When browsing the Internet using Google Chrome, you may encounter an error related to SSL certificates, such as “Your connection is not private” (NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID or NET::ERR_CERT_COMMON_NAME_INVALID).
These errors occur when Chrome cannot verify the security certificate of the website you are trying to access. To protect your information, the browser blocks access to the site.
In this short guide, we will provide step-by-step instructions on how to fix SSL certificate errors in Google Chrome.
Step 1: Check Your Computer’s Date and Time
Incorrect system date and time can cause issues with security certificates. Make sure your computer’s date and time settings are accurate.
- Right-click on the date and time in the taskbar.
- Select “Adjust date/time.”
- Ensure the date and time are correct. If not, adjust them accordingly.
Step 2: Clear SSL State and Browsing Data
Clearing the SSL state and browsing data can resolve issues related to SSL certificates.
- Open Google Chrome.
- Click on the three-dot menu in the upper-right corner and select “Settings.”
- Scroll down and click on “Privacy and security.”
- Click on “Clear browsing data.”
- In the “Advanced” tab, ensure “Browsing history,” “Download history,” “Cookies and other site data,” and “Cached images and files” are selected.
- Click on “Clear data.”
Step 3: Disable SSL/HTTPS Scanning in Your Antivirus
Some antivirus software may interfere with SSL/HTTPS connections. Temporarily disabling SSL/HTTPS scanning in your antivirus might fix the issue.
- Open your antivirus software.
- Look for settings related to SSL/HTTPS scanning, web protection, or web filtering.
- Disable the SSL/HTTPS scanning feature.
- Restart Google Chrome and try accessing the website again.
Note: Disabling SSL/HTTPS scanning may reduce your system’s security. Only do this if you trust the website you’re trying to access.
Step 4: Reset Google Chrome Settings
Resetting Chrome settings to their default values can help resolve SSL certificate errors.
- Open Google Chrome.
- Click on the three-dot menu in the upper-right corner and select “Settings.”
- Scroll down and click on “Advanced.”
- Scroll to the bottom and click on “Restore settings to their original defaults.”
- Click “Reset settings” to confirm.
Please note that these steps may reduce the level of security provided by your browser. Proceed with caution and only for websites you trust.
The Outcome
By following these steps, you should have resolved the SSL certificate error in Google Chrome. The website should now load correctly without the error message. However, be cautious when bypassing security warnings, as they are designed to protect your information.
We hope this guide has been helpful in fixing SSL certificate errors in Google Chrome. If you have any suggestions or improvements, please feel free to leave a comment below.