How to fix ERR_CERT_REVOKED. Step-by-Step Guide

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How to Fix ERR_CERT_REVOKED: A Step-by-Step Guide

Learn how to troubleshoot the NET::ERR_CERT_REVOKED error, a common SSL certificate issue. This guide covers fixes such as adjusting system date/time, performing a clean boot, flushing DNS, disabling problematic software, and more. Follow simple instructions to resolve this connection error across different platforms.

For personalized assistance, use our free chatbot, designed to help solve technical issues efficiently.

Key Takeaways

  • ERR_CERT_REVOKED occurs due to problems with SSL certificates, causing a connection issue.
  • It’s essential to verify system settings like date/time, security software, and network configurations.
  • Some fixes involve resetting network settings or the browser, while others might require disabling VPNs, proxies, or antivirus temporarily. Using a tool like EaseUS DriverHandy can ensure your network drivers are updated for smooth SSL connections.
  • Advanced users can attempt targeted fixes like clearing certificates in Keychain on macOS.
  • Solve this issue step-by-step by adjusting configurations and troubleshooting both software and system settings. For secure browsing, consider a VPN like NordVPN to bypass network-related restrictions.

Full Guide to Fixing the NET::ERR_CERT_REVOKED Error

Here’s the step-by-step troubleshooting guide to fix the ERR_CERT_REVOKED issue.

1. Adjust the System’s Date and Time Settings

Why It’s Important:

SSL certificates rely heavily on the system’s date and time to validate connections. An incorrect date or time can confuse the verification process, resulting in the ERR_CERT_REVOKED error.

Steps for Windows:

  1. Click on the Search icon in the taskbar.
  2. Type “Set the time zone automatically” and press Enter.
  3. Toggle the Set time automatically option to ON.
  4. Toggle the Set time zone automatically option to ON.
  5. For older systems: Go to Control Panel > Region and Language > Date and Time.
  6. Click on “Synchronize your clock” and click Sync now.
  7. Restart your computer.

Pro Tip:

Sometimes after syncing the date and time, it might be beneficial to test multiple websites to confirm the issue is resolved. If the problem persists, continue with the next steps.

2. Perform a Clean Boot

Why It’s Important:

Sometimes third-party applications or services can interfere with your system’s network functions, potentially causing SSL errors, including ERR_CERT_REVOKED.

Steps:

  1. Click on the Search icon on the taskbar.
  2. Type “msconfig” and press Enter.
  3. In the System Configuration window:
    • Go to the General tab.
    • Uncheck the box for Load Startup Items.
    • Check the box for Load System Services.
    • Check the Use original boot configuration option.
  4. Switch over to the Services tab.
    • Check the box Hide all Microsoft Services.
    • Click Disable all to prevent third-party services from running at boot.
  5. Hit Apply, then OK, and finally restart your system.

Pro Tip:

Perform a clean boot and slowly re-enable services to isolate the culprit service or application causing the issue.

3. Flush DNS and Reset TCP/IP Configuration

Why It’s Important:

Incorrectly cached DNS data and old IP settings could lead to certificate errors. Flushing DNS and resetting the TCP/IP stack refreshes these settings.

Steps:

  1. Click on the Search icon on the taskbar.
  2. Type “CMD” and select “Run as administrator“.
  3. In the Command Prompt, execute these commands one by one: 
    netsh int ip reset c:\resetlog.txt
ipconfig /flushdns
ipconfig /registerdns
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
  4. Restart your system after running all commands.

4. Disable Antivirus and Firewall (Temporarily)

Why It’s Important:

Overprotective antivirus programs or firewall settings may block Secure Socket Layer (SSL) certificates, viewing them as potential threats.

Steps:

  1. Open your antivirus settings.
  2. Temporarily disable the antivirus.
  3. Disable the Windows firewall or any third-party firewall.
  4. Check to see if the error persists.
  5. If it’s resolved, reconfigure the security software (e.g., whitelist the concerned website).

Pro Tip:

If your antivirus is causing frequent issues, consider switching to a more compatible security suite. NordPass provides robust solutions without interfering with network certificates.

5. Disable Browser Extensions

Why It’s Important:

Browser extensions, especially those dealing with network security (like VPN extensions or Ad-blockers), may block or interfere with SSL certificates, causing the error.

Steps for Google Chrome:

  1. Open Google Chrome.
  2. Click on the three dots (top-right corner) to open the menu.
  3. Go to More tools > Extensions.
  4. Disable all extensions by toggling them OFF.
  5. Restart the browser and check the website.

Pro Tip:

After pinpointing the faulty extension, consider replacing it with a more reputable alternative or updating it to the latest version to avoid conflicts.

6. Reset Google Chrome Browser

Why It’s Important:

Resetting Chrome can clear any corrupted settings or cache that could contribute to the SSL issues.

Steps:

  1. Open Google Chrome.
  2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner.
  3. Go to Settings.
  4. Scroll down and click on Advanced.
  5. Under the Reset and clean up section, click “Restore settings to their original defaults.”
  6. Confirm by clicking Reset Settings.

7. Bypass the Security Warning (Last Resort)

Why It’s Dangerous:

Bypassing the error means you’re ignoring potential risks related to your connection. Only proceed if you’re confident the website is safe and trusted.

Steps:

  1. When the ERR_CERT_REVOKED message appears, click on the Advanced option.
  2. Select “Proceed to [website URL].”

Note: This approach should only be a temporary solution as it bypasses crucial security checks.

8. Mac-Specific Fix: Deleting Problematic Certificates

Why It’s Important:

Some expired or revoked certificates may remain in your Mac’s Keychain Access, which can cause issues with SSL security.

Steps for macOS:

  1. Open Keychain Access from Spotlight or Applications > Utilities.
  2. In the login keychain, search for the following certificates:
    • UTN DATACorp SGC
    • AddTrust External CA Root
  3. Delete these certificates.
  4. Restart your browser and check the website again.

9. Disable VPN or Proxy (If Applicable)

Why It’s Important:

VPNs or proxy settings can sometimes disrupt or reroute network connections, causing SSL certificates to appear invalid or revoked.

Recommendation: Use a trusted VPN like NordVPN. It offers optimized servers for bypassing SSL-related issues while maintaining robust security for your data.

If frequent certificate conflicts occur, pair it with a secure password manager like NordPass to streamline certificate and credential management.

Steps:

  1. On Windows:

    • Go to Settings > Network & Internet > VPN.
    • Disable any enabled VPN.
    • Alternatively, go to Network & Internet > Proxy and toggle off any active proxy server.

  2. On macOS:

    • Go to System Preferences > Network > VPN to disable it.

For additional VPN management, consider using a reliable service like NordVPN for seamless connections without SSL errors.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is ERR_CERT_REVOKED?

ERR_CERT_REVOKED is an SSL error where the browser detects that the website’s security certificate has been revoked by the authority that issued it.

Why does ERR_CERT_REVOKED happen?

This occurs for several reasons, including invalid certificates, wrong system time settings, cache issues, or network interference from security software or VPNs.

Is it safe to bypass ERR_CERT_REVOKED?

No, bypassing the warning exposes you to potential risks, such as hackers intercepting your connection. It’s advisable to fix the underlying issue rather than bypassing the security alert.

Can using a VPN fix ERR_CERT_REVOKED?

A VPN might either help or worsen the issue depending on your connection. If VPN misconfiguration causes the error, turning it off may fix it. Alternatively, services like NordVPN offer excellent privacy without interfering with SSL certificates.

What role does antivirus software play in ERR_CERT_REVOKED?

Many antivirus programs intercept encrypted (SSL) connections to scan for threats, which can sometimes result in certificate errors. Temporarily disabling or reconfiguring the software can resolve the issue.

I hope these steps help you solve the NET::ERR_CERT_REVOKED issue. If you require more specific advice or troubleshooting assistance, feel free to reach out!

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