What is SSL Insecure Content Fixer plugin?
SSL Insecure Content Fixer is a WordPress plugin that addresses mixed content warnings — the browser security errors that appear when an HTTPS page loads resources over HTTP. Mixed content warnings prevent browsers from showing the padlock icon and can cause security warnings that reduce visitor trust.
The plugin works by intercepting WordPress page output and rewriting HTTP URLs to HTTPS before the page is sent to the browser. It operates at different fix levels, from a simple content rewrite that only fixes URLs in post content, up to a full output buffer fix that rewrites every URL on the page regardless of where it comes from.
Common sources of mixed content on WordPress sites include hardcoded HTTP links in old content, plugin-generated URLs that do not respect the site SSL setting, embedded third-party content, and images uploaded before the site switched to HTTPS. SSL Insecure Content Fixer handles most of these automatically without requiring manual URL updates in the database.
Need Help With SSL Insecure Content Fixer Setup, Troubleshooting, or Customization?
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Get SSL Insecure Content Fixer Expert HelpKey Features
- Rewrites HTTP URLs to HTTPS in page output
- Multiple fix levels from simple content to full output buffer
- Fixes images, scripts, stylesheets, and iframes
- Works alongside Really Simple SSL and other SSL plugins
- No database changes required -- works at output level
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Fixes mixed content without requiring database search and replace
- Multiple fix levels allow targeting only what is needed
- Free with no premium version
Cons
- Output buffer level can slow page delivery slightly on large pages
- Does not fix the root cause -- hardcoded HTTP URLs still exist in the database
Free vs Premium
SSL Insecure Content Fixer is completely free with no premium version. All fix levels and features are included at no cost.
Common Problems & Fixes
My site still shows mixed content warnings after activating SSL Insecure Content Fixer.
First identify which resources are causing the mixed content warnings using your browser developer tools — open the Console tab and look for mixed content errors that show the exact URL of the problematic resource. If the resource is an external embed like a YouTube video or a third-party widget loading over HTTP, SSL Insecure Content Fixer cannot fix it because the resource is served from an external server. For internal resources, try increasing the fix level in the plugin settings to WPML, then Capture, then Output Buffer if simpler levels are not catching all instances.
SSL Insecure Content Fixer is working but my site has become slower.
The Output Buffer fix level processes the entire page HTML through a URL rewrite function before sending it to the browser. On pages with large amounts of HTML, this adds processing time. If performance has dropped, switch to a lower fix level that still resolves your specific mixed content issues. If lower levels do not fix all instances, consider running a database search and replace to update hardcoded HTTP URLs permanently, then using a lower fix level for any remaining edge cases.
Mixed content warnings are coming from my theme or a plugin, not from content I can edit.
If the mixed content is generated by a plugin or theme that hardcodes HTTP URLs, set SSL Insecure Content Fixer to the Capture or Output Buffer fix level. These levels process all page output including plugin and theme-generated HTML, not just post content. If a specific plugin is consistently generating HTTP URLs, also report it to the plugin developer as it should be using WordPress URL functions that respect the site URL setting rather than hardcoded HTTP addresses.
Customization & Developer Notes
Which fix level should I use in SSL Insecure Content Fixer?
Start with the Simple level, which fixes URLs in post content and basic page output. If mixed content warnings remain, move up to WPML which also fixes widget and plugin output. If warnings still remain, try Capture which buffers the full page output. Only use Output Buffer as a last resort since it has the highest processing cost. Use your browser console to check which URLs are still loading over HTTP after each level change.
Should I use SSL Insecure Content Fixer or just run a database search and replace?
For a permanent fix, a database search and replace using Better Search Replace is the cleaner approach — it updates hardcoded HTTP URLs at the source so no runtime processing is needed. SSL Insecure Content Fixer is faster to implement and useful when you cannot safely run a database operation, when mixed content comes from plugins you cannot modify, or when you want an immediate fix while planning a proper database cleanup. Many sites use both: a database search and replace plus SSL Insecure Content Fixer for any remaining edge cases.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is mixed content and why does it matter?
Mixed content occurs when an HTTPS page loads resources — images, scripts, stylesheets, or iframes — over HTTP. Browsers treat HTTP resources on HTTPS pages as a security risk because the unencrypted HTTP resource could be intercepted and modified. Active mixed content like scripts is blocked by modern browsers entirely. Passive mixed content like images triggers a warning that removes the padlock icon. Both reduce visitor trust and can break page functionality.
Is SSL Insecure Content Fixer the same as Really Simple SSL?
They overlap in function but are different plugins. Really Simple SSL handles the full HTTPS migration including setting WordPress to use HTTPS, fixing the site URL, and basic mixed content fixes. SSL Insecure Content Fixer is specifically focused on mixed content URL rewriting and offers more fix level options. Many sites use Really Simple SSL for the initial HTTPS setup and SSL Insecure Content Fixer as a supplement for any remaining mixed content that Really Simple SSL does not catch.
Will SSL Insecure Content Fixer fix mixed content in my emails sent by WordPress?
No. SSL Insecure Content Fixer only rewrites URLs in front-end page output. It does not affect WordPress-generated emails, REST API responses, or any content delivered outside the standard WordPress page rendering process. For email mixed content, the HTTP URLs in email templates need to be updated at the source.
Can I use SSL Insecure Content Fixer on a staging site with a different domain?
Yes. The plugin rewrites HTTP URLs to HTTPS based on the current site URL setting, so it works correctly regardless of whether the site is on a production or staging domain. If your staging site has a different domain than production, ensure the WordPress site URL is correctly set for the staging environment before testing.