When you see a padlock next to a web address, the site is using HTTPS, which is secured by an SSL certificate. Without it, browsers warn visitors.
What SSL does
- Encrypts data between the visitor and your site, so passwords and forms cannot be read in transit.
- Confirms the visitor is really on your domain.
Why it matters
Visitors lose trust when a browser says "Not secure", and many will leave. HTTPS is also a basic expectation for search engines and for taking payments.
Why a warning might appear
- No certificate installed. Most good hosts include free SSL.
- Expired certificate. It needs renewal, usually automatic.
- Mixed content. The page loads some images or scripts from http, not https.
- Wrong domain. The certificate covers other names than the one you are visiting.
How to fix it
Ask your host to install or renew the certificate, redirect all http addresses to https, and update links that still use http.
Check it yourself
Open your site on your phone and on a computer, and look for the padlock. Also test the www and non-www versions.
If your site shows warnings, message us or see Website Maintenance.
