In order to use an SSL certificate on your website, you will need to update the websites address to use ‘https://’. Exactly how to do this depends on how your website was built. Instructions for the most popular content management systems are as follows, as well as instructions on how to do this via your website’s .htaccess file.
- WordPress
To set this up on WordPress, please visit our separate article on this.
- Joomla
In order to use an SSL cert with your Joomla website, you will need to log in to your Administrative section (usually via http://yourdomain.com/administrator, replacing ‘yourdomain.com’ with your actual domain name). Once logged in, click on Global Configuration on the left hand menu and then on the Tab for Server on the top of this page. Under the Server Settings header there will be an option for Force SSL, enable this and click the Save button on the top left of the page.
- Magento
To use an SSL cert with a Magento website, you will need to login to your Admin section (usually via http://yourdomain.com/admin, replacing ‘yourdomain.com’ with your actual domain name). Once logged in, click on Stores and then Configuration. Under General, click Web. Click Base URLs (Secure). To make all storefront pages accessible only when using https://, in the Use Secure URLs on Storefront list box, select Yes. To make the administration interface accessible only when using https://, in the Use Secure URLs in Admin list box, select Yes.
- Enable SSL via .htaccess file
If you’re not using a content management system such as the above examples, you can enable an SSL cert on your website using the .htaccess file. For this you will need to log in to your cPanel. Once logged in, click on the icon for File manager. Next click on ‘public_html’ and on the top right of the page click on the setting cog wheel and tick the option “Show hidden files”. You will now see the .htaccess file if one is present, or you can create this file if not. Once you have located the file right click on it and click Edit. Use the code given below to ensure all traffic is redirected over https://
RewriteEngine On
RewriteCond %{SERVER_PORT} 80
RewriteRule ^(.*)$ https://www.yourdomain.com/$1 [R,L]
If you have any questions on the above, please do not hesitate to 'Open a Ticket' and we will be happy to advise further.