WP Ghost with Really Simple SSL – Compatibility and Setup
This tutorial has moved to the new WP Ghost Knowledge Base where each feature is presented in detail.
WP Ghost is fully compatible with Really Simple SSL. The only consideration is .htaccess rule order. Save Really Simple SSL settings first, then re-save WP Ghost settings to ensure the correct rule order.
How They Work Together
Really Simple SSL handles the HTTP to HTTPS redirect and mixed content fixes. WP Ghost handles path security, firewall, and HSTS headers. They address different security layers with no feature overlap.
htaccess Rule Order
If Really Simple SSL uses an .htaccess redirect (the default on Apache), both plugins write rules to .htaccess. The order matters. Save Really Simple SSL settings first, then re-save WP Ghost settings. This ensures WP Ghost’s rules are in the correct position. This is a one-time step unless you change Really Simple SSL’s redirect settings later.
Troubleshooting
Mixed content warnings after enabling SSL. This is a Really Simple SSL issue, not a WP Ghost conflict. Really Simple SSL’s “Mixed Content Fixer” handles most cases. Check your browser console for specific resources still loading over HTTP.
Paths not working after saving Really Simple SSL. Really Simple SSL may have repositioned WP Ghost’s .htaccess rules. Re-save WP Ghost settings to restore the correct order.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does WP Ghost have its own SSL redirect?
No. WP Ghost relies on Really Simple SSL, your hosting, or Cloudflare for the redirect. WP Ghost’s HSTS header complements the redirect by telling browsers to always use HTTPS.
Do I need to re-save WP Ghost every time I save Really Simple SSL?
Only if Really Simple SSL modifies .htaccess. For most users this is a one-time setup.
Does WP Ghost modify WordPress core files?
No. Both plugins use standard WordPress mechanisms. No core files modified.