Hostinger SSL Setup Guide 2026: Install, Force HTTPS & Fix Common Errors
To set up SSL on Hostinger: go to hPanel → SSL → install Let's Encrypt, then enable Force HTTPS redirect. For WordPress, update site URLs to https:// in Settings → General and use an SSL plugin to fix mixed content. The entire process takes under 10 minutes.
Step 1: Install SSL Certificate in hPanel
Log into Hostinger hPanel. Go to SSL → SSL/TLS Certificates. Find your domain in the list and click Install SSL. Select Let's Encrypt (free) unless you have a paid certificate to install.
Hostinger automatically generates the certificate and configures your server. Wait 5-15 minutes. Once installed, the domain shows a green checkmark in the SSL dashboard. If installation fails, check that your domain's DNS A record points to this Hostinger server's IP address.
Step 2: Force HTTPS Redirect
After SSL installs, enable HTTPS redirect in hPanel → SSL → Force HTTPS. Toggle this on. This creates a permanent 301 redirect from all http:// URLs to https://, ensuring every visitor uses the secure connection regardless of which URL they type.
Alternatively, add this to your .htaccess file manually (Apache):
RewriteEngine On
RewriteCond %{HTTPS} off
RewriteRule ^(.*)$ https://%{HTTP_HOST}%{REQUEST_URI} [L,R=301]Step 3: Configure SSL for WordPress
WordPress sites need additional steps after installing SSL:
Update URLs: WordPress Dashboard → Settings → General → Change WordPress Address and Site Address from http:// to https://. Click Save Changes.
Fix mixed content: Install the 'Really Simple SSL' plugin from the WordPress plugin directory. It automatically fixes hardcoded HTTP references in your database and content.
Update sitemap: Regenerate your XML sitemap with the new HTTPS URLs and resubmit to Google Search Console.
Step 4: Verify Your SSL Is Working Correctly
Use these tools to verify your SSL configuration:
- SSL Shopper SSL Checker: sslshopper.com/ssl-checker.html — checks certificate installation and chain
- SSL Labs Test: ssllabs.com/ssltest — full SSL/TLS security scan with letter grade
- Why No Padlock: whynopadlock.com — identifies mixed content causing missing padlock
A properly configured Hostinger SSL should score A or A+ on SSL Labs. If you score lower, check that Hostinger's default SSL configuration hasn't been overridden by custom server rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why won't SSL install on my Hostinger domain?
Most SSL installation failures occur because the domain's DNS isn't pointing to Hostinger's server yet. Let's Encrypt validates domain ownership via HTTP — if DNS isn't pointed to Hostinger, validation fails. Check your A record and wait for full propagation.
How do I fix the 'Not Secure' warning after installing SSL?
Enable Force HTTPS in hPanel and fix any mixed content (HTTP resources loaded on HTTPS pages). Use the Why No Padlock tool to identify specific mixed content URLs on your site.
Can I install my own SSL certificate on Hostinger?
Yes. In hPanel → SSL → SSL/TLS Certificates → Install Custom SSL. Upload your certificate CRT file, private key, and CA bundle. This is useful if you purchased an EV or OV certificate from a commercial CA.
Does Hostinger SSL work with WordPress multisite?
Yes, but configuration is more complex. Each subdomain or subdirectory in the network needs SSL coverage. For multisite with subdomains, use Hostinger's Wildcard SSL ($11.95/year) rather than the free Let's Encrypt option.
How do I renew SSL on Hostinger?
You don't need to do anything. Hostinger automatically renews Let's Encrypt SSL before expiration. If you're using a custom SSL certificate, you'll receive renewal reminders via email and must manually upload the new certificate via hPanel.
- 1
Install SSL in hPanel
Go to hPanel → SSL → SSL/TLS Certificates. Click Install SSL next to your domain and select Let's Encrypt (free).
- 2
Enable Force HTTPS
In hPanel → SSL, toggle on Force HTTPS to redirect all HTTP traffic to HTTPS automatically.
- 3
Update WordPress URLs
In WordPress → Settings → General, update both WordPress Address and Site Address to use https://.
- 4
Fix Mixed Content
Install the Really Simple SSL plugin to automatically update hardcoded HTTP links in your WordPress database.
- 5
Verify SSL Configuration
Use SSL Labs (ssllabs.com/ssltest) to test your domain and confirm the SSL certificate is properly installed and trusted.
Get SSL with Hostinger — Free on Every Plan
Auto-installing Let's Encrypt SSL on all plans. Enable HTTPS in under 10 minutes.
Register Your DomainHenry Fontaine
Chief of Staff & COO, RocketLabs
AI-native operator building the future of search visibility. Part of the team behind 3 tech exits and 400+ programmatic SEO deployments.