How to Enable SSL for WooCommerce?

Introduction

SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) encrypts data between your website and visitors.
For WooCommerce stores, SSL is mandatory to protect customer information and enable secure payments.

This guide explains how to enable SSL for your WooCommerce store on BigCloudy using cPanel AutoSSL and how to force HTTPS using redirection or a plugin.

Why SSL Is Important for WooCommerce

SSL is required for:

Secure checkout and payment processing
Protecting customer login and personal data
Avoiding browser “Not Secure” warnings
Improving trust and SEO rankings

Tip: WooCommerce payment gateways require SSL to function correctly.

Step-by-Step: Enable SSL via cPanel (AutoSSL)

Step 1: Log in to cPanel

If you face any issue while accessing your cPanel, please let us know, and our support team will assist you.

Step 2: Locate SSL/TLS Status (AutoSSL)

In cPanel:

Scroll to the Security section
Click on SSL/TLS Status

This section allows you to manage AutoSSL certificates for your domains.

Step 3: Run AutoSSL

Select your domain
Click Run AutoSSL

cPanel will automatically install a free SSL certificate for your domain.

SSL activation may take a few minutes.

Step 4: Verify SSL Installation

Once completed:

Visit your website using https://yourdomain.com
Look for the padlock icon in the browser address bar

This confirms SSL is active.

Force HTTPS Redirection (Important)

After SSL installation, your site must always load using HTTPS.

You can do this using either method below.

Method 1: Enable HTTPS via WordPress (Recommended)

In WordPress Admin:

Go to Settings → General
Change both URLs to start with https://
- WordPress Address (URL)
- Site Address (URL)
Save changes and log in again if required

Method 2: Use an SSL Plugin (Easy Option)

You can use a plugin such as:

Really Simple SSL

This plugin automatically:

Forces HTTPS
Fixes mixed content issues
Updates internal links

Tip: This is the easiest method for beginners.

Enable SSL in WooCommerce Settings

To ensure WooCommerce uses SSL correctly:

Go to WooCommerce → Settings → Advanced
Enable Force secure checkout (if available)
Save changes

This ensures checkout and account pages load securely.

Common Issues After Enabling SSL

You may encounter:

Mixed content warnings
Site loading on HTTP instead of HTTPS
Admin login redirect loops

Tip: These issues are usually resolved by forcing HTTPS correctly or using an SSL plugin.

Conclusion

Enabling SSL is essential for every WooCommerce store.
Using AutoSSL in cPanel, you can quickly and easily secure your website for free.

After installation, always ensure HTTPS redirection is enabled to avoid security warnings and checkout issues.

Need Help?

If you face any issues updating your nameservers or need further assistance, our support team is always available:

Email: support@bigcloudy.com
Submit a support ticket

FAQ

Is SSL mandatory for WooCommerce?

Yes. SSL is required for WooCommerce stores to secure customer data and enable payment gateways. Without SSL, checkout and login pages may not function properly.

Does BigCloudy provide free SSL certificates?

Yes. BigCloudy provides free AutoSSL certificates via cPanel for all supported domains.

How long does SSL activation take?

SSL installation via AutoSSL usually completes within a few minutes. In some cases, it may take up to 15 minutes to become fully active.

My site still shows “Not Secure” after installing SSL. Why?

This usually happens due to mixed content (HTTP resources loading on an HTTPS site). Enabling HTTPS redirection or using an SSL plugin can resolve this issue.

Can I force HTTPS without using a plugin?

Yes. You can force HTTPS by updating the WordPress Address and Site Address URLs to HTTPS in WordPress settings.

Will enabling SSL affect my website SEO?

Yes, positively. HTTPS is a ranking factor, and secure websites are trusted more by both users and search engines.