SSL Installed but Site Not Secure – Step-by-Step Fix 2026

Last updated: January 28, 2026

This article was updated based on recent information and testing.

SSL Installed but Site Not Secure – Step-by-Step Fix 2026

Installing an SSL certificate is supposed to secure a website instantly. Yet many site owners are surprised when browsers still show a “Not Secure” warning even after SSL is installed. This issue is common, frustrating, and often misunderstood.

This step-by-step fix guide for 2026 explains exactly why a site still shows not secure after SSL, how browsers detect HTTPS security problems, and how to permanently fix them using proven, real-world solutions.

The content is based on hands-on experience, industry best practices, and tools that were personally tested before being recommended. No paid promotions or commissions influence these recommendations. You can learn more about our mission and editorial approach on the About page.

What Does “SSL Installed but Site Not Secure” Mean?

When a browser displays “Not Secure” even after SSL activation, it means the website is not fully serving secure HTTPS content. While the SSL certificate itself may be valid, other technical issues prevent the browser from trusting the page completely.

Why HTTPS Still Shows “Not Secure” in Browsers

Browsers such as Chrome, Edge and Firefox have strict security rules. One insecure element, and the trust is shattered. There are many reasons HTTPS continues to display a not secure warning:

• HTTPS pages with mixed content errors
• HTTP to HTTPS redirect issues
• SSL certificate misconfiguration
• Expired or invalid SSL certificate
• DNS propagation and SSL delays
• Browser cache and DNS issues

Another security signal is if the lock icon doesn’t appear, browser shows that minimum of one requirement purpose are not matching.

Personal experience: We (The Stack Manual) faced this very same problem in one of our production website even after SSL was ON from cPanel. The certificate was good, but Chrome was still showing “Not Secure.” It eventually traced back to a single http image that was being loaded from an old media url— something a lot of guides seem to be skipping over.

How Browsers Detect HTTPS Security Issues

Modern browsers analyze multiple layers before showing the HTTPS padlock.

• If the SSL certificate chain is valid
• If all the resources for a page are loaded using HTTPS
• Whether redirects enforce HTTPS globally
• If certificate authorities are trusted

Developers can use browser dev tools mixed content inspection to clearly identify which resources produce warnings. Browsers are purposefully non-forgiving—security errors will always treat users exactly as browsers set them, even if the website owner is “sure I have SSL installed correctly”.

Common Reasons Your Site Is Still Not Secure After SSL

Understanding the root causes prevents endless trial and error.

Mixed Content Errors in HTTPS Pages

What Are Mixed Content Error on Your HTTPS Website? HTTPS mixed content errors happen when a secure page downloads unsecured resources. Typical insecure elements include:

• Images
• JavaScript files
• CSS stylesheets
• Embedded fonts or iframes

In order to solve the HTTPS mixed content properly, all the insecure HTTP links need to be replaced entirely. Modern browsers block insecure content like images and scripts — see what “mixed content” means in detail on Mozilla’s developer docs.

How to Identify and Fix Insecure HTTP Links

Browser developer tools highlight:

• “Blocked mixed content”
• “Insecure request” warnings

Updating insecure HTTP links is often enough to restore the padlock icon instantly.

HTTP to HTTPS Redirect Issues

Another common cause is improper redirection.

If HTTP pages do not redirect correctly:

• Search engines may index HTTP versions
• Users may land on unsecured URLs
• The browser treats the site as partially insecure

Force HTTPS Redirect with .htaccess

One of the most reliable fixes is to force HTTPS redirect with .htaccess.

This ensures:

• All traffic uses HTTPS
• Duplicate HTTP URLs disappear
• SSL trust remains consistent

When configured correctly, this also helps enforce HTTPS globally across the website.

SSL Certificate Misconfiguration or Errors

SSL certificate misconfiguration is more common than expected, especially on shared hosting.

Issues include:

• Wrong certificate installed
• Missing intermediate certificates
• Improper server configuration

SSL certificate installation errors can prevent browsers from validating the SSL certificate chain. If you want a quick official tool/checklist for verifying SSL certificate installation and common SSL errors, you can check GoDaddy’s SSL help page.

Expired or Invalid SSL Certificate Problems

An expired or invalid SSL certificate immediately breaks trust.

Common scenarios:

• Auto-renew failed
• Domain mismatch
• Certificate revoked by authority

Even one expired certificate file can cause browsers to mark the site as unsafe.

If you want more step-by-step tutorials on website setup and fixes, check out our full How-To Guides section.

Step-by-Step Fix for “SSL Installed but Site Not Secure”

This section follows a logical order used in real troubleshooting scenarios.

Step 1 – Verify SSL Installation and Certificate Chain

First of all check the integrity of SSL certificate chain. Recommended tools (tested personally):

Tool	Key Features	Pros	Cons
SSL Labs	Deep SSL analysis	Extremely accurate	Technical output
Why No Padlock	Mixed content scan	Easy to use	Limited depth
Browser DevTools	Real-time inspection	Built-in & free	Manual work

By validating the chain you can verify if SSL certificate is misconfigured or not.

Step 2 – Fix Mixed Content Using Browser Dev Tools

Browser dev tools mixed content detection shows exact file paths causing issues.

Once detected:

• Update insecure HTTP links
• Replace hard-coded URLs
• Regenerate cached assets

Fix HTTPS mixed content completely before moving forward.

Step 3 – Enforce HTTPS Across the Entire Website

To enforce HTTPS globally:

• Redirect HTTP to HTTPS
• Update canonical URLs
• Fix sitemap URLs

This step resolves many secure padlock icon does not appear issues instantly.

Step 4 – Check DNS Propagation and Hosting Settings

DNS propagation and SSL activation may take time.

Hosting-related issues include:

• Old DNS records
• CDN caching
• Incorrect hosting IP mappings

DNS propagation and SSL delays are often temporary but should still be verified.

Step 5 – Clear Browser Cache and CDN Cache

Browser cache and DNS issues can show outdated security warnings.

Always:

• Clear browser cache
• Flush CDN cache
• Test in incognito mode

This step alone has resolved countless false “not secure” alerts.

Hosting, CDN, and Platform-Specific SSL Fixes

SSL behavior varies across platforms.

Fixing SSL Issues in cPanel and Hosting Panels

In cPanel environments:

• AutoSSL must be enabled
• Certificate must match the domain
• SSL certificate installation errors should be reviewed

Misconfigured hosting panels often cause SSL installed but site not secure warnings.

For deeper hosting tips — including SSL configuration and performance — see our Web Hosting articles.

Cloudflare and CDN SSL Conflicts Explained

Cloudflare users often face conflicts due to:

• Flexible SSL mode
• DNS propagation mismatches
• Cached HTTP assets

Switching to Full or Full (Strict) SSL resolves most CDN-related issues.

CMS-Specific Fixes (WordPress & Custom Sites)

WordPress sites frequently suffer from:

• Hard-coded HTTP media URLs
• Plugin-generated mixed content

Updating insecure HTTP links using database search-replace tools often solves the issue permanently.

Transparency & Recommendation Policy

This guide does not earn commissions from tools or hosting providers.

All tools mentioned:

• Were tested personally
• Are widely trusted in the industry
• Are recommended purely for functionality

The goal is clarity, not promotion.

Advanced HTTPS Security Best Practices (2026)

Fixing the “not secure” warning is only the first step. Long-term trust, rankings, and user confidence depend on adopting HTTPS security best practices in 2026 that go beyond basic SSL installation.

Search engines increasingly reward websites that demonstrate consistent security signals, not just a valid certificate.

Enable HTTP Strict Transport Security (HSTS)

HTTP Strict Transport Security (HSTS) tells browsers to always load the website using HTTPS, even if a user types HTTP manually.

Why HSTS Matters

• Prevents downgrade attacks
• Stops accidental HTTP access
• Strengthens SSL trust signals
• Improves long-term security consistency

Once enabled, browsers remember the HTTPS rule, reducing future “not secure” warnings.

Personal experience:
After enabling HSTS on a client site, HTTPS errors completely stopped—even when users bookmarked old HTTP URLs. However, HSTS should only be enabled after fixing all mixed content errors.

⚠️ Caution:
HSTS should be configured carefully. If SSL expires while HSTS is active, users may be locked out temporarily.

Ongoing SSL Monitoring and Renewal Tips

Many sites become insecure again due to expired or invalid SSL certificates.

Best practices include:

• Enable auto-renewal with hosting providers
• Monitor SSL expiration dates
• Test renewal before expiration

SSL issues often return silently, especially on subdomains or staging environments.

How to Confirm Your Site Is Fully Secure

After applying fixes, verification is critical.

Checking the HTTPS Padlock in Browsers

If the secure padlock icon does not appear:

• Click the address bar warning
• Review “Connection is not secure” details
• Identify blocked or insecure elements

This quick check reveals whether problems still exist.

Testing HTTPS Pages for Hidden Insecure Requests

Hidden content such as mixed content can be: Old blog posts, embedded scripts, or third-party widgets. Tools tested for this step:

Tool	Purpose	Strength
Chrome DevTools	Detect mixed content	Accurate
SSL Labs	Certificate testing	Deep analysis
Why No Padlock	Page resource scan	Beginner-friendly

Fix HTTPS mixed content first, and fix it completely BEFORE using their advanced optimizations.

FAQs – SSL Installed but Site Still Not Secure

Why does my site still say not secure after SSL?

This usually happens due to mixed content errors, incorrect redirects, SSL certificate misconfiguration, or browser cache and DNS issues. Even one insecure file can trigger the warning.

How do I fix mixed content errors permanently?

To fix HTTPS mixed content permanently:

• Update all insecure HTTP links
• Regenerate cached files
• Replace hard-coded URLs
• Verify using browser dev tools mixed content inspection

How long does SSL take to fully activate?

SSL activation is instant, but DNS propagation and SSL caching can take minutes to 48 hours, depending on hosting and CDN setup.

Can mixed content prevent the HTTPS lock icon?

Yes. Even a single HTTP image or script can stop the secure padlock icon from appearing, even if SSL is valid. Mixed content not only affects security but can also harm SEO and performance — SSL.com explains why it’s important to serve all content over HTTPS.

Should I enable HSTS after installing SSL?

Yes—but only after confirming:

• No mixed content exists
• SSL auto-renewal is active
• Certificate chain is valid

HSTS strengthens long-term HTTPS enforcement.

Final Checklist – Fix “Not Secure” Warning for Good

Check this list before you consider the problem solved. SSL & HTTPS Verification Checklist:

• ✔ Validate SSL certificate chain
• ✔ Resolve mixed content errors on SSL-enabled sites
• ✔ Force HTTPS redirect with. htaccess
• ✔ Enforce HTTPS globally
• ✔ DNS Propagation and SSL Checker
• ✔ Clearing browser cache and DNS problems
• ✔ Verify the secure padlock icon is in your browser status bar.

The method you’re using for this checklist is the same methodology used in actual troubleshooting scenarios.

Still stuck after following the steps? Get direct help from our team via the Contact Us page.

Common SSL Issues in 2026 to Watch For

Even after fixing today’s issue, these risks remain:

• CDN caching old HTTP assets
• Plugin updates reintroducing HTTP links
• Auto-renew failures
• Subdomain certificate mismatches

Staying proactive prevents future “not secure” warnings.

Real Troubleshooting Case Studies (From Actual Experience)

Real World Troubleshooting Case Studies (From My Experience).

Case Study 1: SSL Installed but Site Not Secure Due to Mixed Images

A content-heavy website showed “Not Secure” even though SSL was active and valid.

Problem identified:

• Old blog posts contained HTTP image URLs
• Mixed content errors in HTTPS pages
• Secure padlock icon did not appear

Fix applied:

• Used browser dev tools mixed content inspection
• Updated insecure HTTP links via database search
• Cleared browser cache and CDN cache

Result:

• HTTPS padlock appeared instantly
• Crawl errors disappeared in Search Console

No further security warnings

Case Study 2: HTTP to HTTPS Redirect Issues on Hosting

A site redirected homepage correctly but internal pages stayed on HTTP.

Problem identified:

• Partial HTTP to HTTPS redirect issues
• No enforced HTTPS globally

Fix applied:

• Force HTTPS redirect with .htaccess
• Updated canonical URLs
• Regenerated sitemap

Result:

• All pages served securely
• Duplicate HTTP URLs removed
• Rankings stabilized within weeks

Case Study 3: CDN and DNS Propagation Conflict

A site using Cloudflare showed “Not Secure” only for some users.

Problem identified:

• DNS propagation and SSL mismatch
• Flexible SSL mode enabled
• Cached HTTP assets

Fix applied:

• Switched to Full (Strict) SSL
• Cleared CDN cache
• Verified DNS propagation and SSL status

Result:

• Security warnings disappeared
• HTTPS trust restored globally

SSL Testing Tools – Comparison, Pros & Cons

Comparison of SSL Testing Tools In this article, let’s compare a few of the popular SSL testing tools Pros and Cons. The tools listed below have all been tried and tested before being recommended. No commissions are earned.

Tool	Best Use Case	Pros	Cons
SSL Labs	Certificate chain validation	Extremely accurate	Technical for beginners
Why No Padlock	Mixed content detection	Easy to use	Limited deep analysis
Chrome DevTools	Real-time debugging	Free & built-in	Manual checks
SecurityHeaders	HTTPS & HSTS checks	Great insights	Not beginner-focused

These utilities will enable you to confirm the SSL certificate chain integrity and reveal any issues with hidden HTTPS resources.

SEO Impact of “Not Secure” Warnings

Search engines treat HTTPS as a trust signal.

If a site remains not secure:

• Users bounce faster
• Conversion rates drop
• Crawling may reduce
• Rankings may suffer indirectly

Fixing SSL installed but site not secure issues:

• Improves user trust
• Supports HTTPS security best practices 2026
• Reduces indexing problems
• Strengthens overall site authority

Long-Term SSL Maintenance Best Practices

To avoid recurring issues:

• Monitor SSL expiration
• Validate SSL certificate chain regularly
• Scan for mixed content after updates
• Enforce HTTPS globally
• Use HTTP Strict Transport Security (HSTS) carefully
• Test after CDN or DNS changes

These steps prevent future common SSL issues 2026 site owners often face.

Final Thoughts: Fix “Not Secure” Once and For All

Seeing “Not Secure” after installing SSL is frustrating—but fixable.

Most cases come down to:

• Mixed content errors
• Redirect misconfiguration
• Certificate chain problems
• DNS propagation and SSL delays

By following this step-by-step fix, site owners can permanently remove warnings and maintain secure HTTPS connections.

This guide focuses on clarity, transparency, and tested solutions—without pushing paid tools or affiliate products.