HTTPS builds trust, prevents tampering, and can improve search visibility. With GaugeHosting you can enable free SSL and modern HTTP/3 quickly—then verify everything with a few simple checks.

Why HTTPS matters (trust, SEO, performance)

• Trust: the padlock assures visitors the connection is encrypted.
• SEO: search engines prefer secure sites; browsers label HTTP as “Not secure.”
• Performance: HTTP/2/3 + TLS enable faster parallel loads and lower latency.

One‑click SSL on GaugeHosting (what to click)

1. Log in to your client area and open your hosting product.
2. Find the SSL/TLS or Security section and issue a free certificate.
3. Enable Auto‑Renew.

Force HTTPS + HSTS (and when not to)

• Turn on “Force HTTPS” (or add a 301 in your redirect tool).
• Optionally add HSTS header (Strict‑Transport‑Security). Avoid HSTS if you still serve any subdomain on HTTP.

Fixing mixed content (images, CSS/JS)

• Update hard‑coded http:// asset URLs to https:// (search & replace in DB if needed).
• Check themes/plugins for external scripts and fonts—load the https versions.
• Use your browser Console to spot “mixed content blocked” errors and fix each URL.

HTTP/2 vs HTTP/3 (what your visitors feel)

• HTTP/2: multiplexing on TCP—fewer connections, better use of bandwidth.
• HTTP/3: built on QUIC/UDP—faster connection setup, less head‑of‑line blocking, smoother on flaky networks.

Quick checks (padlock, redirects, cert renewal)

• Padlock shows on https://; http:// 301s to https://.
• HSTS header present (optional).
• Certificate auto‑renew date noted in your dashboard.
• DevTools → Network column shows h2 or h3.

Next step: Need help selecting a plan or forcing HTTPS safely? Shared Hosting · VPS Hosting · Submit Ticket.