The padlock is not optional
That small padlock in the address bar means the connection is secure — it’s the difference between a site that's encrypted and one that's wide open. Google flags sites without it as "not secure," browsers warn visitors away, and rankings suffer. Every site should have it, and it should be automatic.
The move
Check that your site loads with a padlock. No padlock is a problem to fix today.
Do it step by step
- Open your site and look at the address bar.
- Is there a padlock icon just before your web address?
- Tap it — it should say the connection is secure.
- No padlock, or a "not secure" warning? That’s today’s fix.
- Most hosts offer free SSL — look for "SSL" or "HTTPS" in your settings.
- Turn it on, or ask your host to enable it for you.
- Once it's live, make sure the insecure address redirects to the secure one.