HTTPS
HTTPS is HTTP over an SSL/TLS encrypted connection. When you visit a site whose URL starts with https:// and shows a padlock, traffic between your browser and the server is encrypted: no one on the network can read or modify the page content, form submissions, cookies or credentials. HTTPS is required for almost every modern web feature (service workers, payment APIs, geolocation, HTTP/2 and HTTP/3) and is a ranking signal for Google. Browsers warn visitors away from HTTP sites with explicit "Not Secure" labels, and free certificates from Let's Encrypt make HTTPS effectively universal.
How it works
When a browser connects to an HTTPS site, the two ends perform a TLS handshake: they verify the server's certificate, agree on encryption keys, and switch the connection to encrypted mode. From then on every request and response is encrypted in transit.
Why it matters
HTTPS protects users from network attackers, unlocks modern browser features that HTTP-only sites cannot use, satisfies a Google ranking signal, and removes the "Not Secure" warning that drives visitors away. In 2026 there is no production scenario where HTTP-only is acceptable.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is HTTPS faster than HTTP?
Yes, on modern web. HTTPS enables HTTP/2 and HTTP/3, both of which are faster than HTTP/1.1, and modern TLS adds very little handshake overhead.
How do I switch from HTTP to HTTPS?
Most reputable hosts auto-provision a Let's Encrypt certificate when you point a domain at them, then redirect HTTP to HTTPS by default. You may need to update mixed-content references in your code.