Why You Need SSL

SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) encrypts data between your website and visitors. Without it, Google Chrome shows a "Not Secure" warning, Google penalises your search rankings, and visitors abandon your site. All IQRA hosting plans include a free SSL certificate.

Method 1: AutoSSL (Recommended for IQRA Hosting)

IQRA hosting includes AutoSSL, which installs and renews free Let's Encrypt certificates automatically.

Step 1: Log into cPanel.

Step 2: Navigate to Security > SSL/TLS Status.

Step 3: You'll see a list of your domains. Any domain without SSL will show a padlock icon with an X. Click Run AutoSSL at the top.

Step 4: Wait 2-5 minutes. AutoSSL will install certificates on all eligible domains.

Step 5: Once complete, revisit your domain in a browser. You should see the padlock icon in the address bar.

Method 2: Manual Let's Encrypt Installation

If AutoSSL doesn't work (usually due to a DNS issue):

Step 1: In cPanel, go to Security > Let's Encrypt.

Step 2: Select your domain from the dropdown.

Step 3: Click Issue. Wait 1-2 minutes for the certificate to be issued.

Force HTTPS After SSL Installation

Installing SSL doesn't automatically redirect HTTP to HTTPS. Add this to your .htaccess file:

<IfModule mod_rewrite.c>
RewriteEngine On
RewriteCond %{HTTPS} off
RewriteRule ^ https://%{HTTP_HOST}%{REQUEST_URI} [L,R=301]
</IfModule>

Or in cPanel, go to Domains > Redirects and add a redirect from http:// to https://.

Troubleshooting Mixed Content Warnings

After installing SSL, your browser might still show warnings if your site loads resources (images, scripts, CSS) over HTTP. Fix this by updating your WordPress site URL in Settings > General to use https://, then run a search-replace on your database to update all URLs.