Mixed content errors in WordPress can be frustrating and can prevent your website from loading correctly. This error occurs when a website tries to load both HTTP and HTTPS content on the same page. This means that some elements of your website, such as images or scripts, are being loaded over an unsecured HTTP connection while other parts of your website are being loaded over a secure HTTPS connection.
In this blog post, we’ll explain what causes mixed content errors and how you can fix them in WordPress.
What Causes Mixed Content Errors in WordPress?
Mixed content errors occur when a website tries to load both HTTP and HTTPS content on the same page. This can happen when you have added content to your WordPress site that is not secure. This content could be an image, a script, or a file that is hosted on a non-secure HTTP server.
When a website is loaded over HTTPS, all content on the page must be loaded over a secure connection. If the website tries to load non-secure content over HTTP, the browser will block the content from being displayed, and a mixed content error will occur.
1. Install an SSL Certificate
The first step in fixing mixed content errors is to install an SSL certificate on your website. This will encrypt all data sent between your website and your visitors’ browsers. You can get an SSL certificate from your hosting provider or from a third-party provider.
Once you have installed the SSL certificate, you need to update your website’s URLs to use HTTPS. You can do this by going to the WordPress dashboard and selecting Settings > General. Change the WordPress Address (URL) and Site Address (URL) to use HTTPS instead of HTTP.
2. Update Your WordPress Plugins and Themes
Outdated plugins and themes can cause mixed content errors. Make sure all of your WordPress plugins and themes are up to date. You can do this by going to the WordPress dashboard and selecting Plugins or Themes. If any updates are available, install them.
3. Use a Plugin to Fix Mixed Content Errors
If you have already installed an SSL certificate and updated your plugins and themes, but you are still seeing mixed content errors, you can use a plugin to fix the issue. There are several WordPress plugins available that can help you fix mixed content errors.
One popular plugin is Really Simple SSL. This plugin will automatically detect your SSL certificate and configure your website to use HTTPS. It will also search for any non-secure content on your website and replace it with secure content.
Another option is the SSL Insecure Content Fixer plugin. This plugin will fix mixed content errors by replacing HTTP URLs with HTTPS URLs. It also allows you to configure how the plugin fixes mixed content errors, so you can choose the best option for your website.
4. Manually Update Your Content
If you have tried all of the above methods and are still experiencing mixed content errors, you may need to manually update your content. Go through your website and look for any content that is being loaded over HTTP instead of HTTPS. This could be an image, a script, or a file.
Once you have identified the non-secure content, you need to update it to use HTTPS. You can do this by editing the content and changing the URL to use HTTPS instead of HTTP.
Conclusion
Mixed content errors in WordPress can be frustrating, but they can be fixed. The key is to make sure your website is using HTTPS and that all of your content is being loaded over a secure connection. If you are still experiencing mixed content errors after trying the above methods, consider reaching out to a WordPress expert for additional help.