How to fix ERR_SSL_BAD_RECORD_MAC_ALERT. Step-by-Step Guide

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How to fix ERR_SSL_BAD_RECORD_MAC_ALERT. Step-by-Step Guide






How to Fix the ERR_SSL_BAD_RECORD_MAC_ALERT Error

Effortlessly resolve the ERR_SSL_BAD_RECORD_MAC_ALERT error caused by SSL connection issues. This guide covers common fixes such as updating your browser, operating system, and network drivers. It also dives into advanced solutions like adjusting network settings, modifying MTU values on routers, and disabling HTTPS inspection in antivirus software. For persistent problems, switching to a wired Ethernet connection or temporarily disabling third-party antivirus tools may help.

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Key Takeaways

  • Problem: The ERR_SSL_BAD_RECORD_MAC_ALERT error typically occurs during an SSL connection failure and can be due to several reasons, such as outdated software or misconfigured security settings.
  • Common Fixes: Update your browser, operating system, and network drivers. Disable SSL inspection in antivirus programs or change specific router settings like MTU values.
  • Advanced Fixes: Modify network settings, such as switching to an Ethernet connection, and adjusting Killer Network card settings.
  • Antivirus Solutions: Third-party antivirus programs may need to be temporarily disabled as they can interfere with HTTPS traffic. Additionally, tools like EaseUS DriverHandy can help resolve driver-related SSL issues.
  • Extra Security: Consider using NordVPN to secure your online activities and avoid SSL-related risks.

Step-by-Step Expert Guide to Fixing the ERR_SSL_BAD_RECORD_MAC_ALERT Error

The ERR_SSL_BAD_RECORD_MAC_ALERT error is typically encountered when there is an issue with SSL encryption between your browser and the website you’re attempting to access. It can happen for various reasons, ranging from incorrect network configuration, interference from antivirus software, or even something as simple as outdated software.

This guide provides step-by-step instructions to help you resolve the error quickly and efficiently, leveraging my extensive background in network management and cybersecurity.

1. Update Google Chrome

Outdated Chrome versions are one of the most frequent causes of SSL errors. SSL protocols continuously evolve, and older versions of Chrome may not fully support the latest protocols.

Steps:

  1. Open Chrome.
  2. Click the three vertical dots in the top-right corner.
  3. Navigate to Help > About Google Chrome.
  4. If an update is available, it will automatically download and install.

Reason: Updating ensures Chrome has all the latest security patches needed to avoid SSL-related errors, including ERR_SSL_BAD_RECORD_MAC_ALERT.

2. Update Your Operating System

Another culprit could be your operating system, especially if you haven’t updated in a while. Network protocols often change, and your browser and OS need to be in sync.

Windows Update Process:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Go to Update & Security > Windows Update.
  3. Click Check for updates.
  4. If updates are available, click Download & install.

macOS Update Process:

  1. Open System Preferences.
  2. Navigate to Software Update.
  3. Click Update Now if any updates are available.

Reason: An outdated OS may cause compatibility issues with encrypted connections.

3. Disable HTTPS Inspection in Your Antivirus Software

Certain antivirus programs inspect SSL traffic for potentially harmful activity; however, in some cases, this very inspection can cause the ERR_SSL_BAD_RECORD_MAC_ALERT error.

For Avast Users:

  1. Open Avast.
  2. Go to Menu > Settings > Protection > Core Shields.
  3. Scroll down and disable the option Killer Prioritization Engine.

Follow Manufacturer Instructions: If you’re using different antivirus software, refer to their documentation (you can find this online with ease).

Reason: Disabling HTTPS inspection allows secure connections to proceed unimpeded.

4. Change the Router’s MTU Setting to 1400

Often, network transmission issues arise from an incorrect Maximum Transmission Unit (MTU) setting. This might be what’s causing the ERR_SSL_BAD_RECORD_MAC_ALERT error.

Steps:

  1. Access your router settings via a web interface (usually found at 192.168.1.1 or similar).
  2. Navigate to the Network/WAN Settings section.
  3. Change the MTU size to 1400 (default values are often around 1500, which might cause issues).
  4. Save the changes and reboot your router.

Reason: Tweaking the MTU helps ensure fast and error-free packet transmission.

5. Switch Network Type (Use an Ethernet Cable)

The issue might be related to an unstable Wi-Fi connection. Switching to a wired connection can often resolve intermittent SSL errors.

Steps:

  1. Connect one end of an Ethernet cable to your device and the other end to your router.
  2. Open the browser and visit the problematic website again.

Reason: Wired connections can bypass many configuration issues by providing a more stable connection.

6. Disable Advanced Streaming Technologies

If you’re using a Killer Network card or similar advanced streaming technology, features like Stream Detect can sometimes interfere with SSL requests, resulting in the ERR_SSL_BAD_RECORD_MAC_ALERT error.

For Killer Network Card Users:

  1. Open the Killer Control Center.
  2. Disable the Stream Detect function.

Reason: These features prioritize specific types of internet traffic (such as streams and games) and neglect other types, causing issues with secure webpage loading.

7. Update or Deactivate Network Adapters & Drivers

In some cases, network drivers may be outdated or faulty, leading to the SSL error.

Steps:

  1. Visit the website of your network adapter’s manufacturer (e.g., Intel, Realtek, etc.).
  2. Download the latest drivers and install them.
  3. Alternatively, open Device Manager on your device. Find your network adapter, right-click on it, and choose Disable, then re-enable it after a moment.

Reason: Often, a simple driver update or deactivation/reactivation can resolve network-related issues.

8. Temporarily Disable Third-Party Antivirus Software

Antivirus software is one of the most common but least considered causes of SSL errors. Temporarily disabling the software can help you identify if it’s the cause.

Steps:

  1. Right-click the antivirus icon in your system tray and choose Disable for a brief period.
  2. Check if the ERR_SSL_BAD_RECORD_MAC_ALERT error resolves.

Reason: Antivirus software can block certain types of secure traffic, mistaking them for threats.

9. Update Date & Time Settings

Having incorrect date and time settings might appear trivial, but secure connections depend on these settings for SSL certificate validation.

Steps:

  1. Ensure your device is connected to the internet.
  2. Go to your operating system’s Date & Time settings.
  3. Toggle options like Set time automatically and Set time zone automatically.

Reason: If your system’s time is incorrect, SSL certificates may be considered invalid, causing errors.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the ERR_SSL_BAD_RECORD_MAC_ALERT Error?

This error generally signifies a problem with SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) between your browser and a website. It could be due to outdated software, network settings, or security programs interfering with SSL traffic.

2. Can antivirus software cause this error?

Yes, many antivirus programs have built-in HTTPS scanning features. These can sometimes incorrectly block secure websites and cause the ERR_SSL_BAD_RECORD_MAC_ALERT error.

3. Why does changing the MTU fix the issue?

The MTU (Maximum Transmission Unit) defines the size limit of packets transmitted over the network. If packets are too large or too small, they can lead to transmission errors, including SSL errors.

4. How can I know if my network driver is causing the issue?

If updating or disabling/enabling your network driver resolves the error, then it’s likely that your network adapter was the culprit.

5. Is this error common on all browsers?

While you can encounter the ERR_SSL_BAD_RECORD_MAC_ALERT error in multiple browsers, it’s most often reported by users of Google Chrome.

Conclusion

Hopefully, by following these steps, you’ve managed to fix the ERR_SSL_BAD_RECORD_MAC_ALERT error. If the issue persists after all these troubleshooting steps, it may be worth consulting your network administrator or contacting your ISP for further assistance.

For additional online security, consider using a VPN. I recommend NordVPN for a secure browsing experience. If managing multiple credentials is a challenge, NordPass can simplify password management while maintaining robust security.

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