How to redirect HTTP to HTTPS automatically in Linux / cPanel?

Updated: 28 September 2026 · Applies to: cPanel & WHM 138 (Jupiter theme)

Once your website has an SSL certificate, send every visitor to the secure https:// address. It protects logins and forms, and search engines prefer it.

Easiest: Force HTTPS Redirect in cPanel

1. Log in to cPanel (for example at https://yourdomain.com:2083, or from the Ucartz client area).
2. Open Domains › Domains.
3. Switch on Force HTTPS Redirect for the domain.

The switch is only available for domains with a valid SSL certificate. AutoSSL installs a free certificate automatically once the domain points to the server.

With .htaccess

On other servers, or for more control, add this at the top of the .htaccess file in the website's folder:

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

Note: If your site is behind a proxy or CDN such as Cloudflare, use the proxy's own "Always use HTTPS" setting instead, or the redirect can loop. WordPress users should also set both addresses in Settings › General to https://.