How to Install an SSL Certificate on WordPress for Security

Updated 2026-07-03 · Hosting Reviews

Getting an SSL certificate on your WordPress site is one of the fastest ways to boost security and trust. In this guide we’ll walk through everything you need to install SSL certificate WordPress sites, from picking the right hosting to configuring the certificate in just a few clicks.

What You Need Before You Start

Before you can install an SSL certificate, you need three basic pieces:

• Domain name – the address people type to reach your site.
• Web hosting – a server where your WordPress files live. For beginners, a managed WordPress plan is the simplest.
• WordPress installed – most hosts offer one‑click WordPress setup.

Hostinger provides all three in a single package: a domain registration, fast shared or cloud servers, and a one‑click WordPress installer. Their plans start around $3‑$15 /month, with free SSL included.

Choosing the Right Hosting for a WordPress Website

Not all hosting is created equal. Here’s a quick rundown of the main options and when they make sense:

1. Shared hosting – cheapest, good for small blogs or starter businesses. Resources are shared with other sites, so performance can vary.
2. Cloud hosting – a step up in speed and reliability. Resources are spread across multiple servers, which reduces downtime.
3. VPS (Virtual Private Server) – gives you dedicated resources and root access. Ideal if you expect rapid growth or need custom server configurations.

If you’re just getting started, a managed WordPress plan on Hostinger’s shared or cloud tier gives you the performance you need without the hassle of server maintenance.

Step‑by‑Step: How to Install SSL Certificate on WordPress

Once your hosting and domain are ready, follow these five steps to secure your site.

1. Log into your Hostinger control panel. Find the “SSL” or “Security” section. Hostinger offers a free Let’s Encrypt certificate that can be activated with a single button.
2. Activate the free SSL. Click “Activate” next to your domain. The system will issue and install the certificate automatically. This usually takes a couple of minutes.
3. Force HTTPS in WordPress. After activation, go to Settings → General and change both the WordPress Address (URL) and Site Address (URL) from http:// to https://. Save changes.
4. Update existing links. Install the “Really Simple SSL” plugin (free). It detects mixed content and updates internal links, images, and scripts to use HTTPS.
5. Verify the installation. Open your site in a browser and look for the padlock icon. You can also use an online SSL checker to confirm the certificate is valid and properly chained.

That’s it—your WordPress site is now encrypted.

Speed and Security Basics for a Managed WordPress Site

SSL alone isn’t enough. Pair it with these low‑cost optimizations to keep your site fast and safe:

• Caching plugin – e.g., WP Super Cache or LiteSpeed Cache (often pre‑installed on managed plans).
• Image optimization – use ShortPixel or Smush to compress files without losing quality.
• Regular backups – Hostinger includes daily automated backups on most plans; enable them and keep a copy off‑site.
• Security plugin – Wordfence or Sucuri will add a firewall, malware scanning, and login hardening.

All of these tools work out of the box with Hostinger’s managed WordPress environment, so you don’t need to tinker with server settings.

Cost Overview and Renewal Considerations

When budgeting, keep two numbers in mind:

• Introductory price – many hosts, including Hostinger, advertise low first‑term rates (often $3‑$5/month for the first year).
• Renewal price – after the initial term, rates typically rise to $8‑$15/month for the same plan.

Domain registration is usually $10‑$15 per year, with a discount if you bundle it with hosting. Because Hostinger includes a free SSL and one‑click WordPress installer, you avoid extra fees that some competitors charge for these essentials.

Getting Your WordPress Site Live in Under an Hour

Combine everything into a quick launch checklist:

1. Choose a Hostinger managed WordPress plan that fits your budget.
2. Register your domain (or transfer an existing one).
3. Use the one‑click installer to set up WordPress.
4. Activate the free SSL from the control panel.
5. Install a caching and security plugin.
6. Pick a lightweight, responsive theme and add essential plugins (SEO, contact form, backup).
7. Publish your first page and test the HTTPS padlock.

Follow these steps and you’ll have a fast, secure WordPress website online without hiring a developer.

FAQ

Do I need to buy an SSL certificate separately?

No. Hostinger provides a free Let’s Encrypt SSL that works perfectly for most WordPress sites. You only need to purchase a premium certificate if you require extended validation or a wildcard certificate for many subdomains.

Can I install SSL on an existing WordPress site?

Absolutely. Activate the SSL in your hosting panel, update the WordPress URLs to https, and use a plugin like Really Simple SSL to fix mixed‑content issues. The process takes only a few minutes.

Will SSL affect my site’s loading speed?

Modern TLS protocols add a negligible amount of latency—typically less than 0.1 second. In fact, Google treats HTTPS as a ranking signal, and browsers now cache the handshake, so the impact on speed is minimal.