🔁 How to Force HTTPS on Your Website (Redirect HTTP to HTTPS)

Once your SSL certificate is installed ( how to install an SSL Certificate in cPanel ), you’ll want to make sure your website always loads securely using https://. This not only protects your visitors but also boosts your SEO rankings — Google gives preference to secure websites!

Below are multiple ways to force HTTPS on your website using cPanel, .htaccess, or WordPress.

✅ Why Force HTTPS? #

• 🔒 Encrypts data between your site and visitors
• 📈 Improves SEO and Google rankings
• 🚫 Prevents security warnings in browsers
• ✅ Increases customer trust

🔧 Method 1: Force HTTPS Using cPanel’s “Force HTTPS Redirect” (Easiest Way) #

This method is perfect for beginners and doesn’t require editing any files.

📍 Step 1: Log in to cPanel #

1. Go to yourdomain.com/cpanel
2. Enter your login credentials

🔁 Step 2: Enable HTTPS Redirect #

1. In cPanel, go to the Domains section
2. Click on Domains
3. Find your domain in the list
4. Toggle the Force HTTPS Redirect switch to ON ✅

🎉 That’s it! Your domain will now automatically redirect to https://.

⚙️ Method 2: Redirect HTTP to HTTPS via .htaccess (Manual Method) #

This method is recommended for advanced users or if you’re using custom apps.

📂 Step 1: Open File Manager #

1. In cPanel, go to File Manager
2. Navigate to public_html
3. Find and edit the .htaccess file

Can’t see it? Click Settings and enable Show Hidden Files (dotfiles)

✍️ Step 2: Add Redirect Code #

Paste this at the top of your .htaccess file:

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

💾 Save changes. Now, all visitors will be automatically redirected to HTTPS.

🌐 Method 3: Force HTTPS in WordPress (If Applicable) #

If you’re using WordPress, here’s how to do it within the dashboard:

🧩 Option A: Use a Plugin #

1. Install Really Simple SSL
2. Activate the plugin
3. It will handle HTTPS redirection and fix mixed content issues

🔧 Option B: Manually Set HTTPS in Settings #

1. Go to Settings > General
2. Make sure both WordPress Address (URL) and Site Address (URL) start with https://

🔍 Test Your Redirect #

After enabling HTTPS:

• Visit http://yourdomain.com — it should instantly redirect to https://yourdomain.com
• Test with tools like Why No Padlock or SSL Labs

📢 SEO Tip: Use 301 Redirects #

The methods above use 301 (permanent) redirects, which tell search engines to update your URLs — preserving your SEO value and link rankings.

❓ Need Help? #

Not sure which method is best? Let us help you secure your site:

• 💬 Live Chat: ozzietel.au/contact-us
• 📞 Phone: 02 8328 1099
• 📧 Email: support@ozzietel.com.au