet, JavaScript file, or font may still use an insecure URL.

Check your WordPress images, theme settings, page builder content, and plugin-generated links. Update old HTTP resource URLs to HTTPS where appropriate.

Step 5: Clear caches and test

Clear WordPress, hosting, CDN, and browser caches if necessary. Test your homepage, internal pages, images, forms, and important website features.

Related guide: Read our tutorial on enabling SSL on WordPress hosted with Hostinger for more detailed WordPress-specific instructions.

9. How to Verify Your SSL Certificate

After installing SSL and enabling HTTPS, verify that your website is using a valid certificate.

Check the website in your browser

  1. Open a private or incognito browser window.
  2. Enter your website address beginning with https://.
  3. Check whether the page loads without a security warning.
  4. Click the browser's connection or site information indicator.
  5. Review the certificate information if you need to inspect its validity.

Check both domain versions

Test both the root domain and the www version if your website supports them:

https://example.com https://www.example.com

Both versions should be covered by the certificate and resolve to the intended website if you use both addresses.

Check HTTP redirection

Enter the HTTP version of your domain and confirm that it redirects to the HTTPS version. This helps avoid visitors accessing an unsecured version of the website.

Check for mixed content

If the browser accepts the certificate but still reports insecure content, inspect the page for resources loaded through HTTP. Correct those URLs and clear the relevant caches.

10. How to Fix Common SSL Errors on Hostinger

SSL installation does not always complete successfully on the first attempt. Domain configuration, DNS records, certificate settings, or website redirects can cause problems.

Problem 1: SSL installation failed

If Hostinger shows a Failed or Inactive status, first check whether your domain points to Hostinger. Confirm that the DNS records are correct and allow time for propagation.

Hostinger's troubleshooting documentation also recommends checking conflicting DNS records and domain requirements before reinstalling the certificate.

Problem 2: Your connection is not private

This browser warning can appear when the certificate is missing, expired, invalid, or does not match the domain. It can also happen while DNS changes are still propagating.

  • Check the certificate status in hPanel.
  • Confirm that the domain points to the correct hosting server.
  • Check that the certificate covers the domain you are opening.
  • Try an incognito window after the installation completes.

Problem 3: ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR

This error means the browser could not establish a secure connection with the server. Check that the certificate is active, that the domain points correctly to Hostinger, and that DNS propagation is complete.

If you use a Hostinger Lifetime SSL certificate on a supported file-based website and it has failed, Hostinger may recommend uninstalling and reinstalling it after correcting the domain configuration.

Problem 4: ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS

This error can happen when multiple settings create conflicting redirects between HTTP and HTTPS. Check:

  • WordPress Address and Site Address settings.
  • Hostinger Force HTTPS settings.
  • Redirect rules in .htaccess.
  • Cloudflare SSL/TLS mode, if you use Cloudflare.
  • Redirect rules configured by WordPress plugins.

Temporarily identify and correct the conflicting redirect rather than adding more redirect rules.

Problem 5: SSL is active but the website still shows Not Secure

This can indicate mixed content. Check images, scripts, stylesheets, fonts, and embedded resources that still load over HTTP. Update those references to HTTPS where the resource supports it.

Problem 6: SSL is not active after adding a domain

Check that the domain is added to the correct hosting plan, points to Hostinger, and has completed DNS propagation. For Hostinger AI Builder, confirm that the website has been published.

Problem 7: Cloudflare is interfering with SSL installation

If you use Cloudflare, Hostinger may recommend temporarily switching the relevant DNS record to DNS only while the Lifetime SSL certificate is being installed. Once the certificate is Active, you can review and restore the appropriate proxy configuration.

Need more help? Hostinger maintains a dedicated SSL troubleshooting section covering failed installations, redirect loops, protocol errors, and browser security warnings.

11. Frequently Asked Questions

Does Hostinger provide free SSL certificates?

Yes. Hostinger includes free Lifetime SSL certificates with its Web, Cloud, and Agency hosting plans for eligible domains and subdomains hosted on its platform. The certificate is normally installed automatically after the domain is added and correctly pointed.

How do I install an SSL certificate on Hostinger?

Log in to hPanel, open Websites → Manage site, and search for SSL in the sidebar. If automatic installation has not completed, open the SSL settings and select Install SSL when the option is available.

How long does Hostinger SSL installation take?

Manual installation can complete within a few minutes when the domain is correctly configured. Automatic installation may take longer, sometimes up to one or two hours. DNS propagation can take up to 24 hours in some cases.

Is Hostinger Lifetime SSL really free?

Lifetime SSL is included with eligible Hostinger Web, Cloud, and Agency hosting plans. It remains available while the website is hosted with Hostinger and the certificate continues to meet its requirements.

Do I need to install SSL manually on WordPress?

Usually not. Hostinger automatically installs Lifetime SSL for eligible domains and subdomains. You should verify the certificate status and configure WordPress to use HTTPS after the certificate becomes active.

What is the difference between SSL and HTTPS?

SSL is the commonly used name for a website security certificate, while HTTPS is the secure version of HTTP that uses TLS encryption. A valid certificate is needed for a browser to establish a trusted HTTPS connection.

Why is my Hostinger SSL certificate not working?

Common reasons include incorrect domain pointing, incomplete DNS propagation, conflicting DNS records, certificate installation failure, or a mismatch between the certificate and the domain. Check the SSL status and domain configuration in hPanel.

Can I install a custom SSL certificate on Hostinger?

Yes. Hostinger supports importing custom SSL certificates for supported file-based websites, including WordPress and PHP/HTML websites. You generally need the certificate, matching private key, and CA bundle. The standard custom SSL workflow does not apply to Hostinger Website Builder.

Does Hostinger automatically force HTTPS?

On Web and Cloud hosting plans, HTTPS is enabled by default after an SSL certificate is installed. Hostinger Agency plans do not provide the same Force HTTPS and Unforce HTTPS controls in the SSL management page.

Will installing SSL improve my website's SEO?

HTTPS is a lightweight Google ranking signal and is recommended for every website. However, installing SSL alone does not guarantee higher rankings. Website quality, content, performance, and many other factors also influence search visibility.

Secure Your Website with Hostinger SSL

Check your SSL status in hPanel, confirm that your domain points to Hostinger, and activate HTTPS after the certificate becomes active. A valid SSL certificate helps protect connections and gives visitors a more secure browsing experience.

Open Hostinger hPanel

Editorial note: Hostinger dashboard labels and SSL management options may vary by hosting plan and website type. Lifetime SSL is managed automatically for Hostinger AI Builder websites after publishing. Always verify certificate status before forcing HTTPS or changing redirect settings.

The post How to Install an SSL Certificate on Hostinger in 2026 appeared first on GeekyBeginner.

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]]> How to Enable SSL on Hostinger WordPress in 2026 https://geekybeginner.com/hostinger-wordpress-ssl/ Sun, 01 Nov 2026 09:56:01 +0000 https://geekybeginner.com/?p=4540 Want to secure your WordPress website hosted on Hostinger? This guide explains how to check your SSL certificate, activate Hostinger's included SSL, force HTTPS, update WordPress URLs, and resolve common problems such as mixed content warnings and redirect loops. Follow the steps to make sure visitors can access your website through a secure HTTPS connection.

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WordPress Security · 2026

If your WordPress website is hosted on Hostinger, enabling SSL is an important step before sharing it with visitors. An SSL certificate allows your website to use HTTPS, which encrypts information exchanged between the visitor's browser and your website.

Hostinger includes free Lifetime SSL certificates with eligible Web, Cloud, and Agency hosting plans. For supported websites, certificates are generally installed automatically after the domain is added to the hosting plan and correctly pointed to Hostinger.

In this guide, you will learn how to check your SSL status, install a certificate manually, enable HTTPS in WordPress, and troubleshoot common SSL problems.

Quick answer: Open Hostinger → Websites → Manage site → Security → SSL. Check whether your certificate is Active. If it is not installed, use Install SSL when available. Then verify that your WordPress website loads using https://.

Table of Contents

  1. What Is SSL and Why Does WordPress Need It?
  2. Does Hostinger Provide Free SSL?
  3. Check Your SSL Certificate Status
  4. Install SSL Manually on Hostinger
  5. Enable HTTPS on WordPress
  6. Force HTTPS in Hostinger
  7. Fix Mixed Content Warnings
  8. Troubleshoot Common SSL Errors
  9. Verify Your SSL Installation
  10. Frequently Asked Questions

1. What Is SSL and Why Does WordPress Need It?

SSL stands for Secure Sockets Layer. It is the traditional name for a technology used to establish encrypted connections between websites and visitors. Modern secure connections use TLS, but the term SSL certificate is still widely used by hosting providers.

When a website has a valid certificate and HTTPS is configured correctly, visitors can connect to it through an encrypted connection.

Encrypts Data

HTTPS helps protect information exchanged between a visitor's browser and your website while it is transmitted.

Improves Visitor Trust

A valid HTTPS connection avoids the ordinary browser warning associated with an unsecured HTTP connection.

Protects Login Sessions

Encryption helps protect WordPress login credentials and other information sent between the browser and server.

Supports SEO Best Practices

HTTPS is a recommended website security practice and a lightweight ranking signal used by search engines.

HTTP vs HTTPS

FeatureHTTPHTTPS
ConnectionNot encrypted by TLSEncrypted using TLS
AddressStarts with http://Starts with https://
Browser security indicatorMay show a Not secure warningShows a secure connection indicator when valid
Recommended for websitesNoYes

For example, a website using HTTP has an address like:

http://example.com

After SSL is active and HTTPS is configured, the address becomes:

https://example.com

2. Does Hostinger Provide Free SSL for WordPress?

Hostinger includes free Lifetime SSL certificates with eligible Web, Cloud, and Agency hosting plans. According to Hostinger's documentation, certificates are automatically installed for domains and subdomains added to supported hosting plans.

This means most users with an eligible hosting plan do not need to purchase a separate SSL certificate just to enable HTTPS on their WordPress website.

Important distinction: SSL availability and installation depend on the hosting service and website type. Hostinger AI Website Builder handles SSL automatically in the background after the website is published. Its manual SSL management options differ from those available for WordPress and file-based websites.

What needs to be ready before SSL installation?

  • Your domain or subdomain must be added to the Hostinger hosting plan.
  • The domain must point to Hostinger's servers.
  • DNS changes must have propagated sufficiently for the certificate installation process.
  • Your website must use a supported hosting setup.

3. How to Check Your SSL Certificate Status on Hostinger

Before installing a certificate manually, check whether Hostinger has already installed one automatically.

1 Log In to Hostinger

Visit the Hostinger website and sign in using your account credentials.

2 Open the Websites Section

Go to Websites in the Hostinger dashboard and find the WordPress website you want to check.

3 Open Manage Site

Click Manage site or the available dashboard shortcut next to your domain. This opens the website's management area.

4 Open the SSL Section

Find Security → SSL in the sidebar. Select it to view the SSL management page.

5 Review the Certificate Status

Check the status displayed next to your domain or subdomain.

  • Active: The certificate is installed and available.
  • Installing: The installation process is still running.
  • Not installed or unavailable: Check the domain configuration and available installation options.
Tip: If your certificate is already Active, you do not need to install another one. Continue to the HTTPS configuration and verification steps instead.

4. How to Install SSL Manually on Hostinger

If the certificate was not installed automatically, Hostinger provides an option to install its included Lifetime SSL manually for supported websites.

1 Open Your Website Dashboard

Sign in to Hostinger and go to Websites. Find the domain or subdomain and open its management dashboard.

2 Navigate to Security → SSL

Use the sidebar to find the SSL section. Open it to view the certificate options for your website.

3 Select Install SSL

If no certificate is installed and the option is available, click Install SSL.

Hostinger will start installing the certificate for the selected domain or subdomain.

4 Wait for Installation

During installation, the status may show Installing. Wait until it changes to Active before testing your website.

5 Verify the Certificate

Open your website in a private browser window using its HTTPS address. You can also clear your browser cache before checking again.

What if Install SSL is missing? Hostinger explains that this can mean a certificate is already installed. Check the existing certificate status first. Do not uninstall an active certificate simply to make the installation button appear.

What if SSL installation fails?

Check that your domain is pointed to Hostinger and that DNS propagation has completed. If the domain was recently connected, allow time for the DNS changes to take effect and try the installation again.

If the certificate still fails, check for conflicting DNS records or contact Hostinger support with the installation error.

5. How to Enable HTTPS on Your WordPress Website

After the SSL certificate is active, make sure WordPress uses the secure HTTPS address. Hostinger recommends updating the WordPress Address and Site Address settings when HTTPS is not working correctly.

1 Open WordPress Admin

Log in to your WordPress dashboard. You can access it through the WP Admin shortcut in Hostinger or by visiting:

https://yourdomain.com/wp-admin

2 Open General Settings

From the WordPress sidebar, navigate to Settings → General.

3 Update WordPress Address (URL)

Find the WordPress Address (URL) field. If it still uses HTTP, change it to HTTPS.

https://yourdomain.com

4 Update Site Address (URL)

Find the Site Address (URL) field and change it to the HTTPS version of your domain as well.

https://yourdomain.com

5 Save Your Changes

Scroll down and click Save Changes. WordPress will now use the HTTPS address configured in these settings.

Important: Confirm that your SSL certificate is active before changing the WordPress URLs. If HTTPS is not working yet, changing these settings prematurely can make the website difficult to access.

6. How to Force HTTPS on Hostinger

After SSL installation, you may want every visitor to use the HTTPS version of your website instead of HTTP.

Hostinger's SSL management page provides a Force HTTPS option for supported hosting plans.

1 Open Hostinger SSL Settings

Go to Hostinger → Websites → Manage site → Security → SSL.

2 Find Your Domain

Locate the domain or subdomain for which you want to enforce HTTPS.

3 Select Force HTTPS

Open the options menu next to the domain and select Force HTTPS if it is not already enabled.

4 Test the Website

Open the HTTP version of your domain in a browser and check whether it redirects to HTTPS.

http://yourdomain.com

The browser should reach the secure address:

https://yourdomain.com

Hostinger notes that HTTPS is forced by default after SSL installation on supported Web and Cloud hosting websites. The available controls differ for some hosting types, including Agency plans.

7. How to Fix Mixed Content Warnings in WordPress

Sometimes a website has an active SSL certificate but the browser still displays a security warning or the page design appears broken. One possible reason is mixed content.

Mixed content happens when a page loads over HTTPS but some resources, such as images, scripts, stylesheets, or fonts, are still requested using HTTP.

Common causes of mixed content

  • Images inserted into pages using old HTTP URLs.
  • Theme or plugin resources loaded over HTTP.
  • Hardcoded HTTP links in custom HTML or CSS.
  • Old links stored in the WordPress database.
  • External resources that do not support HTTPS.

Steps to fix mixed content

1 Confirm SSL Is Active

Check the SSL status in Hostinger before investigating website content. An active certificate is required for HTTPS to work correctly.

2 Check WordPress URLs

Open Settings → General and confirm that both WordPress Address and Site Address use HTTPS.

3 Find HTTP Resources

Use your browser's developer tools to inspect the Console or Security information. Look for resources requested using HTTP rather than HTTPS.

4 Update the Affected URLs

Update old image, script, stylesheet, and other resource URLs to HTTPS where the resource supports it. Review custom theme files and plugin settings if necessary.

5 Clear Website Cache

Clear your WordPress caching plugin, Hostinger cache if enabled, and browser cache. Then reload the website to check whether the warning has disappeared.

Database caution: If you use a search-and-replace tool to update old URLs, choose a WordPress-compatible tool that handles serialized data correctly. Create a database backup before making bulk replacements.

8. Common Hostinger WordPress SSL Errors and Fixes

Problem 1: Your connection is not private

This browser warning can appear when the certificate is missing, invalid, expired, mismatched with the domain, or not yet available after DNS changes.

  • Check whether the certificate status is Active in Hostinger.
  • Confirm that the domain points to the correct hosting service.
  • Allow time for DNS propagation if the domain was recently connected.
  • Try the website in a private browser window.

Problem 2: SSL installation failed

Check that the domain is added to your hosting plan and correctly pointed to Hostinger. Review DNS records for conflicts and retry installation after the domain configuration is correct.

Problem 3: ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS

A redirect loop can happen when WordPress URL settings, hosting HTTPS rules, a security plugin, or a CDN's SSL mode conflict.

  • Check WordPress Address and Site Address settings.
  • Review Force HTTPS settings in Hostinger.
  • Check redirect rules in plugins and configuration files.
  • If using Cloudflare, review its SSL/TLS mode and avoid conflicting redirect rules.

Problem 4: Website works with HTTP but not HTTPS

Verify that the certificate is installed and active for the exact domain or subdomain you are visiting. Also check whether the domain has finished pointing to Hostinger.

Problem 5: Website layout looks broken after enabling HTTPS

This can happen when images, stylesheets, scripts, or fonts are still loading through HTTP. Check for mixed content and update the affected resource URLs.

Problem 6: SSL works on the main domain but not a subdomain

Check whether the subdomain has been added to the hosting plan and whether its DNS records point to the correct destination. Confirm that the certificate covers that specific subdomain.

Problem 7: SSL redirect loop after changing WordPress URLs

Review the WordPress URL settings, Hostinger HTTPS rules, and any additional redirect configuration. Avoid adding multiple overlapping redirects. If you cannot access WordPress Admin, use Hostinger's supported recovery tools or contact support before editing configuration files.

Before changing advanced settings: Create a backup of your WordPress files and database. SSL problems are often caused by DNS, URL, or redirect configuration, so changing several settings at once can make troubleshooting harder.

9. How to Verify Your WordPress SSL Installation

Once you have installed SSL and enabled HTTPS, complete these checks to confirm that the website is working correctly.

  • Open your website using the HTTPS address.
  • Confirm that the browser does not show a certificate warning.
  • Check that the HTTP version redirects to HTTPS if Force HTTPS is enabled.
  • Open important pages and confirm that images and styles load correctly.
  • Check that the WordPress login page also uses HTTPS.
  • Inspect the browser console for mixed content warnings.
  • Clear caches and test the website again.

Example of a secure website address

https://yourdomain.com

If your website loads correctly using HTTPS and the browser recognizes the certificate as valid, your SSL setup is working as expected.

10. WordPress SSL Setup Checklist

Use this checklist before considering the SSL setup complete.

  • The domain is added to the correct Hostinger hosting plan.
  • The domain points to Hostinger's servers.
  • The SSL certificate status shows Active.
  • WordPress Address uses HTTPS.
  • Site Address uses HTTPS.
  • Force HTTPS is enabled where supported and appropriate.
  • The website loads without certificate warnings.
  • Images, stylesheets, and scripts load correctly.
  • Important pages have been tested.
  • Backups are available before further security changes.

11. Frequently Asked Questions

Does Hostinger provide free SSL for WordPress websites?

Hostinger includes free Lifetime SSL certificates with eligible Web, Cloud, and Agency hosting plans. For supported websites, certificates are generally installed automatically after the domain is added to the hosting plan and pointed correctly.

How do I install SSL on WordPress Hostinger?

Open Hostinger → Websites → Manage site → Security → SSL. If the certificate is not already installed, select Install SSL when the option is available. Wait until the status changes to Active.

How do I force HTTPS on Hostinger?

Open the SSL section in your Hostinger website dashboard, find your domain, and select Force HTTPS if the option is available. Then verify that HTTP requests redirect to HTTPS.

Why is my WordPress website still showing Not Secure?

The certificate may not be installed or active, the domain may not point to the correct server, or the website may still load resources over HTTP. Check SSL status, WordPress URLs, and mixed content warnings.

Do I need to renew Hostinger's free Lifetime SSL manually?

Hostinger describes its included Lifetime SSL as automatically renewing while the website remains hosted with Hostinger on an eligible service. Check the SSL status in your account if you notice a certificate warning.

Can I use one SSL certificate for multiple domains?

Hostinger provides SSL certificates for eligible domains and subdomains hosted on supported plans. Each hosted domain or subdomain can have its own certificate; you do not need to transfer one certificate between websites.

What should I do if SSL installation fails?

Confirm that the domain is added to your hosting plan and pointed to Hostinger. Check DNS propagation and conflicting records, then retry the installation. Contact Hostinger support if the issue continues.

Does SSL improve WordPress SEO?

HTTPS is a recommended security practice and a lightweight ranking signal. It does not guarantee higher rankings, but using a valid HTTPS connection helps provide a secure experience for visitors.

Can I install SSL on a Hostinger subdomain?

Eligible Hostinger hosting plans support SSL for hosted domains and subdomains. Make sure the subdomain is added to your hosting plan and correctly pointed before checking its certificate status.

Secure Your WordPress Website with HTTPS

Start by checking your SSL status in Hostinger. If the certificate is active, configure WordPress to use HTTPS and verify that your pages load correctly. If installation fails, check the domain and DNS configuration before making advanced changes.

Read Hostinger's Official SSL Installation Guide

Editorial note: Hostinger's dashboard labels and SSL options may change. Certificate availability and management depend on the hosting plan and website type. Always check the current SSL status and instructions in your own Hostinger account before changing security or redirect settings.

The post How to Enable SSL on Hostinger WordPress in 2026 appeared first on GeekyBeginner.

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