How to Fix WordPress Mixed Content Errors: A Comprehensive Guide

Encountering a mixed content error in WordPress can be both common and frustrating, especially when you’re transitioning your site from HTTP to HTTPS. This issue arises when your website is served over a secure HTTPS connection, but some resources, like images, scripts, or stylesheets, are still being loaded over an insecure HTTP connection. This not only compromises the security of your site but can also trigger warnings for your visitors, affecting their trust and potentially disrupting site functionality.

Fixing mixed content errors is essential for maintaining the security and integrity of your WordPress site. It involves tracking down and updating any insecure links within your website’s content, themes, and plugins to ensure everything is served over HTTPS. You can use plugins specifically designed to address mixed content issues or manually update URLs in your database and files. By resolving these errors, you not only enhance the user experience but also ensure that your site meets modern security standards.

Understanding and Resolving Mixed Content Errors in WordPress for Enhanced Security

At ZEROPHOID, the owner of WordPressUpdates.eu, we understand the challenges that come with maintaining a WordPress site

A mixed content error in WordPress typically occurs when your website is served over HTTPS, but some resources (like images, scripts, or stylesheets) are still being loaded over HTTP. This can lead to security warnings and issues with site functionality. Here’s how you can fix it:

Step-by-Step Guide to Fix Mixed Content Error

1. Backup Your Website:
   • Always backup your website before making any changes. Use a plugin like Akeeba Backup, UpdraftPlus or manually back up your files and database.
2. Update WordPress and Plugins:
   • Ensure that your WordPress core, themes, and plugins are up to date.
3. Check Site Address:
   • Go to Settings > General and make sure both the “WordPress Address (URL)” and “Site Address (URL)” are set to ‘https://‘.
4. Use a Plugin to Fix Mixed Content:
   • Install and activate the Really Simple SSL plugin. This plugin automatically detects and fixes mixed content issues.
5. Manually Update URLs:
   • If the plugin doesn’t fix all issues, you might need to manually update URLs in your database.
   • Use a plugin like Better Search Replace to search for ‘http://yourdomain.com‘ and replace it with ‘https://yourdomain.com‘.
6. Update Theme and Plugin Files:
   • Check your theme and plugin files for hardcoded URLs. Change any ‘http://‘ URLs to ‘https://‘.
   • Common places to look include your theme’s header.php, footer.php, and functions.php files.
7. Update Content:
   • Go through your posts and pages and ensure all links are using HTTPS.
   • This includes images, media, and any other external resources.
8. Use Browser Developer Tools:
   • Use your browser’s developer tools to identify mixed content warnings.
   • In Chrome, right-click on your page, select “Inspect,” and go to the “Console” tab to see mixed content warnings.
9. Check .htaccess File:
   • If you’re using an Apache server, you can add rules to your ‘.htaccess‘ file to force HTTPS for all resources.

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

10. CDN Settings:

• If you’re using a CDN, make sure it’s configured to serve content over HTTPS.
• Update any CDN URLs in your WordPress settings to use HTTPS.

Common Plugins to Help with Mixed Content Issues

• Really Simple SSL: Automatically detects settings and configures your website to run over HTTPS.
• Better Search Replace: Helps you update URLs in your database.
• SSL Insecure Content Fixer: Handles many types of mixed content issues.

Example .htaccess Rule for HTTPS Redirection

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

Final Check

After following these steps, clear your browser cache and revisit your website. Use online tools like Why No Padlock to verify that all resources are being served over HTTPS.

By following these steps, you should be able to resolve mixed content errors on your WordPress site and ensure that all resources are loaded securely over HTTPS.

By carefully following these steps, you should be able to diagnose and resolve the mixed content errors on your WordPress site. If you need assistance in resolving these issues and ensuring they do not recur, consider using an expert company like ZEROPHOID. Take advantage of our WordPress Quick Fix Service at just €35 for 1 hour. We’re here to help you maintain a secure and reliable website experience.