To ensure all visitors use the secure HTTPS version of your website, it’s important to set up a redirect that automatically sends anyone accessing the HTTP version to HTTPS. This improves security, boosts SEO, and helps protect your visitors’ data.

Why Force HTTPS? #

• Prevents users from accidentally browsing an unsecured version of your site
• Ensures all data is encrypted during transmission
• Helps with search engine rankings as HTTPS is favoured by Google
• Avoids browser warnings that can scare visitors away

Method 1: Using AeroWave’s Hosting Portal (Recommended) #

1. Log in to your AeroWave hosting control panel.
2. Navigate to the SSL/TLS or Security section.
3. Find the toggle labelled Force HTTPS.
4. Turn the toggle ON to enable automatic redirection from HTTP to HTTPS.
5. The change will take effect immediately.
6. Test by visiting your website’s HTTP address — it should automatically redirect to HTTPS.

Method 2: Using .htaccess (For Apache Web Servers) #

1. Access your website files via your hosting control panel file manager or an FTP client.
2. Locate the .htaccess file in your website’s root directory. If it doesn’t exist, create a new file named .htaccess.
3. Add the following code to the top of the .htaccess file:

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

    4. Save the file and upload it back if using FTP

    5. Test your website by visiting the HTTP version, this should automatically redirect you to HTTPS

Method 3: Using Domain Redirects #

1. Log in to your AeroWave hosting control panel (cPanel).
2. Navigate to the Domains section and click Redirects.
3. Select your domain and choose Permanent (301) redirect type.
4. In the Redirects to field, enter your website’s HTTPS URL (e.g., https://yourdomain.com).
5. Save the settings.
6. Test the redirect by visiting the HTTP version of your website.

Method 4: Using A CMS Plugin (e.g., WordPress) #

If you use a content management system like WordPress:

• Install and activate an HTTPS redirection plugin such as Really Simple SSL.
• The plugin will detect your SSL certificate and automatically handle the redirect.
• Follow the plugin’s instructions for full configuration.