Local by Flywheel Not Trusting SSL Certificate: Troubleshooting and Solutions
Using Local by Flywheel for WordPress development is a popular choice due to its user-friendly interface and seamless integration with popular tools. However, you might encounter an issue where your local environment doesn't trust your SSL certificate, leading to errors and warnings in your browser. This can be frustrating, but don't worry! Here's a breakdown of the problem and how to fix it:
Why Is My SSL Certificate Not Trusted?
The core issue lies in how Local by Flywheel manages SSL certificates. It utilizes a self-signed certificate for its development environment. This certificate is generated by Local itself and is not recognized by standard browsers or security systems. Consequently, you'll see warnings like "Your connection is not private" or "This site cannot be reached" in your browser.
How to Resolve "Local by Flywheel Not Trusting SSL Certificate"?
1. Understanding the Root Cause:
- Self-Signed Certificates: Local by Flywheel generates self-signed certificates for development purposes. These certificates are not trusted by standard browsers or systems.
- Browser Security: Modern browsers prioritize user security by refusing to connect to sites with untrusted certificates.
2. Solutions:
a) Trusting the Local by Flywheel Certificate in your Browser:
- Chrome:
- Open Chrome and go to the website that's showing the error.
- Click the "Not Secure" warning and choose "Advanced."
- Click "Proceed to [website address]" to proceed.
- You might need to repeat this step each time you access the site.
- Firefox:
- Click the "Not Secure" warning and select "More Information."
- Click "View Certificate" and choose "Trust this Certificate."
- This will add the Local by Flywheel certificate to your trusted certificates list.
b) Using a Local Development Certificate:
- Obtain a Certificate: Use Let's Encrypt or similar certificate authorities to acquire a free SSL certificate.
- Install the Certificate: Follow the specific instructions provided by the certificate authority to install the certificate on your local environment.
- Configure Local by Flywheel: Local by Flywheel offers options to configure and use custom certificates.
c) Temporarily Disabling SSL for Development:
- Note: This is not a recommended long-term solution.
- Local Settings: You can temporarily disable the SSL option within the Local by Flywheel settings.
- Important: This approach is not secure and should only be used for debugging or when SSL is not essential for the specific development task.
3. Additional Tips and Considerations:
- Avoid Editing the System's Trusted Root Certificates: This should only be done by experienced users and can potentially compromise system security.
- Update Local by Flywheel: Regularly update Local by Flywheel to benefit from the latest security patches and features.
- Consult the Local by Flywheel Documentation: Refer to the official documentation for detailed instructions and best practices.
4. Examples:
Let's say you're working on a WordPress site hosted on Local by Flywheel and you're encountering the "Not Secure" warning in Chrome. You can resolve it by following these steps:
- Visit your local site address.
- Click on the "Not Secure" warning.
- Select "Advanced."
- Click "Proceed to [website address]."
Conclusion:
The "Local by Flywheel not trusting SSL certificate" error can be frustrating, but it's easily resolvable by understanding the root cause and following the appropriate solutions. By trusting the certificate in your browser, using a local development certificate, or temporarily disabling SSL, you can overcome this obstacle and continue your development workflow efficiently. Always remember to prioritize security and choose the best solution based on your specific project requirements and development practices.