How to redirect HTTP to HTTPS Using .htaccess in cPanel

What is an SSL Certificate?

SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) Certificate is a standard security protocol for establishing encrypted links between a web server and a browser in online communication.

to force your web visitors to use HTTPS, you need to edit the codes in the .htaccess file.

Before moving on redirecting HTTP to HTTPS, here’s how you can edit the .htaccess file. If you already know skip to the Redirection steps.

Editing .htaccess File

There are instructions/directives in the .htaccess file that tell the server how to act in certain scenarios and directly affect how your website functions. Common directives in .htaccess file:

• Redirects
• Rewriting URLs

Ways to edit a .htaccess file:

1. Edit the file on your computer and upload it to the server using FTP.
2. Use “Edit” mode in FTP program that allows you to edit a file remotely.
3. Use a text editor and SSH to edit the file.
4. Use the File Manager in cPanel to edit the file.

Editing .htaccess in cPanel File Manager

Note: Back up your website in case something goes wrong.

1. Login to cPanel
2. Files > File Manager > Document Root for:
3. Now select the domain name you want to access
4. Check “Show Hidden Files (dotfiles)”
5. Click “Go”
6. After a new tab or window opens, look for the .htaccess file.
7. Right click on the .htaccess file and click on “Code Edit” on the menu.
8. A dialogue box may pop up asking about encoding. Click “Edit” button to continue.
9. Edit the file
10. “Save Changes” when done.
11. Test your website to make sure it is done correctly. In case, there is an error, restore to the previous version and try again.
12. Once you are done, click “Close” to close the window.

Redirecting HTTP to HTTPS

1. Redirect All Web Traffic

If you have existing code in your .htaccess, add the following:

RewriteEngine On
RewriteCond %{SERVER_PORT} 80
RewriteRule ^(.*)$ https://www.yourdomain.com/$1 [R,L]

2. Redirect Only a Specific Domain

For redirecting a specific domain to use HTTPS, add the following:

RewriteEngine On
RewriteCond %{HTTP_HOST} ^yourdomain\.com [NC]
RewriteCond %{SERVER_PORT} 80
RewriteRule ^(.*)$ https://www.yourdomain.com/$1 [R,L]

3. Redirect Only a Specific Folder

Redirecting to HTTPS on a specific folder, add the following:

RewriteEngine On
RewriteCond %{SERVER_PORT} 80
RewriteCond %{REQUEST_URI} folder
RewriteRule ^(.*)$ https://www.yourdomain.com/$1 [R,L]

Note: Replace “yourdomain” with your actual domain name, wherever required

Share this tutorial to help others come on HTTPS.