How to Integrate an SSL Certificate into My Website (Step by Step)
Once you have contracted and installed the security certificate, you must start using it. If you don't use it, it doesn't matter if you have it installed, since it doesn't...
In this article
Introduction
Integrating an SSL certificate into your website means installing it correctly and ensuring that the site loads over HTTPS without errors.
Video: generate an SSL certificate in miHosting
If you still need to generate the certificate for your domain, this Spanish-language tutorial walks through the process in miHosting:
General steps
- Confirm that the certificate is issued for the correct domain.
- Install it on the corresponding hosting or panel.
- Verify that the website responds to
https://. - Configure redirection from HTTP to HTTPS.
- Check that there is no mixed content.
What should you check next?
- That the main domain and the version with or without
wwware covered. - That images, scripts and styles also load over HTTPS.
- That forms, plugins and CMS do not continue generating insecure links.
Common problems
The certificate is installed but the website continues to open via HTTP
The redirection or the main URL of the site is missing to be configured.
Security notices appear on some pages
This is usually due to mixed content or old resources loaded over HTTP.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to change the settings of WordPress or my CMS?
Many times yes, especially to adjust the main URL and correct internal links.
Can I do it without touching the design?
Yes, if configured correctly. The objective is to change the way of access, not the visual content of the website.
Conclusion
Integrating an SSL certificate is not just about installing it: you also have to force HTTPS and check that the entire website loads securely. That final part is what usually makes the difference between an “installed” SSL and a really well implemented one.