How to Fix Insecure Mixed Content SSL Errors on WordPress: When Using Cloudflare Flexible SSL
In this guide, I’ll share how to fix insecure mixed content SSL errors on WordPress. If you’re running a WordPress website with Cloudflare’s Flexible SSL, you might encounter mixed content errors. These errors occur when your site loads both secure (HTTPS) and insecure (HTTP) resources simultaneously.
Understanding Mixed Content Errors
Mixed content errors occur when your website serves both secure (encrypted) and insecure (unencrypted) resources. Common examples of mixed content include:
- Loading HTTP resources on an HTTPS page:
- For instance, if your website uses HTTPS, but some images, scripts, or stylesheets are still loaded via HTTP, browsers will flag this as mixed content.
- External resources without HTTPS support:
- If you embed external content (such as videos, fonts, or widgets) that doesn’t support HTTPS, it can trigger mixed content warnings.
- Hardcoded HTTP links in your content:
- Manually added links in your posts or pages that point to HTTP URLs can cause mixed content issues
Simple Steps to Fix Mixed Content Errors
Follow these steps to resolve mixed content errors on your WordPress site:
- Install and Activate an SSL Insecure Content Fixer Plugin. Alternatively, you can consider the Really Simple SSL plugin. But for this guide, I’ll use SSL Insecure Content Fixer Plugin.
- Start by installing and activating the SSL Insecure Content Fixer plugin from your WordPress dashboard.
- This plugin helps identify and correct mixed content issues automatically.
- Configure the Plugin Settings
- After activation, go to Settings » SSL Insecure Content. Choose an option that suits your needs.
- Start with the simple option, which fixes mixed content in WordPress style sheets and media library images.
- If the error persists, try other options until it’s resolved.
- The “Capture All” option usually works for most cases but may not be necessary for everyone.
- Save Changes and Refresh Your Page
- Save the plugin settings and refresh your web page.
- Check the browser console for any remaining mixed content errors.
- Make sure all resources (images, scripts, stylesheets) are loaded via HTTPS.
- Test Your Website:
- Verify that your site functions correctly over HTTPS.
- Check for broken links, missing images, or other issues.
- Use relative URLs or protocol-relative URLs (e.g., //example.com/image.jpg) to avoid mixed content.
- Secure Your Email Accounts:
- If your email accounts are on the same server, migrate them to the new host.
- Update MX records to maintain email service.
- In your Cloudflare dashboard, go to the SSL/TLS app.
- Enable Automatic HTTPS Rewrites to fix mixed content errors automatically.
Why Is SSL Important?
Using SSL/HTTPS offers several benefits:
- Security: Encrypts data between users and your server, enhancing security.
- Trust: Visitors trust secure sites more.
- SEO: Google considers HTTPS as a ranking factor.
Conclusion
Remember, fixing mixed content errors ensures a seamless transition while maintaining the uniqueness of your content. Happy learning!
