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Site Serves HTTP Instead of HTTPS

HTTPS has been a Google ranking signal since 2014. Here's how to migrate fully and avoid mixed content.

What it means

The site is reachable over HTTP, or pages mix HTTP resources (images, scripts) into HTTPS pages.

Why it matters

HTTPS is a confirmed ranking signal. Browsers also flag HTTP pages as "Not Secure" — instant trust killer.

How to fix it

  1. Get a free SSL cert (Let's Encrypt or your hosting's built-in).
  2. Force-redirect HTTP to HTTPS at the server level.
  3. Update all internal links and asset URLs to https://.
  4. Update canonicals, sitemap, and Search Console property to https://.

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Frequently asked questions

Will migrating to HTTPS hurt rankings short-term?

Brief 1–2 week dip is normal as Google reindexes. Long-term, HTTPS is required.

Related issues

Mixed Content Warnings
HTTP resources on HTTPS pages trigger browser warnings and break trust. Here's how to find and fix them all.
Missing Canonical Tag
Without canonical tags, Google can index duplicate URLs and split your ranking signal. Here's how to add them right.