How to fix ERR_SSL_VERSION_INTERFERENCE. Step-by-Step Guide

How to Fix ERR_SSL_VERSION_INTERFERENCE Error in Google Chrome

Learn how to troubleshoot the common ERR_SSL_VERSION_INTERFERENCE error in Google Chrome. This issue often occurs due to SSL certificate problems, outdated Chrome versions, or configuration mismatches. Solutions include checking system time, clearing browsing data, updating Chrome, and adjusting SSL/TLS settings. Hardware acceleration and antivirus programs can also interfere and may need temporary disruption. For webmasters, running SSL diagnostics ensures certificates are properly configured.

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Key Takeaways

Issue	Action/Steps
ERR_SSL_VERSION_INTERFERENCE is a common browser error related to SSL certificates in Google Chrome.	Follow a series of quick and proven steps to resolve the issue.
System time, Chrome version, browsing data, extensions, and SSL/TLS settings can cause SSL issues.	Adjust settings such as time, clear cache, and flush DNS to fix the error.
Ensure your SSL certificate is valid, and troubleshoot hardware acceleration or antivirus software if needed.	Always check if SSL cert is correctly configured, and disable problematic settings temporarily if required.

Step-by-Step Guide to Fix ERR_SSL_VERSION_INTERFERENCE Error in Google Chrome

The ERR_SSL_VERSION_INTERFERENCE error can mislead users into thinking they have a serious error with their browser or website. However, it’s usually an SSL protocol mismatch between Chrome and a web server. Here are 11 simple steps anyone can follow to resolve the error.

Expert Tip: SSL-related errors usually arise due to outdated SSL certificates or protocols like TLS 1.3 that might not be supported on certain servers.

1. Check System Date & Time Configuration

Setting your system’s time and date incorrectly can interfere with SSL validation, causing the error.

Action: Press Win + I to open Settings on Windows, and navigate to Time & Language.
Action: Toggle on both Set time automatically and Set time zone automatically.
Action: Restart your Google Chrome browser to check if the error persists.

Expert Insight: Incorrect system time is a leading cause of SSL issues across browsers. HTTPS sites verify time accuracy to ensure the SSL certificate is still valid.

2. Update Google Chrome to the Latest Version

Outdated Chrome versions often have SSL certificate incompatibility, which might cause the interference error.

Action: Open Chrome and click on the three dots menu in the top-right corner.
Action: Navigate to Help > About Google Chrome.
Action: Let Chrome check for updates and if updates are available, select Relaunch.

Pro Tip: Chrome typically auto-updates, but sometimes manual update triggers are necessary to apply critical patches.

3. Clear Browsing Data

Sometimes old cached data can cause SSL certificate errors.

Action: Press Ctrl + Shift + Del to launch the Clear browsing data window.
Action: Set Time range to All time and check Cookies, Cache, and other relevant data.
Action: Select Clear data, and restart the Chrome browser.

Warning: Back-up important cookies or sign-in tokens before clearing your browser’s cache to avoid having to log in to all your accounts again.

4. Flush DNS Cache

There may be a mismatch between cached DNS data and the live site data due to stale entries.

Action: Press Win + R, type cmd, and press Enter.
Action: In Command Prompt, type ipconfig /flushdns and hit Enter.
Action: Check the website again in Chrome afterward.

Expert Note: DNS caching stores IP addresses to expedite site loading, but stale cache can cause SSL issues by holding onto earlier invalid SSL data.

5. Disable Chrome Hardware Acceleration

Hardware acceleration uses your GPU for smoother browsing but can sometimes conflict with SSL protocols.

Action: In Chrome, go to Settings > Advanced > System.
Action: Toggle off Use hardware acceleration when available.
Action: Relaunch Chrome and check the site again.

6. Disable Browser Extensions

Some third-party extensions might block or interfere with the handshake required for SSL certificates.

Action: Click the three dots in the top-right corner of Chrome.
Action: Go to More tools > Extensions.
Action: Toggle off all extensions, then slowly re-enable them one at a time to identify the problematic extension.

7. Disable TLS 1.3 in Chrome Flags

If your server does not support TLS 1.3, the browser will throw SSL-related errors.

Action: Open a new tab and type chrome://flags/ in the URL bar.
Action: In the search box, type “TLS” and locate the TLS 1.3 option.
Action: Choose Disable and relaunch Chrome to apply the changes.

Technical Insight: TLS (Transport Layer Security) versions above 1.2 can conflict with older SSL certificates or servers not set up to support them.

8. Check Your SSL Certificate

Website visitors encountering the error can inspect the SSL certificate, but only the webmaster can act if it’s expired or misconfigured.

Action: Visit the problematic site and click on the padlock icon before the URL.
Action: View the certificate details, and note the expiration date.
Action: If the SSL certificate is expired, ask the webmaster or hosting provider to renew it.

Expert Advice: SSL certificates typically expire after 1–2 years. Ensure periodic checks or set reminders for renewal, especially on e-commerce websites.

9. Temporarily Disable Firewall/Antivirus

An overprotective firewall or antivirus may block SSL-related handshakes.

Action: Disable your antivirus or firewall temporarily.
Action: Reload the website to see if the SSL error is gone.
Important: Do NOT leave your antivirus off for an extended period.

Security Warning: A firewall protects your device from malicious attackers. Only disable this for a short duration, and re-enable it once troubleshooting is complete.

10. Reset Google Chrome Settings

If none of the configuration steps resolve the issue, resetting Chrome to default settings may help.

Action: Go to Settings in Chrome.
Action: Search for Reset settings.
Action: Click Reset settings to their original defaults.

This resets cookies, cache, and other user data, so ONLY use this as a final deterrent when all custom troubleshooting options fail.

11. Run an SSL Diagnostic (Webmasters Only)

For webmasters, especially those running e-commerce or HTTPS-only websites, it’s advisable to run a complete Website SSL Diagnostic.

Action: Use tools like Qualys SSL Labs to scan your SSL certificate for expired or mismatched configurations. Visit Qualys SSL Labs.

Note: These tools can identify misconfigurations, like missing intermediate certificates or misaligned TLS versions, providing detailed reports on the health of an SSL cert.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why is the ERR_SSL_VERSION_INTERFERENCE error appearing in Chrome?

The error usually happens due to an outdated SSL certificate on the server or a mismatch between a website’s SSL encryption protocol (typically TLS versions) and those enabled in your browser.

2. Can my antivirus cause the ERR_SSL_VERSION_INTERFERENCE issue?

Yes, overzealous antivirus software or firewalls can sometimes block SSL certificates that they don’t recognize, particularly self-signed or outdated certificates.

3. Is disabling TLS 1.3 safe?

Temporarily disabling TLS 1.3 is a common troubleshooting step, but it should only be done if your server is suspected of not being compatible with this version of the protocol. After troubleshooting, it is recommended to re-enable TLS 1.3 for better security.

4. How often do SSL certificates expire?

Typically, SSL certificates expire every 1-2 years, depending on the hosting provider’s settings. Configuring automatic renewal can prevent the expiration from causing site downtime.

5. Will resetting Chrome delete all my passwords and bookmarks?

No. While resetting your settings in Chrome adjusts browser configurations to their defaults, your bookmarks, history, and saved passwords remain intact. Only extensions and site-specific settings are reset.

6. Can I ignore the ERR_SSL_VERSION_INTERFERENCE error?

Ignoring this error is not advised as it means your connection to the site is not secure. Interference with SSL protocols means your data could be compromised.

For a safer browsing experience, consider these tools:

NordVPN: Protect your online activity with secure, encrypted VPN browsing, especially on public networks.
NordPass: Simplify password management and receive alerts for compromised credentials and SSL security issues.
MiniTool ShadowMaker: Back up your system and critical files before troubleshooting SSL or browser issues.

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