How to Redirect HTTP to HTTPS in Nginx

Nginx is a powerful and versatile web server that provides a simple way to redirect HTTP traffic to HTTPS. This process makes sure that all data transmitted between the client and the server is encrypted, enhancing security and protecting sensitive information. This not only improves security but also boosts the site’s credibility and search engine ranking.

In this tutorial, we will show you a step-by-step process for redirecting an HTTP to HTTPS in Nginx.

Prerequisites

Before beginning the guide, make sure you meet the following requirements:

• Make sure to install NGINX on Ubuntu or any other Linux distribution you are using.
• A valid SSL certificate (you can obtain one from providers like Let’s Encrypt).
• You must have access to the server’s terminal or SSH.

Redirecting HTTP to HTTPS in Nginx

In Nginx, redirecting HTTP to HTTPS involves configuring the webserver to redirect all HTTP requests to their HTTPS automatically. The process typically involves editing the Nginx configuration file to include a server block. It listens for HTTP requests and redirects them to the HTTPS version of the site. 

Step 1: Install Nginx

If you have not already installed Nginx, you can do so using the following command:

sudo apt install nginx

It will take some time to install Nginx on your system.

Step 2: Obtain an SSL Certificate

Now, get the SSL certificate that comes from Let’s Encrypt. To automate this process, utilize the following command to install Certbot and its Nginx plugin on your system. This practice enables you to obtain and manage SSL certificates for Nginx servers:

sudo apt install certbot python3-certbot-nginx

After the installation, consider the prompts to complete the installation process and get the certificate:

sudo certbot --nginx

Step 3: Configure Nginx

In this step, users need to configure the Nginx server for redirecting HTTP traffic to HTTPS. For this, open the Nginx configuration file. It is placed in the directory “/etc/nginx” or “/etc/nginx/sites-available/default”:

sudo nano /etc/nginx/nginx.conf

Add the following server block to handle the redirection:

server {
    listen 80;
    server_name ultahosttest.com www.ultahosttest.com;
    location / {
        return 301 https://ultahosttest.com$request_uri;
    }
}

This configuration listens for HTTP traffic on port 80 and redirects it to the HTTPS version of your site:

After that, you can verify the current status of nginx by executing the below command:

sudo systemctl status nginx

Step 4: Test Your Configuration

Before applying the changes, it is a good idea to test your Nginx configuration for any syntax errors:

sudo nginx -t

If there is no syntax error and the configuration is successful, restart Nginx services to apply the changes:

sudo systemctl reload nginx

Step 5: Verify the Redirection

Finally, open your web browser and navigate to http://ultahosttest.com. It automatically redirects to https://ultahosttest.com.

That is how you can redirect HTTP to HTTPS Nginx Ubuntu.

Conclusion

Redirecting HTTP to HTTPS in Nginx is a straightforward process that significantly enhances your website security and SEO performance. It is because a secure website not only secures data but also builds trust as well as credibility with your audience. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure that your users’ data is protected and that your site is trusted by both users and search engines.

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