How to Fix SSL Connection Error in Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox?

While browsing a site, you must have often faced the SSL connection problem which prevents the home page from opening. This problem normally occurs while protecting the website users from complex situations, however, it might also occur accidentally. Although, this is not any major issue, but there are a few fixes to avoid this error which we are going to illustrate today.

What is SSL connection error?

SSL or Secure Socket Layer is a standard security technology used by millions of sites. It establishes an encrypted link between a web server and a browser. SSL encryption ensures that all the data which is exchanged between the browsers and web server remain confidential. SSL certificates are being used by major e-commerce sites and social media sites like Facebook and Twitter.

The “SSL error” might occur in any browser, including Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, and Mozilla Firefox. When this occurs, you will find the http:// before the URL goes red which indicates that the page has come security problem. The page also asks you to close the web page and try for a new one.

Fix: “There is a problem with this website’s security certificate” error

Why the SSL connection error occurs in Google Chrome browser?

The SSL problem mostly occurs in Google Chrome browser when you try to open a secure website. Chrome has built-in default certificate lists which are given medium priority in settings and neither too strict nor too exposed. In case there is some mismatch in the SSL certification list, the SSL connection creates problems.

The SSL issue might occur due to CMS battery with can lead to mismatched date and time or an erroneous and non-trusted SSL certificate. This might also happen if the page contains both secure and non-secure contents.

Why is SSL certificate used?

SSL is used to encrypt your sensitive information so that when it passes through the different servers to the destination server, it does not get leaked out. When you input your password or credit/debit card information or username, etc. it can be viewed on any computer if the site is not encrypted with an SSL certificate. So if SSL is used, then your personal details will be unreadable to everyone and protect them from hackers and online thefts.

SSL secure connection ensures trust and the visitor know that their information is secure. When you take an SSL certificate, it provides a trust seal and this safeguards the visitor’s information.

What does an SSL certificate contain?

An SSL certificate includes the following:

• Company name
• Domain name
• Address
• City
• State
• Country
• Details of the Certification Authority responsible for issuing the SSL certificate
• Expiration date

How to troubleshoot ‘SSL connection error’?

A number of SSL error fix is available to resolve the SSL certificate error, which we are going to mention below.

(1) Change antivirus settings

This error might probably occur due to your anti-virus program, so the first step is to change your antivirus settings.

Please note, different anti-virus programs have dissimilar settings so this option might vary with each of them. For example, if you are using AVG anti-virus Pro then you’ll need to change the settings as below:

• Run AVG anti-virus.
• Go to Options > Advanced settings.

• Click on Online Shield under Web Browsing Protection.
• Click on Expert Settings.
• Uncheck the option Scan encrypted (TLS and SSL) network traffic’ option.

If you are using any other anti-virus program then you’ll find similar options as below:

• Close all the browser and open your anti-virus control panel.
• Go to Settings > Advanced settings > click on Networks.
• Uncheck the option ‘Scan encrypted settings > Apply.
• Click Ok and restart your browser.

(2) Change the settings in Google Chrome browser

Since the problem chiefly occurs in Chrome browser, you can try changing the settings from the browser itself.

Test this fix by adding the https:// prefix before every URL. (For example, type the URL as https://www.technonutty.com, instead of typing www.technonutty.com). This will prevent the Chrome https error.

To fix the Chrome SSL error in Windows XP/Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows 10, Android, iPhone, and iPad,

• Now go to Chrome Settings > Show Advanced Settings.
• Click on ‘Change Proxy Settings’ under Network.
• A pop-up Internet properties window will appear. Click on the Security tab.
• Set the Security level as Medium > click Ok.

• Now click on the Privacy tab > select the Internet zone as Medium > click Ok.
• Again, click on the Content tab > Clear SSL state > Click Ok.

Now restart your Google Chrome browser and it might work out.

In case, this solution fails to fix the trouble then try this out,

• Open Chrome browser > go to Settings.
• Click on Show Advanced Settings.
• Click on Manage certificates under HTTPS/SSL.
• Click on Import to fetch your desired certificate with the Certificate Import Wizard.

• Re-launch the browser.

(3) How to fix SSL certificate error in Mozilla Firefox?

If you are getting the same invalid security certificate issue in Mozilla Firefox browser, then try adding the https:// prefix before that particular URL. Firefox will check the certificate data of that web page to check whether it is valid or not. If Firefox detects an invalid or outdated certificate, then it will display a warning message and block that site. So to prevent such warnings in the browser and to prevent blocks, you can use Firefox’s advanced preferences to stop such warnings to appear.

• Launch Mozilla Firefox browser.
• Type about: config in the address bar > hit Enter.
• You will be prompted with a warning which says, “This might void your warranty!”
• Click on “I’ll be careful, I promise!”

• Now search for the browser. ssl_override_behavior and double-click on the value from the preference list.
• Change the value from 2 to 1 and click Ok.

• Close the browser and restart it. This will fix SSL connection error problem.

Firefox will no longer block the sites which have SSL error.

(4) How to fix SSL web certificate error in Opera?

Although the frequency of using Opera is lesser than the other browsers, still there is a solution to repair the trouble if you ever face it in Opera browser. It has been found that Opera turns on TLS 1.1 by default, but most of the sites are not supported TLS 1.1 yet now. Hence, this can be disabled by going to Preferences > Advanced > Security > Security Protocols and unchecking the option next to TLS 1.1.

So hope you have learned completely about what is SSL connection error and how to fix this trouble. If you have any questions regarding this then do let us know.