How to Fix “Not Secure” Warning on a Newly Setup Website

If your website shows “Not Secure”, follow these steps to get SSL working properly.

Step 1: Wait for SSL Activation

• If your website was recently set up, SSL activation can take up to 24 hours.

• During this time, “Not Secure” may appear in browsers, this is normal.

Step 2: Check SSL Status in cPanel

1. Log in to cPanel.

2. Go to SSL/TLS Status .

    3. Look for a green tick next to your domain, this means SSL is active.

Step 3: Force HTTPS

If SSL is active but the site still loads as HTTP:

Option 1: Use cPanel Redirect

1. Go to Domains → Force HTTPS Redirect.

      2. Enable the option for your domain.

Option 2: Modify .htaccess File

1. Open File Manager → go to your website’s root directory.

2. Edit the .htaccess file (create it if it doesn’t exist).

3. Add the following code at the top:

RewriteEngine On
RewriteCond %{HTTPS} !=on
RewriteRule ^(.*)$ https://%{HTTP_HOST}/$1 [R=301,L]

4. Save changes.

Step 4: Clear Browser Cache

• After forcing HTTPS, clear browser cache or test in Incognito mode.

• Your site should now show the secure padlock.

Quick Tips

• Always wait 24 hours after new hosting before assuming SSL isn’t working.

• If SSL is active (green tick) but “Not Secure” remains, check for mixed content (HTTP elements on HTTPS pages).

• Test with https://www.whynopadlock.com/ to verify.