How to Fix the Mixed Content Error in WordPress

How to Fix the Mixed Content Error in WordPress

Seeing browser warnings like “Your connection to this site is not fully secure”? That’s likely due to a mixed content error—when your WordPress site loads both HTTPS and HTTP resources. This can cause security warnings and block content like images, scripts, or stylesheets.

The good news? You can easily fix mixed content issues with the right tools and a few adjustments.

What Causes Mixed Content Errors?

- Site loads over HTTPS but references HTTP URLs for images, CSS, JS, or external links
- Hardcoded HTTP URLs in theme or plugin files
- Database entries using old HTTP links
- Incomplete SSL or CDN configuration

Step-by-Step Guide to Fix Mixed Content Issues in WordPress

1. Make Sure SSL Is Properly Installed

- Log into cPanel > SSL/TLS
- Ensure an SSL certificate is installed and valid for your domain
- If not, use AutoSSL or Let’s Encrypt to install one

Then update WordPress to use HTTPS:

- In wp-config.php, set:

define('WP_HOME','https://yourdomain.com');
define('WP_SITEURL','https://yourdomain.com');

2. Force HTTPS with .htaccess

Redirect all traffic to HTTPS:

- Go to File Manager > public_html
- Edit the .htaccess file and add:

RewriteEngine On
RewriteCond %{HTTPS} off
RewriteRule ^(.*)$ https://%{HTTP_HOST}%{REQUEST_URI} [L,R=301]

Save and test your site.

3. Update Hardcoded HTTP URLs in Database

If your content still loads HTTP links:

- Install a plugin like Better Search Replace or WP Migrate DB
- Search for http://yourdomain.com and replace with https://yourdomain.com
- Run the tool on all tables (create a backup first)

This will update old links in posts, pages, and settings.

4. Use a Plugin to Automatically Fix Mixed Content

For simpler fixes, use a plugin like:

- Really Simple SSL: Automatically detects and fixes mixed content
- SSL Insecure Content Fixer: Offers fine-tuned control over what gets fixed

Activate and let the plugin handle background corrections.

5. Manually Check Theme and Plugin Files

Sometimes themes or plugins include HTTP links in templates.

- Check header.php, footer.php, and other template files
- Look for http:// links to images or scripts
- Replace them with https:// or relative paths

6. Clear Caches and CDN

- Clear your WordPress cache (W3 Total Cache, WP Super Cache, etc.)
- Clear your browser cache
- Purge your CDN cache (e.g., Cloudflare) to reflect new HTTPS resources

7. Test and Monitor

Use these tools to test for mixed content:

- https://www.whynopadlock.com/
- https://www.sslshopper.com/
- Browser dev tools > Console tab (look for warnings)

Final Thoughts

The mixed content error in WordPress is a common side effect of switching to HTTPS, but it’s easy to fix with the right plugins and cleanup tools. Secure your site fully and keep visitors confident in your content.

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At RDPCore.com, we provide:

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