Published in: WordPress

WordPress Wildcard SSL Development

Author Tasfia Chowdhury Supty

Published on: February 24, 2025

In today’s digital landscape, website security is paramount. If you run multiple subdomains on your WordPress website, a Wildcard SSL certificate is a cost-effective and efficient way to secure them all. This guide will walk you through the WordPress Wildcard SSL development process, including types, benefits, installation, and troubleshooting tips.

What Is a WordPress Wildcard SSL Certificate?

A Wildcard SSL certificate is a type of Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) certificate that secures a primary domain and an unlimited number of subdomains under the same certificate. Instead of purchasing separate SSL certificates for each subdomain, a wildcard SSL covers them all, ensuring end-to-end encryption.

Example:

A standard SSL certificate secures only example.com.
A wildcard SSL certificate secures example.com, blog.example.com, shop.example.com, and any other subdomains with a single certificate.

Types of WordPress Wildcard SSL Certificates

There are different types of wildcard SSL certificates available for WordPress, each catering to specific security needs:

1. Domain Validated (DV) Wildcard SSL

✅ Best for: Small businesses, blogs, and personal websites
✅ Features:

Fast issuance
Basic encryption
Affordable

2. Organization Validated (OV) Wildcard SSL

✅ Best for: Medium-sized businesses and e-commerce websites
✅ Features:

Organization authentication
Higher level of trust
Stronger encryption

3. Extended Validation (EV) Wildcard SSL (Limited Availability)

✅ Best for: Large enterprises and financial institutions
✅ Features:

Stringent verification process
Highest level of encryption
Enhanced trust indicators (such as company name in the browser bar)

Why Use a Wildcard SSL for WordPress Development?

🔹 Cost-Efficiency – One certificate covers all subdomains, eliminating the need for multiple SSL purchases.
🔹 Simplified SSL Management – No need to install and renew separate certificates for each subdomain.
🔹 SEO Benefits – Google prioritizes secure websites, improving search rankings.
🔹 Improved User Trust – Visitors feel safer on an HTTPS-secured website.
🔹 Compatibility – Works with most web hosts, CDNs, and caching plugins.

How to Set Up a Wildcard SSL Certificate in WordPress

Step 1: Purchase a Wildcard SSL Certificate

Buy a wildcard SSL certificate from a reputable provider like:

Let’s Encrypt (Free)
Sectigo
DigiCert
GlobalSign

Step 2: Generate a Certificate Signing Request (CSR)

Go to your hosting control panel (cPanel, Plesk, or DirectAdmin).
Locate SSL/TLS Manager → Generate CSR.
Enter your domain name as *.yourdomain.com (this ensures subdomains are covered).
Submit and copy the CSR.

Step 3: Install the SSL Certificate

Return to SSL/TLS Manager and choose “Install SSL Certificate.”
Paste the certificate files received from the provider.
Click Install and wait for the changes to take effect.

Step 4: Configure WordPress for HTTPS

Update your WordPress URLs under Settings → General.
Force HTTPS via Really Simple SSL plugin or by adding the following code to .htaccess:

RewriteEngine On
RewriteCond %{HTTPS} !=on
RewriteRule ^(.*)$ https://%{HTTP_HOST}%{REQUEST_URI} [L,R=301]

Step 5: Verify SSL Installation

Use SSL Checker tools like WhyNoPadlock or SSL Labs to confirm proper setup.
Ensure all subdomains are secured by checking their HTTPS status.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

1. SSL Not Covering Subdomains

🔹 Ensure your wildcard SSL is installed for *.yourdomain.com.
🔹 Check if your subdomains are set up properly in the hosting panel.

2. Mixed Content Warnings

🔹 Update all website URLs to HTTPS using a plugin like Better Search Replace.
🔹 Add the following code to wp-config.php to enforce SSL:

define('FORCE_SSL_ADMIN', true);
if ($_SERVER['HTTP_X_FORWARDED_PROTO'] == 'https')
    $_SERVER['HTTPS']='on';

3. Redirect Loop Issues

🔹 Ensure that HTTPS is enforced only once (avoid multiple redirects from WordPress, Cloudflare, and .htaccess).
🔹 Clear cache in your WordPress plugin and browser.

FAQs About WordPress Wildcard SSL Development

1. Is a Wildcard SSL Certificate Free for WordPress?

Yes, Let’s Encrypt offers a free wildcard SSL, but it requires renewal every 90 days. Paid wildcard SSLs provide extended validity and better support.

2. Can I Use a Wildcard SSL on Multiple Servers?

Yes, but you need to export the SSL certificate and private key from one server and install it on the others.

3. Do I Need a Dedicated IP for a Wildcard SSL?

Most modern web hosts support SNI (Server Name Indication), so a dedicated IP is usually not required. However, older servers may need one.

4. How Do I Know If My Wildcard SSL Is Working?

Check your SSL status using tools like:

SSL Labs (ssllabs.com/ssltest/)
WhyNoPadlock (whynopadlock.com/)

5. Will a Wildcard SSL Improve My SEO?

Yes! Google prioritizes HTTPS websites, improving rankings and user trust.

6. Can I Use a Wildcard SSL with Cloudflare?

Yes! Cloudflare offers wildcard SSL support, but you may need a Business Plan for full subdomain coverage.

7. How Long Does It Take to Install a Wildcard SSL?

If using a free SSL like Let’s Encrypt, installation takes a few minutes. Paid SSLs may take 1-2 days due to validation processes.

8. What Happens If My Wildcard SSL Expires?

Your website and subdomains will show a “Not Secure” warning. To avoid this, set up auto-renewal with your SSL provider.

Final Thoughts

A WordPress Wildcard SSL certificate is essential for securing multiple subdomains under one certificate, improving security, SEO, and user trust. Whether you’re a blogger, business owner, or developer, implementing a wildcard SSL simplifies SSL management and ensures your website remains secure.

By following this guide, you’ll have a fully optimized, secure WordPress website with wildcard SSL. Have any questions? Let us know in the comments! 🚀

WordPress Wildcard SSL Development