How to Fix SSL Certificate Errors in Any Web Browser
Category: Troubleshooting
Encountering SSL certificate errors while browsing can be frustrating and confusing. These errors occur when your web browser cannot verify the security certificate of a website, potentially indicating security vulnerabilities. Fortunately, there are several ways to troubleshoot and fix SSL errors, regardless of the browser you’re using. In this guide, we will cover the most common SSL issues and how to resolve them.
1. What Causes SSL Certificate Errors?
SSL certificate errors can arise from various factors, including:
- Incorrect system date and time settings.
- Expired or invalid SSL certificates.
- Browser cache and cookies causing conflicts.
- Outdated web browser versions.
- Firewall or antivirus blocking SSL connections.
2. How to Fix SSL Certificate Errors
2.1 Check Your System Date and Time
Having incorrect date and time settings can cause SSL errors since certificates rely on accurate timestamps.
1. Right-click the clock on your taskbar.
2. Select "Adjust date and time".
3. Enable "Set time automatically".
4. Restart your browser and try accessing the website again.
2.2 Clear Browser Cache and Cookies
Clearing your cache and cookies can resolve SSL errors caused by outdated or corrupted data.
How to Clear Cache in Google Chrome:
1. Open Chrome and go to Settings > Privacy and security.
2. Click on "Clear browsing data".
3. Select "Cached images and files" and "Cookies and other site data".
4. Click "Clear data".
2.3 Update Your Browser
Outdated browsers may not support the latest SSL protocols, causing errors when visiting secure sites.
How to Update Google Chrome:
1. Click on the three-dot menu at the top right.
2. Go to Help > About Google Chrome.
3. Chrome will automatically check for updates.
4. Restart the browser to apply changes.
2.4 Disable Antivirus SSL Scanning
Some antivirus programs scan SSL connections, which can lead to certificate errors.
Steps to Disable SSL Scanning (Example: Avast):
1. Open Avast and go to Settings > Protection.
2. Select Core Shields.
3. Turn off "Enable HTTPS Scanning".
4. Restart your browser.
2.5 Check for Browser Extensions
Problematic extensions can interfere with SSL connections.
1. Open Chrome and go to More tools > Extensions.
2. Disable extensions one by one and check the site.
3. Remove any problematic extensions.
3. Advanced Troubleshooting Tips
Disable QUIC Protocol in Chrome
Disabling the QUIC protocol can fix SSL errors in some cases.
1. Type chrome://flags in the address bar.
2. Search for "QUIC" and disable the setting.
3. Restart the browser.
Manually Importing SSL Certificates
If the SSL certificate of a trusted site is not recognized, manually importing it can resolve the issue.
1. Download the certificate file from the site.
2. Open Chrome settings and go to Privacy and security > Security.
3. Select "Manage certificates".
4. Import the downloaded certificate and restart your browser.
4. SSL Certificate Errors by Browser
Google Chrome:
- ERR_CERT_COMMON_NAME_INVALID
- NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID
Mozilla Firefox:
- SEC_ERROR_UNKNOWN_ISSUER
- MOZILLA_PKIX_ERROR_SELF_SIGNED_CERT
Conclusion
SSL certificate errors can be frustrating, but most are easily fixable with the right troubleshooting steps. By ensuring your date and time settings are correct, clearing cache and cookies, updating your browser, and disabling conflicting antivirus settings, you can restore secure browsing quickly. If you continue to experience issues, it may be a problem on the website's end, so contacting their support might be necessary.
For more technical assistance and SSL-related support, visit Google Chrome Help.