Installing an SSL certificate is a crucial step in securing your website and establishing trust. However, sometimes, your website may not function as expected immediately after installation.
Don’t worry, this is quite common and usually easy to fix!
In this article, we will explain the primary reasons why this occurs and provide guidance on how to resolve them promptly.
List of Common Reasons and Fixes
1. Mixed Content Issues
After SSL installation, your website should load all links, images, scripts, and stylesheets over HTTPS.
➔ Problem: Some elements may still use http://.
➔ Effect: Browsers may block insecure content, causing pages to look broken.
➔ Solution: Update all links to https://. WordPress users can use plugins like Really Simple SSL to fix this automatically.
2. Incorrect SSL Configuration
➔ Problem: The SSL certificate may not be correctly installed or linked to your domain.
➔ Effect: Browsers may display errors, such as “Not Secure,” or fail to load the site.
➔ Solution: Verify SSL installation in your hosting control panel and ensure it’s active for your domain.
3. Cache Issues
➔ Problem: Old cached files may still load even after SSL installation.
➔ Effect: Website may appear broken or outdated.
➔ Solution: Clear your browser cache, website cache, and CDN cache if applicable.
4. Redirection Loops
➔ Problem: Improper HTTP → HTTPS redirects can create a loop.
➔ Effect: Browser may display “Too many redirects.”
➔ Solution: Check your .htaccess file or server redirect rules to ensure that only one redirect exists from HTTP to HTTPS.
5. DNS Propagation Delay
➔ Problem: If you have recently updated DNS records or enabled SSL, it may take some time for the changes to propagate.
➔ Effect: The site may not load correctly for some users immediately.
➔ Solution: Wait for a few hours and check again, or use online tools to verify DNS propagation.
6. Server Compatibility
➔ Problem: Some older hosting servers may not support certain SSL types.
➔ Effect: Browsers may reject the certificate or block access to the site.
➔ Solution: Ensure your server supports the SSL version you installed.
Conclusion
A website that is not working properly after SSL installation is usually due to minor issues, such as mixed content, cache, or redirects. By following the steps above, you can quickly identify and fix the problem, ensuring your website loads securely with HTTPS.
Always remember to check your website after SSL installation to identify any issues promptly and ensure a secure browsing experience for your visitors.