Learn to Redirect Users to SSL Connections in Plesk

Users are­ moved to SSL (Secure Socket Layer) connections so that the traffic from your we­bsite to users is hidden and se­cure. This is neede­d to keep information safe and incre­ase faith in your website. Ple­sk gives a simple method to make­ users use SSL. It moves use­rs from HTTP (not secure) to HTTPS (secure­) without their input.

Why Redirect to SSL?

a) Security: SSL encrypts records, defending them from being intercepted by hackers.

b) Trust: Visitors agree with websites with SSL, as indicated using the padlock icon within the browser’s deal with bar.

c) SEO Benefits: Search engines like Google prioritize websites that use HTTPS, enhancing your site’s search rating.

d) Compliance: Many guidelines require the use of SSL to defend consumer data, in particular on e-commerce sites or any platform coping with personal records.

Steps to Redirect Users to SSL in Plesk

Step 1: Ensure SSL Certificate is Installed

Before setting up the redirect, you must have an SSL certificate installed for your domain.

a) Log in for your Plesk manage panel.

b) Navigate to "Websites & Domains."

c) Under the domain you need to secure, click on "SSL/TLS Certificates.".

d) If you don’t have an SSL certificate set up, you may both buy one via Plesk or use a loose Let’s Encrypt certificate by clicking on "Install" or "Get it free" beneath the Let’s Encrypt phase.

Step 2: Enable SSL Support

a) Go back to the "Websites & Domains" section.

b) Click on "Hosting Settings" under your domain.

c) under the Security section. Select "SSL/TLS support" to enable SSL for your domain.

d) Click "OK" or "Apply" to save your settings.

Step 3: Configure HTTP to HTTPS Redirection

There are two primary ways to redirect HTTP traffic to HTTPS in Plesk:

Option 1: Using the SSL/TLS Settings

1. Go to "Websites & Domains".

2. Click on "Hosting Settings".

3. Scroll down to the "Security" segment.

4. Find the choice that says "Permanent SEO-secure 301 redirect from HTTP to HTTPS" and check the container.

5. Click "OK" to save the settings.

This will robotically redirect all traffic from HTTP to HTTPS using a 301 redirect, which is search engine optimization-friendly.

Option 2: Using .htaccess (For Apache Web Server)

If you prefer more control over the redirection or need to apply it selectively, you can edit the .htaccess file:

1. Navigate to "File Manager" under your domain in Plesk.

2. Locate the .htaccess file in the root directory of your domain. If it doesn’t exist, create one.

3. Open the .htaccess file for editing and add the following code:

4. Save the file.

This method allows you to customize the redirection behavior, but it requires knowledge of .htaccess syntax.

Step 4: Verify the SSL Redirection

a) Open a web browser and enter your domain without “https://” (e.g., http://yourdomain.com).

b) Your web browse­r ought to move you directly to https://yourdomain.com. This shows your SSL redire­ct is functioning correctly.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

a) SSL Certificate Errors: If customers get hold of a security caution, confirm that the SSL certificate is efficiently hooked up and legitimate.

b) Infinite Redirect Loop: This can occur if there are conflicting redirects. Ensure that only one method (Plesk setting or .htaccess) is active.

c) Mixed Content Warnings: After enabling HTTPS, ensure all resources (images, scripts, etc.) are loaded over HTTPS to avoid mixed content issues.

Additional Tips

a) Force HTTPS on All Subdomains: If you have multiple subdomains, consider setting up a wildcard SSL certificate and ensuring that all subdomains are also redirected to HTTPS.

b) Monitor SSL Status: Regularly check the status of your SSL certificate to ensure it is valid and up to date. Plesk’s Let’s Encrypt extension can automatically renew certificates.

Using these­ simple steps, it's possible to guide­ Plesk users to SSL connections. This se­curity step guarantees that all inte­raction with your website remains safe­. It boosts user confidence and improve­s your website's place in se­arch engine results.