How to Fix Mixed Content Warnings Error on WordPress

Introduction

When you set up an SSL certificate and move your WordPress site to HTTPS, you expect everything to work smoothly. But then—boom—you’re greeted with the dreaded “Mixed Content Warnings Error on WordPress.” This usually shows up as a little padlock with a warning symbol in your browser, and it signals that some of your site’s resources are still being loaded over HTTP instead of HTTPS.

Not only does this look unprofessional, but it can also make visitors doubt the security of your site. And let’s be honest, no one wants their audience to think their website is unsafe. The good news? Fixing mixed content errors in WordPress isn’t as complicated as it seems. With the right steps, you can quickly clean up these issues, ensure all your content loads securely, and restore that shiny green padlock in the browser bar.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the common causes of mixed content errors and show you exactly how to fix them in WordPress step by step—even if you’re not super technical.

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What Are Mixed Content Warnings in WordPress?

Mixed content happens when your WordPress site is served over HTTPS but still loads some elements (like images, CSS files, or scripts) over HTTP. This mismatch causes browsers to flag it as a potential security risk.

For example, your homepage might load securely over https://yoursite.com, but an image on the page is still being called from http://yoursite.com/image.jpg.

When that happens, browsers display a warning like:

• ⚠️ “This page is trying to load scripts from unauthenticated sources.”
• ⚠️ “Your connection to this site is not fully secure.”

Not only can this scare visitors away, but it may also affect SEO rankings, as Google favors secure websites.

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Common Causes of Mixed Content Error in WordPress

There are a few usual suspects when it comes to mixed content warnings:

• Images and Media – Old image URLs still pointing to HTTP instead of HTTPS.
• Theme Files – Hardcoded links in your theme or child theme.
• Plugins – Some plugins may call scripts or stylesheets from HTTP sources.
• Database Entries – Posts or pages with embedded links that still use HTTP.
• External Resources – Third-party scripts (like fonts or ads) that don’t use HTTPS.

Identifying the exact cause is the first step to fixing the problem.

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Step 1: Check If Your SSL Certificate Is Installed Correctly

Before anything else, make sure your SSL certificate is properly set up. Without it, no fix will stick.

• Visit your site using https:// and see if the browser shows a padlock.
• Use free tools like SSL Checker to confirm your SSL installation.

If SSL isn’t installed, contact your hosting provider—they usually offer free SSL via Let’s Encrypt.

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Step 2: Update WordPress and Site Address Settings

Head to your WordPress dashboard:

1. Go to Settings > General.
2. Update both WordPress Address (URL) and Site Address (URL) to use https://.
3. Save changes.

This ensures all future URLs are generated with HTTPS.

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Step 3: Use a Plugin to Automatically Fix Mixed Content

If you don’t want to dig through code, plugins can save the day. A few good options:

• Really Simple SSL – Automatically detects and fixes mixed content errors.
• SSL Insecure Content Fixer – Lets you choose how aggressively to fix mixed content (simple, content, widgets, etc.).

Simply install, activate, and follow the plugin’s setup wizard. For most users, this fixes 90% of mixed content issues instantly.

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Step 4: Update Hardcoded URLs in Theme or Database

Sometimes plugins aren’t enough. If you’ve got old hardcoded HTTP links, you’ll need to fix them manually.

• Search and Replace in Database – Use plugins like Better Search Replace to update http:// to https://.
• Theme or Child Theme Files – Check header.php, footer.php, or any custom scripts for outdated URLs.
• Widgets and Custom HTML – Update image links or embeds inside your widget areas.

⚠️ Pro Tip: Always back up your database before running a search-and-replace.

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Step 5: Fix External Scripts and Third-Party Resources

If your site loads external resources (like Google Fonts, YouTube embeds, or analytics), make sure they’re using HTTPS.

For example:

• Replace http://fonts.googleapis.com/... with https://fonts.googleapis.com/....
• Use updated embed codes from YouTube, Vimeo, or other third-party providers.

Most modern providers support HTTPS—just make sure you’re using the correct links.

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Step 6: Clear Cache and Test Again

After making fixes:

• Clear your WordPress cache (if using a caching plugin).
• Clear your browser cache.
• Revisit your site and check the padlock icon.

You can also use browser developer tools (F12 → Console tab) to identify any lingering mixed content warnings.

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Why Fixing Mixed Content Matters

Ignoring mixed content warnings may seem harmless at first, but here’s why it’s critical to fix them:

• Security – Visitors may be vulnerable to attacks if insecure content is loaded.
• User Trust – A warning padlock can scare off potential customers or readers.
• SEO – Google prioritizes secure websites. Mixed content can hurt your rankings.
• Professionalism – A fully secure site shows that you take your website seriously.

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Conclusion

Dealing with the Mixed Content Warnings Error on WordPress might feel intimidating at first, but once you know the steps, it’s very manageable. By ensuring your SSL is installed correctly, updating your WordPress settings, using a plugin like Really Simple SSL, fixing hardcoded URLs, and double-checking external resources, you can restore your site’s full security status.

Not only will this give visitors confidence in your site, but it also helps boost your SEO and keep everything running smoothly. If you run into stubborn errors, don’t panic—work through each step carefully, and you’ll get that secure padlock back in no time.