Plesk includes a built-in HTTPS redirect option directly in its hosting settings, avoiding the need to manually edit server configuration files.
Where to find it
Under Websites & Domains → Hosting Settings for the domain, check "Permanent SEO-safe 301 redirect from HTTP to HTTPS." This writes the appropriate redirect rule at the web server level automatically, correctly using a 301 (permanent) status.
Confirm the certificate first
This option only appears, or only works correctly, once a valid SSL/TLS certificate is already assigned to the domain under the same Hosting Settings panel — install or issue the certificate first if you don't see the redirect checkbox.
Why Plesk requires a valid certificate before showing the redirect option
The redirect checkbox is tied directly to having a working SSL/TLS certificate already assigned to the domain in the same Hosting Settings panel — Plesk deliberately won't offer to redirect to HTTPS until it can confirm HTTPS actually works, preventing you from accidentally redirecting visitors to a broken, uncertified connection.
What the SEO-safe wording in Plesk's checkbox actually refers to
Plesk's checkbox specifically implements a 301 permanent redirect rather than a 302 temporary one, the detail that actually matters for preserving search engine ranking signals during a migration — the SEO-safe label is describing this specific, correct implementation choice rather than a separate feature.
Why Plesk's Let's Encrypt integration and the redirect checkbox work together
Plesk's built-in Let's Encrypt issuance and the SEO-safe redirect checkbox are designed to work as a pair — issuing the certificate first through the same panel, then enabling the redirect, follows the natural, tested order Plesk's interface guides you through rather than requiring separate, disconnected tools.
What Plesk's Security Advisor tool additionally recommends beyond the basic redirect
Plesk's built-in Security Advisor typically also surfaces recommendations around HSTS, certificate expiry monitoring, and general server hardening alongside the basic redirect setting — worth reviewing as a complete checklist rather than treating the redirect alone as a finished migration.
How Plesk handles the redirect differently for reseller-managed accounts
On a Plesk server managed through a reseller account, the redirect checkbox and certificate management generally remain available at the individual domain level, though a reseller's parent account may impose restrictions on which certificate options are available, similar to the cPanel reseller consideration covered in our How-To category.
Why checking Plesk's own event log helps diagnose an unexpected redirect issue
Plesk maintains a log of configuration changes and SSL-related events accessible through its interface, which can show exactly when and how a redirect or certificate setting changed — useful for diagnosing an issue that appeared after a change nobody remembers making directly.
A closing note on choosing between Plesk's built-in options and manual configuration
For the vast majority of Plesk-hosted sites, the built-in redirect checkbox paired with Plesk's Let's Encrypt integration provides everything needed without ever touching a configuration file directly — manual configuration remains available for genuinely unusual requirements, but isn't necessary for a standard migration.
What Plesk's Let's Encrypt extension specifically automates beyond manual issuance
Beyond initial issuance, Plesk's Let's Encrypt extension handles automatic renewal on the standard 90-day cycle, updates the installed certificate across all relevant services, and integrates with the same redirect checkbox covered in this guide — a fully automated lifecycle once initially configured.
How to confirm your Plesk version includes the current redirect feature set
Checking Plesk's version number in the admin panel footer against Plesk's official documentation confirms whether your specific installation includes the current SSL/TLS and redirect feature set — most actively maintained, recently updated Plesk installations include the full feature set covered in this guide.