SSL and HTTPS are essential for securing your website, building visitor trust, and preventing browser security warnings. This guide explains how StellarSites handles SSL automatically, and when you might need to check or troubleshoot.

What Are SSL and HTTPS? #

SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) encrypts the data exchanged between your website and its visitors. It protects passwords, form submissions, and other sensitive data from being intercepted.

HTTPS is the secure version of HTTP. When SSL is active, browsers display https:// in the address bar, often with a padlock icon, indicating that the site is secure.

Why It Matters #

• Encrypts all communication between the browser and your site
• Prevents browser warnings like “Not Secure”
• Improves search engine rankings
• Builds trust and credibility with visitors
  

Is SSL Included with StellarSites? #

Yes. SSL is included by default with every StellarSites plan, so there is no need to manually configure anything.

With StellarSites, HTTPS is enabled automatically, ensuring your site is secure from the start. SSL certificates come pre-installed—there’s no need to purchase or configure anything separately. Everything is fully managed behind the scenes: certificates are kept up to date with automatic renewals, and StellarSites handles all the maintenance, so you don’t have to lift a finger.

When to Check Your SSL Status #

Most users never need to adjust anything. However, you should verify SSL in the following situations.

After Connecting a Custom Domain #

When you add a new domain, SSL activation can take several minutes during DNS propagation. Allow 5–15 minutes for the certificate to activate fully.

To Confirm HTTPS Is Active #

Visit your site using https://yourdomain.com. Look for the padlock icon in the browser’s address bar. This confirms that SSL is active and the site is being served securely.

To Check for Issues #

If you suspect something is wrong, you can use free tools like Why No Padlock to scan your site for insecure elements or mixed content, or SSL Labs to conduct a deep scan of SSL health.

Using your browser’s dev tools, especially the Console and Network tabs, are also good places to spot issues. 

And if you’re familiar with command line tools, you can run the curl -I https://yoursite.com command to check the HTTP response headers from your device’s terminal.

If you find anything in these areas, be sure to include the details in your support request, as it’ll help speed up the troubleshooting process. 

Troubleshooting Common SSL Issues #

SSL Isn’t Showing After Domain Setup #

• Give it time. SSL activation may take up to an hour, depending on DNS changes
• If it’s still not working after that, contact support for assistance
  

Mixed Content Warnings #

These appear when your site is served over HTTPS, but some resources (like images, fonts, or scripts) are still being loaded over HTTP.

How to Fix Mixed Content #

• Use your browser’s developer tools to find non-HTTPS resources.
• Update those URLs in your WordPress content, widgets, or theme files
• Use a plugin to help rewrite insecure links.
  • Example: Kadence Blocks Pro includes a setting to fix mixed content automatically
    

SSL Cost and Maintenance #

SSL on StellarSites is built-in to every plan and requires no setup on your part. Certificates are automatically issued, renewed, and kept up to date to align with modern security standards. The entire process is fully managed for you—no manual steps needed.

There are no upsells, hidden costs, or upgrade requirements.

When to Contact Support #

Reach out to the support team if:

• SSL isn’t working after waiting an hour post domain setup
• Your browser shows security warnings that don’t make sense.
• You aren’t sure if all your content is loading securely.

Support can confirm DNS propagation and SSL status and help resolve any issues.

SSL and HTTPS are built into StellarSites by default, so your website has been secure since day one. There’s nothing to configure, no certificates to purchase, and no need to worry about expiration or compatibility.

If you ever notice something off, StellarSites support is here to help ensure your visitors have a fully secure browsing experience.