What Is HTTPS?
HTTPS (HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure) is the encrypted version of HTTP. When you visit a website using HTTPS, all data transferred between your browser and the server is encrypted using TLS (Transport Layer Security, formerly SSL). This prevents anyone from intercepting or tampering with the data.
HTTPS vs HTTP
| Factor | HTTP | HTTPS |
|---|---|---|
| Security | Not encrypted — data can be intercepted | Encrypted — data is secure |
| Browser indicator | "Not Secure" warning | Padlock icon |
| SEO impact | Negative — Google prefers HTTPS | Positive — confirmed ranking signal |
| User trust | Low — "Not Secure" scares visitors | High — padlock builds confidence |
| Cost | Free | Free (Let's Encrypt) or paid certificates |
Why HTTPS Matters for SEO
Google confirmed HTTPS as a ranking signal in 2014. While it is a lightweight signal compared to content quality and backlinks, it matters in competitive situations. More importantly, Chrome and other browsers display a "Not Secure" warning on HTTP sites, which increases bounce rate and reduces trust.
How to Check HTTPS
The RankNibbler HTTPS checker verifies that your URL uses HTTPS. The redirect checker ensures that HTTP versions redirect to HTTPS. The main SEO audit includes HTTPS as one of its 30+ checks.
How to Enable HTTPS
- Get an SSL certificate (free from Let's Encrypt, or through your hosting provider)
- Install the certificate on your server
- Set up 301 redirects from all HTTP URLs to HTTPS
- Update internal links to use HTTPS
- Update your canonical tags to use HTTPS
- Update your sitemap with HTTPS URLs
Last updated: March 2026