How to fix “ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR”. Step-by-Step Guide

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How to fix “ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR”. Step-by-Step Guide






How to Fix ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR

Learn how to address the ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR caused by issues like expired SSL certificates, outdated TLS versions, browser cache errors, or antivirus conflicts. This detailed guide offers step-by-step instructions to troubleshoot SSL protocol errors effectively.

For further assistance, try using our free chatbot, designed to help solve technical issues.

Key Takeaways on How to Fix ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR

  • Common Cause: The primary cause of the ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR is an issue relating to the SSL/TLS handshake between the browser and the server.
  • SSL Certificate: Ensure you have a valid and updated SSL certificate to avoid this error.
  • Browser Cache: Clearing your browser’s cache can often fix the problem.
  • Antivirus Conflict: Sometimes, your antivirus software or firewall can interfere with SSL protocol functioning.
  • TLS/SSL Version: Using outdated SSL versions can lead to ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR.

Step-by-Step Guide to Fix ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR

SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) plays a critical role in securing online connections. However, sometimes users encounter the ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR, most commonly in Google Chrome. This guide provides a step-by-step solution to resolve the issue and get you back online safely and securely.

1. Verify SSL Certificate Installation

Before diving into browser or system-level troubleshooting, ensure that the issue isn’t on the server side.

  • Check SSL Certificate:
    Ensure the website’s SSL certificate is correctly installed. You can visit the site using HTTPS and check the address bar for a padlock. If it’s missing or indicates an issue, the SSL certificate may not be installed or configured correctly.

    • External Tool: Use SSL Labs to check your certificate installation and configuration. It provides a thorough analysis of any SSL issues.

If the padlock shows an issue or breaks after testing, follow a few SSL certificate installation guides from your hosting provider like Let’s Encrypt. Otherwise, move to internal causes next.

2. Fix SSL Configuration

Let’s ensure your server-side SSL configuration is correct.

  • Review Server SSL Settings: Sometimes, misconfigured SSL settings on the web server cause SSL handshake failures. Ensure your server is using the latest encryption protocols:

    • Disable SSL 2.0, SSL 3.0, and TLS 1.0, all deemed insecure.
    • Use TLS 1.2 or TLS 1.3 instead.

You can adjust these by modifying your web server’s settings file.

3. Update Expired SSL Certificates

An expired SSL certificate is one of the most common causes of this error. If you need a cost-effective solution, try using EaseUS OS2Go, which can help create portable environments to test SSL installations securely across devices.

  • Renew SSL Certificate: If your SSL certificate has expired, renew it through your SSL provider. Ensure it’s installed correctly. This is a mandatory step because browsers reject outdated certificates for security reasons.

    • You can obtain a free updated certificate from services like Let’s Encrypt for straightforward installations.

4. Clear Browser Cache and SSL State

A corrupted browser cache or SSL state can often lead to SSL protocol errors. To automate browser cleanups, tools like EaseUS DupFiles Cleaner are highly recommended for managing both browser and system-level clutter.

  • Clear Browser Cache in Google Chrome:

    1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Delete to open Chrome’s browsing data settings.
    2. Choose items like “Cookies and site data” and “Cached images and files.”
    3. Click Clear data.

  • Clear SSL State on Windows:

    1. Open Control Panel > Network and Internet.
    2. Navigate to Internet Options.
    3. Under the Content tab, click on Clear SSL State.

This clears stored SSL certificates and connection settings.

5. Check Browser Settings

Incorrect date or time settings or conflicting browser extensions may also trigger the SSL error.

  • Ensure Date & Time Are Correct: Make sure your system’s date and time are correct. Most SSL certificates use time-sensitive protocols, and any mismatch can fail SSL handshake.

  • Disable Browser Extensions: Browser extensions may interfere with SSL connections, especially security-related ones. In Chrome, go to:

    1. Open chrome://extensions/.
    2. Toggle off extensions one by one to diagnose if one is causing the issue.

6. Disable Antivirus and Firewall Temporarily

Sometimes, security software can interfere with SSL connections. If the issue persists, consider upgrading to a reliable solution like Malwarebytes Premium for better SSL and web protection compatibility.

  • Disable Antivirus: Your antivirus could be blocking SSL connections due to security settings. Try disabling it temporarily:

    • Open the antivirus control panel’s Privacy Settings and turn off web protection.

  • Disable Firewall: Similarly, your firewall might block certain SSL traffic. Temporarily disable these protections to see if this resolves the error:

    • Find your firewall settings in your control panel and turn it off.

7. Disable QUIC Protocol (Optional)

The QUIC (Quick UDP Internet Connections) protocol, used for faster browsing, can also cause SSL errors sometimes. For improved browsing security, try NordVPN, which provides secure browsing without interfering with SSL protocols.

  • Disable QUIC in Google Chrome:

    1. Type chrome://flags/#enable-quic in your browser address bar.
    2. Set Experimental QUIC Protocol to Disabled.
    3. Relaunch your browser.

8. Check TLS/SSL Versions

Outdated SSL or TLS protocols on the server or the website can result in SSL errors.

  • Enforce Latest TLS Version: Ensure your server is running TLS 1.2 or higher by manually checking your configuration. Older protocols like SSL 3.0 and TLS 1.0 are no longer supported in modern browsers.

Update your web server’s settings to use newer TLS versions.

9. Adjust Internet Security and Privacy Settings

Adjusting security settings could help alleviate this issue in some cases.

  • Lower Security Settings on Windows:

    1. Open Internet Options under the control panel.
    2. Navigate to the Security tab.
    3. Lower the slider from “Medium-high” to a lower setting and apply changes.

10. Enable All SSL/TLS Versions (Last Resort)

If none of the steps work, you can enable less secure SSL/TLS protocols as a last resort. This isn’t recommended due to potential security risks.

  1. In Chrome, go to chrome://settings.
  2. Scroll down to Advanced.
  3. Click System > Open proxy settings.
  4. Under the Content tab, clear the SSL state if not done already and enable older SSL/TLS versions.

This opens up insecure protocols, so proceed with caution.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What Causes ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR?

This error occurs due to problems in SSL/TLS handshakes, primarily caused by issues such as expired SSL certificates, wrong date and time settings, cache issues, or browser settings.

2. Is the ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR a Security Risk?

Yes. This error can signify security issues with the SSL certificate or an insecure network connection. Addressing it quickly is essential to maintain secure communication over the web.

3. How Do I Fix ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR on Android?

On Android:

  • Clear your Chrome app cache ➜ Settings → Apps → Chrome → Storage → Clear Cache.
  • Open Chrome → Settings → Privacy → Clear Browsing Data and select Cached Images and Site Data.

4. Why Does Clearing Browser Cache Solve This Problem?

The browser cache stores outdated SSL certificates and old browsing data. Clearing it removes these certificates, forcing your browser to load a fresh, valid SSL certificate from the website.

By following each step, you ensure a methodical approach to fixing the ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR issue. Whether it’s at the browser level or server-level, these steps cover all angles to resolve the problem effectively.

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