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

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






ERR_CERT_DATE_INVALID: Causes and Fixes

The ERR_CERT_DATE_INVALID error occurs due to expired or misconfigured SSL certificates, incorrect system time, outdated software, or antivirus interference. Solutions include refreshing the page, using a different browser, updating your OS or browser, checking the SSL certificate, temporarily disabling antivirus, and verifying server status. For WordPress users, reinstalling or renewing the SSL certificate often resolves the issue. Use our free chatbot for quick assistance in solving technical problems.

Key Takeaways: ERR_CERT_DATE_INVALID Error

  1. Cause of Error: Typically caused by an expired or misconfigured SSL certificate, outdated software, or antivirus interference.
  2. Immediate Fixes: Refresh the page, try a different browser, update your system, and disable antivirus temporarily.
  3. SSL Certificate: Verifying and reinstalling the SSL certificate (especially for WordPress) usually solves the issue.
  4. Helpful Tools: Tools like SSLLabs can help check if the SSL certificate is valid. Additionally, secure your troubleshooting process by using NordVPN to encrypt your connection and avoid interception while testing SSL configurations.
  5. Browser Variations: The error may show up differently in various browsers, e.g., NET::ERR_CERT_DATE_INVALID in Chrome.
  6. Hosting Providers: Always ensure your hosting provider isn’t experiencing technical issues.

How to Fix ERR_CERT_DATE_INVALID Error: A Step-by-Step Guide

The ERR_CERT_DATE_INVALID error is a common issue faced in most web browsers. In this guide, we’ll walk through the steps to resolve the problem efficiently.

Table of Contents

Step 1: Understand the Cause

The ERR_CERT_DATE_INVALID error arises when visiting a website with an SSL certificate that is either expired, misconfigured, or has other issues. Many times, this error is caused by:

  • Expired SSL certificate: The most common issue.
  • System clock mismatch: If your system’s time is different from the server’s time.
  • Antivirus blocking SSL connections.
  • Server maintenance or issues.

As a first step, make sure that your device’s date and time are correct and set to update automatically.

🛈 Expert Insight: I often find with clients that a large percentage of these errors can be attributed simply to incorrect system time.

Step 2: Reload the Page

It might seem too simple, but refreshing the page can often solve browser-related errors.

  1. First, try reloading the page.
    • On most browsers: Press Ctrl + R (Windows) or Cmd + R (Mac) to refresh.
  2. If that fails, open the page in a different browser to see whether it works there.
    • If the error persists across multiple browsers, you can be more certain that the SSL certificate is at fault, rather than a browser misconfiguration.

Step 3: Check the SSL Certificate

An expired or misconfigured SSL certificate is a frequent cause of this error. Verifying the certificate status is crucial.

Steps:

  1. Click on the padlock next to the URL in your browser, and select “View Certificate” (different browsers will have slight variations in wording).
  2. Check the expiration date.
  3. If the certificate has expired, you need to:
    • Contact your hosting provider or SSL service (e.g., Let’s Encrypt).
    • Alternatively, if you manage a server manually, reinstall or renew the SSL certificate.

🔍 Tip: For quick verification, use online tools like SSLLabs SSL Test to diagnose issues with your SSL certificate.

  • For WordPress sites: Ensure your hosting service or SSL plugin (such as Really Simple SSL or WP Encryption) is properly set up.

Step 4: Update Your System

Sometimes the error could stem from outdated software or systems that don’t recognize modern secure connections. Follow these steps:

  1. Update your operating system:

    • On Windows: Go to Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update. To ensure your system is backed up during updates, use MiniTool ShadowMaker.
    • On macOS: Open System Preferences → Software Update.

  2. Update your browser:

    • For Chrome, go to Help > About Google Chrome to check for updates.
    • For Firefox, visit Options or Preferences → Help → About Firefox.

📝 In my experience, outdated browsers and operating systems are common culprits, especially for users who avoid frequent updates.

Step 5: Disable Antivirus or Firewall

Your antivirus might block access to websites with SSL issues due to strict security filters. Disabling it temporarily can help confirm if this is the cause.

Steps:

  1. Open your antivirus program and choose to temporarily disable web shield or firewall (varies by software, some examples include Kaspersky, Bitdefender, etc.).
  2. Try reloading the page.
    • If the page loads, the antivirus was likely blocking the SSL certificate.
  3. Remember to re-enable the antivirus afterward and configure it to allow SSL connections.

⚠️ Caution: Don’t browse insecurely without antivirus protection if you don’t trust the website.

Step 6: Verify Server Status

It’s also possible the server hosting the website is experiencing technical or maintenance issues, which can cause SSL certificates to not validate properly.

Steps:

  1. Contact the website owner or check if the hosting provider (e.g., Bluehost, SiteGround) is having known outages.
  2. You can also use a service like DownForEveryoneOrJustMe to check if the site is down globally.

Step 7: Reinstall SSL Certificate (for WordPress)

If you’re using WordPress and manually installed the SSL certificate, it’s worth trying to reinstall it, especially if it’s about to expire or was incorrectly configured.

  1. Login to your hosting provider dashboard.
  2. Navigate to Security → SSL/TLS or similar.
  3. Reinstall the certificate.
    • If you use Let’s Encrypt, renew the certificate manually if you haven’t set it to auto-renew (their certificates expire every 90 days).
  4. Also, ensure that HTTPS is enforced via .htaccess or by installing a plugin such as Really Simple SSL. For added security, use EaseUS Backup Center to safeguard your WordPress configurations during SSL updates.

🛠 Pro Tip: SSL certificates through Let’s Encrypt are free but have a short lifetime. I always make sure to use auto-renew to avoid unexpected expiration.

Step 8: Get Additional Help

If none of the above steps solve your ERR_CERT_DATE_INVALID problem, it might be time to reach out for more personalized assistance.

  1. Search online forums such as StackOverflow or WordPress communities for help.
  2. You can also connect with your hosting provider’s support for expert guidance.
  3. For larger-scale websites, professional consultation may be necessary if the issue is deep within your server settings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the ERR_CERT_DATE_INVALID error?

This error indicates problems with the SSL certificate of a website, either due to expiration or incorrect configuration.

2. Can I bypass the ERR_CERT_DATE_INVALID error?

Yes, clicking “Proceed anyway” can bypass the error in most browsers, but it’s not recommended as it can expose you to potential security risks.

3. How do you prevent SSL certificates from expiring?

Use an SSL provider that offers auto-renewal, such as Let’s Encrypt, or monitor expiration dates and manually renew when necessary.

4. Why is my SSL certificate invalid on one device but not others?

This usually points to device-specific configurations, such as outdated software or incorrect date and time settings.

5. Could antivirus software cause the ERR_CERT_DATE_INVALID error?

Yes, overly protective antivirus software may block SSL certificates, treating them as potential threats.

Feel free to navigate to other sections in the guide for more targeted solutions.

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