Question: How do I enable HTTPS for my website? Print

Answer:

This article explains how to enable HTTPS (secure browsing) for your website hosted on GHFS Hosting using Plesk. Enabling HTTPS ensures encrypted communication between your visitors and your website.

1. Install an SSL Certificate

Before HTTPS can work, your domain must have a valid SSL certificate.

You can install an SSL certificate by:

• Using Let’s Encrypt (free SSL)

• Installing a paid SSL certificate manually

To install it:

1. Log in to Plesk

2. Go to Websites & Domains

3. Select your domain

4. Click SSL/TLS Certificates or Let’s Encrypt

5. Install or renew your SSL certificate

If you have not yet installed an SSL certificate, do that first.

2. Enable HTTPS in Plesk

Once the SSL certificate is installed:

1. Open Websites & Domains

2. Click Hosting Settings for your domain

3. Ensure SSL/TLS Support is enabled

4. Select the SSL certificate you want to use from the dropdown

5. Save the changes

Your site can now load over https://

3. Force All Traffic to Use HTTPS (Recommended)

To make sure all visitors automatically load the secure version of your site:

1. Go to Hosting Settings

2. Enable Permanent SEO-safe 301 redirect from HTTP to HTTPS

3. Save your changes

Now your website will always redirect from http:// to https://

4. Testing Your HTTPS Setup

After enabling HTTPS:

• Visit your site using https://yourdomain.com

• Check that your browser shows a padlock

• Use different devices to confirm the redirect works

• If you see warnings, check for mixed content (images, scripts, CSS loaded via http)

Mixed content must be updated to HTTPS to show a secure connection.

5. Common Issues and Solutions

Issue: “Not Secure” still appears

• SSL certificate may not be installed correctly

• Your domain may be pointing to the wrong server

• Mixed content may exist on the page

Issue: HTTPS redirect not working

• Check that the 301 redirect option is enabled

• Make sure SSL/TLS Support is turned on

• Ensure the correct certificate is assigned

Issue: SSL expired

• Renew the certificate in Plesk

• Re-run Let’s Encrypt if using free SSL

6. When to Contact GHFS Hosting Support

Contact support if:

• HTTPS does not activate after installation

• Your certificate is valid but the site still shows errors

• Redirect loops or mixed content warnings appear

• You want help forcing all web pages to load secure connections