Website Says "Not Secure"? How to Fix the SSL/HTTPS Warning (2026)
Originally published at https://designtocodes.com on August 18, 2026.
Why does my website say "Not Secure" and how do I fix it?
A "website not secure" warning means your site is loading over plain HTTP without a valid SSL certificate, or it has a certificate but still serves some content over HTTP (mixed content). The fix is to install or renew SSL, force every request to HTTPS, and update hard-coded HTTP links. Once the whole page loads over HTTPS, the padlock returns. Here is the step-by-step.
What "Not Secure" means, and the fix
| Cause | What you see | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| No SSL certificate | "Not Secure" on every page | Install an SSL certificate |
| Expired certificate | Full-page security warning | Renew or re-issue it |
| Mixed content | Padlock with a warning | Update HTTP assets to HTTPS |
| No HTTPS redirect | Secure only when typed manually | Force a site-wide HTTPS redirect |
Step 1: Install an SSL certificate
Most hosts offer a free SSL certificate through Let's Encrypt, usually a one-click toggle in the hosting panel. On WordPress, a plugin such as Really Simple SSL detects the certificate and switches the site to HTTPS.
Step 2: Force HTTPS everywhere
Set your WordPress and Site Address to https:// and add a redirect so all HTTP traffic is sent to HTTPS. On other servers, add the redirect in .htaccess or the server config.
Step 3: Fix mixed content
If you still see a warning after installing SSL, an asset is loading over HTTP. Open the browser console, find the "Mixed Content" items, and update those URLs to https://. A database search-and-replace of your old http:// address to https:// clears most stragglers.
Frequently asked questions
Does "Not Secure" mean my website is hacked?
No. It means the site lacks a valid SSL certificate or serves some content over HTTP. It is a configuration issue, not a breach.
Is an SSL certificate free?
Usually yes. Most hosts provide free SSL through Let's Encrypt, often as a one-click option.
Why does my site still say "Not Secure" after installing SSL?
Almost always mixed content - an asset still loading over HTTP. Check the console and update those URLs to HTTPS.
Does HTTPS help SEO?
Yes. HTTPS is a confirmed Google ranking signal, and browsers warn users away from non-secure sites.
Building or rebuilding a site? Start from a clean, standards-built base - browse the DesignToCodes template collection.
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