Why My WordPress Website Includes Both Http:// Https:// On Canonical URL?
Why My WordPress Website Includes Both Http:// Https:// On Canonical URL?
Jan 28th, 2025
By, Editorial Team
WordPress
Canonical URLs play an important role in search engine optimization by instructing search engines which version of a webpage is the preferred one. This helps prevent duplicate content issues and ensures that search engine rankings and traffic are directed to the correct page.
However, some WordPress websites encounter a perplexing situation where both HTTP and HTTPS versions appear in the canonical tag. This can lead to confusion for search engines and potentially harm your website’s search visibility.
In this blog post, we’ll find out the reasons behind this issue, explore the possible consequences, and provide practical solutions shared by WordPress experts to effectively fix canonical URLs with both HTTP and HTTPS.
What is Canonical URL?
A canonical URL is the preferred version of a webpage as chosen by website owners or determined by search engines. It helps prevent issues related to duplicate content, ensuring search engines index and rank the most relevant and user-friendly version of a page.
- Purpose: Canonical URLs guide search engines to the most appropriate version of a page from a set of potentially duplicate pages. This prevents confusion and ensures that search engine traffic and ranking signals are directed towards the intended URL.
- Implementation: Website owners can implement canonical URLs using the <link rel=”canonical” href=”…”> tag within the <head> section of their HTML code. This tag explicitly tells search engines which URL is the preferred version.
- Duplicate Content: Duplicate content can occur in various forms, such as:
- www vs. non-www: Having versions of the same page with and without “www.”
- HTTP vs. HTTPS: Having versions of the same page accessible via both HTTP and HTTPS protocols.
- Mobile vs. Desktop: Having separate versions of the same page for mobile and desktop devices.
- Benefits: Correctly implemented canonical URLs can:
- Improve Search Engine Rankings: By consolidating ranking signals and preventing dilution of link equity.
- Enhance User Experience: By ensuring users are directed to the most appropriate and user-friendly version of a page.
- Avoid Search Engine Penalties: By preventing issues related to duplicate content that can negatively impact search engine rankings.
Resolving issues related to canonical URLs often requires careful analysis and technical expertise. If you’re facing challenges with canonical URLs, it’s advisable to consult with an SEO specialist or WordPress expert.
Why Do Some WordPress Websites Include Both HTTP and HTTPS on Canonical URLs?
This issue often arises due to inconsistencies in website configuration, particularly concerning the implementation of HTTPS (SSL/TLS). If a website has not been fully migrated to HTTPS or if there are conflicting directives in the website’s code, both HTTP and HTTPS versions of a page might be presented to search engines, leading to confusion and potential duplicate content issues.
What Creates HTTP and HTTPS Error on WordPress Canonical URLs?
- Incomplete HTTPS Migration: If a website has partially migrated to HTTPS, with some pages accessible via HTTP and others via HTTPS, it can create confusion for both users and search engines.
- Mixed Content: When a page loaded over HTTPS contains elements (images, scripts, stylesheets) loaded over HTTP, browsers may flag this as a security issue. This can trigger browser warnings and negatively impact user experience.
- Incorrect Server Configuration: Misconfigured servers can sometimes send mixed signals to browsers and search engines, leading to issues with HTTP and HTTPS.
- Plugin Conflicts: Some WordPress plugins can interfere with the proper functioning of HTTPS and may inadvertently cause issues with canonical URLs.
- Incorrect .htaccess Rules: The .htaccess file plays a crucial role in website configuration, and incorrect rules within this file can lead to improper redirection and issues with HTTP and HTTPS.
How to Fix Canonical URLs With Both HTTP and HTTPS?
Fixing canonical URL issues requires a systematic approach to identify and address the root cause of the problem. This often involves a combination of technical troubleshooting and website configuration adjustments.
- Force HTTPS with 301 Redirects:
- .htaccess: If you have access to your server’s .htaccess file, add the following code to redirect all HTTP traffic to HTTPS:
RewriteEngine On
RewriteCond %{HTTPS} off
RewriteRule ^(.*)$ https://%{HTTP_HOST}%{REQUEST_URI} [L,R=301]
- WordPress Plugins: Utilize plugins like “Really Simple SSL” or “Force HTTPS” to easily force HTTPS redirects within your WordPress dashboard.
- Identify and Fix Mixed Content:
- Use browser developer tools: Inspect your website’s source code in your browser to identify any HTTP resources (images, scripts, stylesheets) being loaded on HTTPS pages.
- Replace HTTP with HTTPS: Update the URLs of all mixed content elements to their HTTPS counterparts.
- Review and Adjust Plugin Settings:
- Identify conflicting plugins: Check the settings of any caching, security, or SEO plugins that might be interfering with HTTPS or redirect behavior.
- Temporarily disable plugins: Disable plugins one by one to isolate any potential conflicts and identify the culprit.
- Check and Correct .htaccess Rules:
- Review existing rules: Carefully examine your .htaccess file for any rules that might conflict with HTTPS redirects or cause other issues.
- Consult with a developer: If you’re unsure about modifying .htaccess, seek assistance from a WordPress developer to avoid unintended consequences.
- Test Thoroughly:
- Use browser developer tools: Inspect page source and network requests to ensure all resources load correctly over HTTPS.
- Test with different browsers: Check your website’s behavior across various browsers and devices.
- Use online testing tools: Utilize tools like the SSL Labs test (www.ssllabs.com) to assess your website’s SSL/TLS configuration.
Resolving complex canonical URL issues may require advanced technical expertise. If you’re encountering persistent problems, consider reaching out to a WordPress development agency for professional assistance.
FAQs About HTTP and HTTPS Error on Canonical URLs WordPress
This usually happens due to incomplete HTTPS migrations, mixed content issues, incorrect server configuration, or conflicting plugin settings.
Yes, by preventing duplicate content issues and ensuring search engines index the preferred version of your pages, you can improve your website’s search engine rankings and overall visibility.
While many fixes can be implemented independently (like forcing HTTPS redirects), complex issues may require the expertise of a WordPress developer or SEO specialist to ensure proper implementation and avoid unintended consequences.
Conclusion
Canonical URLs are a critical aspect of SEO, and ensuring they are correctly set is essential for maintaining a healthy website and improving search engine rankings.
By addressing issues related to HTTP and HTTPS in your canonical URLs, you can prevent duplicate content, enhance user experience, and improve your website’s overall visibility in search results.
Remember, a well-configured website is a happy website! If you’re still facing challenges with canonical URLs or need assistance with other SEO-related tasks, don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’re here to help you navigate the sometimes-tricky world of search engine optimization with a smile. Let’s work together to make your website shine!
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