What is SSL? What does your site address look like if SSL certificate is not activated? How to activate SSL certificate? What problems did I encounter after activate SSL? Today we will discuss that.
What is SSL certificate?
SSL is used to keep sensitive, important and personal information sent across the Internet encrypted so that only the intended recipient can access it. Without SSL certificate, all sensitive information such as home address, SSN, or bank account can be accessed by any computer that are in the pathway between your computer and the server.
Related: Why SSL? The Purpose of using SSL Certificates
What does your site address look like if SSL certificate is not activated?
Take a closer look, you will see the word “Not Secure” next to my website name. This was definitely not a good luck because I wouldn’t gain my visitors’ trust.
Related: WIX TO WORDPRESS: Google Adsense, S.E.O, Google Registration
NET::ERR_CERT_COMMON_NAME_INVALID
Also, depends on your browser’s security set up, my site won’t event show up on your page and you will see this message:
I tried looking up how to fix this NET::ERR_CERT_COMMON_NAME_INVALID but didn’t reach any satisfied result. This issue caused by my Chrome browser’s setup. Here were some solutions that I tried:
- Deleted Chrome and re-installed it.
- Reset my computer many times
- Cleaned all my browsing history and cache from the beginning of time.
Unfortunately it din’t help. I ended up asking BlueHost technical service to help me with it.
Related: How to Fix ERR_CERT_COMMON_NAME_INVALID in Chrome
How to activate SSL certificate?
One good thing about BlueHost is that they have answers for a lot of problems. I was able to find the solution:
To enable the free SSL certificate:
- Log into your Bluehost control panel.
- Click the Addons tab.
- Locate SSL Certificates, and click on the learn more button.
- Click the get started button under WordPress Free SSL.
- Click the Install button.
Once you’ve turned the SSL on, it can take a few hours to install and activate. In some situations, we may need you to take action to complete the process. If so, you’ll receive an email with instructions.
Guess what? I encountered another hiccup: I couldn’t find the Addons tab any where…….what kind of B.S was this? I got frustrated and contacted Bluehost customer service through their chat service and they were able to help.
Do you see the lock sign and http:// next to my website name? That was it.
What problems did I encounter after activate SSL?
After activated SSL, here were some problems and solutions i have encountered so far:
- Logo disappeared. Solution: I am using NewsPaper9 theme. I had to had to go back to the theme panel to reinstall logo in both Header and Footer area.
- Ads disappeared. Solution: I registered with Google Adsense and waiting for their approval.
- Reset your account with Google Analytic and Google Analytic and Google Search Console.
- Here is the instruction on How to setup Google Analytics and Google Search Console/Webmaster Tools
Hope you enjoyed this little blog. Let me know what problem you are dealing with and maybe I can help you.
