Ensuring that your SSL certificate is properly installed is a crucial step in securing your website and building visitor trust. Here’s how you can quickly confirm whether everything is working correctly.

How to Verify SSL Is Active

Open your preferred web browser and visit your website using its full URL. You should see the following indicators in the address bar:

  • A padlock icon next to your URL
  • The URL begins with https:// instead of http://

If both are present, congratulations—your SSL certificate has been successfully installed, and your site is now encrypted and secure.

Common Issues and How to Fix Them

If your site does not show the expected security indicators, here are common causes and steps to resolve them:

1. “Not Secure” or Mixed Content Warnings

Sometimes, a page with SSL still shows warning symbols or fails to display content properly. This usually happens when:

  • Your page is loaded over https://
  • But some resources (images, scripts, stylesheets) are still loaded over http://

This is known as mixed content, and browsers often block or flag it.

How to fix it:

  • Update all internal links in your HTML or CMS to use https:// instead of http://
  • Alternatively, use relative URLs (e.g., /images/logo.png)

2. Padlock Icon Is Missing (Without Warnings)

If there’s no padlock and no visible error, try the following steps:

  • Check HTTPS Redirects: Ensure your site redirects all http:// requests to https://. Misconfigured redirects are a common issue.
  • Rekey the Certificate: If the certificate details were incorrect or changed recently, rekeying can resolve inconsistencies.
  • Reinstall the Certificate: If in doubt, remove and reinstall the SSL certificate to ensure a clean setup.

Need More Help?

If you need to update the domain name (also called the common name) associated with your SSL certificate or run into any technical roadblocks, our Managed SSL Service is here to help.

Our team can:

  • Handle installation and configuration
  • Monitor renewal deadlines
  • Troubleshoot advanced SSL issues

Final Notes

Once your SSL certificate is verified:

  • Your site will use secure HTTPS by default
  • Your visitors will have confidence in your site’s legitimacy
  • You’ll avoid browser security warnings and SEO penalties