Why Does My Website Address Work with HTTPS but Not with HTTP?

Overview of the Issue

It's common to encounter a situation where the website address works perfectly with HTTPS (HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure) but not with HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol). This can be a bit perplexing, especially if both protocols work seamlessly on your local network. This article will explore the possible causes of this issue and provide solutions to ensure seamless access via HTTPS as the preferred protocol.

Preferring HTTPS Over HTTP

Modern browsers and web development best practices highly recommend using HTTPS over HTTP. HTTPS offers enhanced security through encryption, which is crucial for protecting user data and maintaining trust. As a result, some browsers might even issue warnings or block access to websites that use HTTP, treating them as potentially insecure.

Common Causes of the Issue

Several factors might contribute to why a website address works with HTTPS but not with HTTP. Below are some of the most common causes: Redirects to HTTPS: The website might automatically redirect HTTP traffic to HTTPS. This can happen due to server configuration or specific plugins, particularly in content management systems (CMS) like WordPress. Browser Behavior: Modern web browsers may default to redirecting to the secure version of a website, especially if the insecure version has been flagged as unsafe or is deprecated.

Steps to Resolve the Issue

Here are some troubleshooting steps to help resolve the HTTPS vs. HTTP issue:

1. Check .htaccess Configuration

One of the primary ways a website may enforce HTTPS is through the use of the .htaccess file. If HTTP traffic is being automatically redirected to HTTPS, you can add the following code to your .htaccess file:

# Ensure the server is using the correct protocol
RewriteEngine On
# Check if the connection is HTTP
RewriteCond %{HTTPS} !on
# Redirect to HTTPS if not already using it
RewriteRule ^ https://%{HTTP_HOST}%{REQUEST_URI} [L,R301]

Make sure the .htaccess file is correctly placed in the root directory of your website.

2. Verify Server Configuration

Ensure that your server is correctly configured to handle both HTTP and HTTPS traffic. Even if both protocols work on your local network, other network configurations might cause issues. Check the configuration files of your server, such as the HTTP and HTTPS virtual hosts files:

Apache: Look at the file and the separate or file. Nginx: Check the and (if it is a separate file).

Ensure that the HTTP server block is forwarding requests to the HTTPS server block for the appropriate domain.

3. Test Connectivity from the Internet

To ensure that your website is accessible via HTTPS, test its connectivity from an external source. Use tools like Telnet and cURL to check if port 80 (HTTP) and 443 (HTTPS) are open and functioning correctly:

# Telnet Test for HTTP
$ telnet  80
# Telnet Test for HTTPS
$ telnet  443
# cURL Test for HTTPS
$ curl 

If you encounter any issues, the server configuration or firewall settings might need to be adjusted.

Conclusion

Ensuring that your website is accessible via HTTPS is crucial for user security and trust. By following these steps, you can resolve the issue where the website works with HTTPS but not HTTP. If you continue to experience problems, consulting with your hosting provider or a web developer can help ensure that your server and configuration are optimized.