How to Enable SSL on your Magento 2 Store

Online security has improved recently, primarily due to the trust certificates fostered. The extensive encryption provided by SSL Certificates for the sensitive data on your website ensures that no information is transmitted in plain text. Hackers can easily access unencrypted data, leading to the theft of your customers' financial information or accounts. However, since SSL Certificates enable HTTPS, and encrypt data, that task becomes much more difficult or even impossible. 

Since Magento is mainly an eCommerce platform, encrypting user data is essential. Users only trust websites that are secured, which will directly impact that website's sales and revenue. There is no reason not to have an SSL certificate installed on your website, so read on, and we will tell you how to do it.

This post includes:

• The Purpose of SSL
• How to Activate SSL on Magento
• How to Activate SSL on Magento 2
• Why SSL is Essential

The Purpose of SSL

A server and a client are connected over an encrypted channel thanks to SSL certificates. Users can send sensitive data between servers and browsers with a functional SSL without worrying about third parties intercepting their communications. For more information about SSL certificates and how to get yours with FastComet, you can visit our tutorial on the subject.

After installing your SSL Certificate, use the procedures below to configure Magento to use that SSL certificate.

How to Activate SSL on Magento

We already have a comprehensive tutorial on How to enable SSL in Magento which can guide you through the procedure for the 1.x version.

How to Activate SSL on Magento 2

The procedure is similar to the one with Magento 1.x. Nonetheless, here are the steps to activate SSL on Magento 2:

1. Log in to your Magento 2 Dashboard and select Stores → Configuration:
2. On the Configuration page, from the General list, select Web:
3. In the Base URLs (Secure) section, follow the instructions as shown:
   1. In the Secure Base URL field, enter "https://" followed by your domain;
   2. In both of the User Secure URLs in the Frontend drop-down list, select Yes;
4. Click Save Config. Your store is now configured to use your SSL certificate.

That should do it. However, if you need any assistance, you can always ask our technical support team to help you. All you need to do is open a new support ticket and our technicians will be happy to assist.

Why SSL is Essential

Back in 2018, Google decided to identify websites without an installed SSL certificate. All of the widely used web browsers, including Chrome and Firefox, will display a warning notice that reads "Not Secure" in the URL bar if someone does not abide by the guideline.

SSL is required for all websites, whether personal blogs or e-commerce sites. A legitimate SSL certificate also offers the following in addition to not displaying a warning notice to everyone who visits your website:

Improved performance;

• Growth in Search Engine Ranking (SEO);
• Boost your sales and conversions;
• Improved security;
• Trust from your visitors;
• Compliance with regulatory requirements.

SSL certificates can be installed in minutes, and for free, through providers such as Let's Encrypt and AutoSSL, bundled with FastComet's web hosting plans.

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