The HTTPS vs. HTTP debate has always been present in the search engine optimization world, yet somehow, the stakes are higher than most realize. This is so much more than a technical detail.
It represents a real contributor to your site’s credibility, security, and yes, your SEO rankings.
So, does changing from HTTP to HTTPS affect SEO? Absolutely. But not just in the way many assume.
What’s the Difference Between HTTP and HTTPS?
With both protocols being an important part of SEO terminology, let’s first discuss how to tell them apart. The main difference between HTTPS and HTTP lies in security.
HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) is the foundational protocol that enables communication between browsers and servers. However, it lacks encryption.
HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) is the secure version. It uses SSL/TLS to encrypt the data exchanged between the user and the server, keeping sensitive information like passwords, payment details, and session data safe.
HTTPS vs. HTTP for SEO: Why Search Engines Care
Now that we understand the main HTTPS and HTTP difference, let’s have a deeper look into why all of this is so important for search engines.
Well, search engines want to deliver the safest and most trustworthy experiences to users. That’s why HTTPS vs HTTP for SEO has become a legitimate discussion in recent years.
As far back as 2014, Google confirmed that HTTPS is a ranking signal. While initially a “lightweight” signal, its importance has steadily increased, especially as Google has ramped up its focus on user trust and safety.
So, with the protocol’s importance being made official over a decade ago, it has only grown since. In today’s world, the protocol of your website can have different kinds of SEO impacts, including:
- Better rankings over time: While not the strongest factor, HTTPS can give you an edge in competitive niches.
- Secure browsing indicator: Google Chrome and other browsers display a padlock icon for HTTPS sites — a visible trust signal.
- Referral data is preserved: With HTTP, referral data from sources like Google Analytics is often lost. With HTTPS, it’s retained.
- Prevents “Not Secure” warnings: HTTP sites now trigger warnings in many modern browsers, which can tank user trust and bounce rates.
- Supports newer web features: Certain technologies like HTTP/2 and progressive web apps require HTTPS.
In short, HTTPS vs HTTP in the SEO world isn’t just about appeasing Google; it’s about giving users what they expect in a modern digital environment.
The SEO Implications of Migrating from HTTP to HTTPS
From the standpoint of technical SEO, switching to HTTPS is absolutely a smart move, but it’s not as simple as flipping a switch. HTTP to HTTPS migration in SEO must be handled with care to avoid traffic drops, indexing issues, or broken links.
You do need to avoid a couple of mistakes that people frequently make, so let’s have a look at them below:
- Not setting up proper redirects: Every HTTP URL should redirect to its HTTPS counterpart with a 301 redirect.
- Failing to update internal links: Leaving old HTTP links internally can dilute your crawl budget and confuse bots.
- Overlooking canonical tags: Ensure canonical URLs point to the HTTPS version of your site, not the old HTTP URLs.
- Forgetting to update your sitemap and robots.txt: These must reflect your new secure URLs to keep indexing consistent.
- Not informing Google Search Console: After switching, set up a new property for the HTTPS version of your site in Search Console.
When done correctly, the SEO impact of the HTTP to HTTPS switch is easily a net positive, but if mishandled, it can temporarily hurt your rankings.
What Is the Difference Between HTTP and HTTPS in the Eyes of Your Users?
While SEO benefits are often front and center in this debate, the difference between HTTP and HTTPS goes beyond SEO since it also shapes how real users perceive your brand.
Users today are conditioned to look for secure connections. The absence of the padlock icon can trigger distrust, particularly if you collect user data or handle transactions.
Even if you’re not running an e-commerce site, the psychological barrier created by a “Not Secure” warning can impact engagement.
When Is HTTP Still Okay?
There are very few use cases where plain HTTP makes sense today. Perhaps for temporary development environments or legacy systems that don’t handle encryption well.
But for a live, public-facing site, especially one that aims to make your website mobile-friendly and accessible, HTTPS is the gold standard.
If you’re serious about ranking factors, user trust, and future-proofing your site, HTTP just doesn’t cut it anymore.
Extra Piece of Advice: Force HTTPS with HSTS for Long-Term SEO Benefits
Before we start with common questions, we wanted to quickly share something that many SEOs, even experienced ones, miss: HTTP Strict Transport Security (HSTS).
By enabling HSTS, your server tells browsers to always use HTTPS, even before the first request. This speeds up load times, reduces vulnerability to downgrade attacks, and can strengthen your technical SEO posture.
Just be sure to test thoroughly before implementation, as incorrect settings can lock users out if you’re not fully configured.
HTTP vs HTTPS FAQs
Is it mandatory to switch to HTTPS for SEO?
Technically, no, but practically – yes. Search engines and users expect it. Sites without HTTPS risk warnings, lower trust, and missed ranking opportunities.
Does HTTPS affect page speed?
A properly configured HTTPS site can be just as fast (or faster) than HTTP, especially when combined with HTTP/2 or CDN services.
Will I lose rankings during an HTTPS migration?
If the migration is handled poorly, yes. But with proper redirects, updated sitemaps, and canonical tagging, rankings should stabilize and improve over time.
How long does it take for rankings to recover after switching to HTTPS?
In most cases, if the migration is smooth, rankings return within a few weeks. However, large sites may take longer due to crawl and index lag.
Can I use HTTPS on only part of my site?
It’s possible, but not ideal. Mixed protocol usage confuses both users and search engines. Full-site HTTPS is the best practice for clarity and SEO performance.
Wrap-Up: Secure Your Rankings, Secure Your Brand
In a digital world shaped by trust signals, encryption, and performance, the answer to “Does changing from HTTP to HTTPS affect SEO?” is a definitive yes. The switch brings security benefits, improves user perception, and aligns your site with modern web standards.
Whether you’re launching a new site or upgrading an existing one, HTTPS should be a core part of your SEO and UX strategy.
Not feeling like going through the migration alone? Well, in that case, partnering with a specialist can truly make all the difference.
That’s where Indexed Zone SEO comes in. From facilitating clean migrations to boosting the performance of your website across search engines, we are here to help businesses achieve long-term growth with confidence.
