How to fix ERR_CERT_INVALID. Step-by-Step Guide

How to Fix ERR_CERT_INVALID Error Step by Step

The ERR_CERT_INVALID error signals an issue with the SSL certificate of a website. This guide covers simple solutions like reloading the page, clearing browser cache, adjusting system time, and verifying the SSL certificate chain. Additional tips include disabling antivirus temporarily or updating the browser to remove such errors. Always exercise caution when bypassing the error, as it may pose security risks.

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Key Takeaways:

The ERR_CERT_INVALID error indicates problems with the SSL Certificate of the website you’re visiting.
Clearing cache, browser settings, or antivirus software may help. Tools like EaseUS DriverHandy can assist in resolving network-related SSL issues efficiently.
Ensure the website’s certificate chain is correct and verify system date for time-related SSL errors.
Temporarily bypass the error, but be aware of security risks. For secure browsing, consider using NordVPN to enhance privacy while troubleshooting such errors.

Complete Guide to Fixing the `ERR_CERT_INVALID` Error

SSL certificate issues can directly affect your browsing experience, leading to errors such as ERR_CERT_INVALID. When this happens, it often implies problems with the security certificate of the website you’re trying to reach. Follow the steps below to troubleshoot and fix this issue effectively.

1. Reload the Page

Sometimes the simplest solutions are the most effective. Refreshing the webpage might resolve temporary errors or connection issues.

How: Click the browser’s refresh button or press F5 to reload the webpage.
Reason: A temporary connection error might be causing the SSL certificate to not load properly.

2. Clear Browser Cache and History

An outdated cache can prevent your browser from recognizing updated SSL certificates. Make sure to clear the browser cache.

Click on the browser menu (three vertical dots in the top right corner).
Navigate to Settings > Privacy and Security.
Choose Clear browsing data.
Select the Cached images and files option and click Clear Data.

Expert Insight: Always perform cache clearing whenever facing such SSL errors, as cached data can often be out of sync with actual server settings.

3. Disable Antivirus or Firewall Temporarily

Sometimes, over-aggressive antivirus programs interfere with SSL certificates by misidentifying them as a threat. Disabling your antivirus software temporarily can help diagnose if that’s the underlying cause.

Disable real-time protection on your antivirus software for a short period.
Try accessing the site again to see if the error persists.

Note: Always remember to re-enable your antivirus to maintain security after testing.

Expert Recommendation: For secure and uninterrupted browsing, pair your antivirus with NordVPN. Its encrypted connections work seamlessly, mitigating SSL-related disruptions caused by regional or security conflicts.

4. Update Date and Time Settings

SSL certificates are time-sensitive. If your system’s date and time are incorrect, the certificates might appear invalid.

Navigate to your system’s Date and Time Settings.
Ensure Set time automatically is enabled.
Check if the timezone is correct.

Expert Tip: Always ensure the time synchronization is aligned with your local timezone settings for accurate SSL certificate validation.

5. Update Your Browser

Outdated browser versions may not support the latest SSL protocols required by some websites.

In Google Chrome, click on the three dots menu > Help > About Google Chrome.
Chrome will automatically check for updates and install any available.

Expert Advice: Always keep your browser updated to the latest version to avoid compatibility issues with SSL certificates.

6. Reset Chrome to Default Settings

If there are issues with your browser configuration, resetting Chrome’s settings can help.

Click the three dots menu.
Go to Settings > Advanced.
Scroll down and select Reset settings.
Confirm by choosing Reset Settings.
Restart your computer after resetting.

This should reset the browser to its default state, fixing any setting-based issue causing the error.

7. Clear SSL Cache

Your system stores SSL certificates locally in an SSL cache. If this cache is corrupted or outdated, clearing it may help fix SSL-related errors.

Open the Windows Control Panel.
Select Network and Internet > Internet Options.
Click the Content tab, and under Certificates, press Clear SSL State.

Restart your browser after clearing the SSL cache to see if the issue persists.

8. Verify Certificate Chain

Sometimes, the error is caused by a broken certificate chain. The certificate chain involves intermediate certificates that link a site’s SSL to a trusted root certificate.

Click the lock icon next to the address bar (in Chrome).
Click Certificate (Valid) or Not Secure.
Look for any errors in the chain, such as missing or self-signed certificates.

Expert Tip: Ensure that all intermediate certificates are correctly installed on the web server—this is critical for SSL validation.

9. Reinstall or Update SSL Certificate

If you are managing the website experiencing the error, you may need to reinstall or update your SSL certificate.

If you’re using a hosting provider’s SSL, contact their support team for assistance.
If you’ve manually installed your SSL, ensure it is up to date and that HTTPS is properly configured.

Expert Insight: Platforms like NordPass offer secure solutions for managing SSL certificates, ensuring timely renewals and secure storage to avoid interruptions.

10. Check Certificate Expiration Date

SSL certificates expire and need to be renewed periodically. If a certificate has expired, it will lead to an invalid certificate error.

Open the certificate details the same way you checked the certificate chain.
Ensure the certificate is within the “Valid Before” and “Valid After” dates.

If expired, promptly renew the certificate from its issuer.

11. Contact the SSL Certificate Issuer

If you’ve tried all the steps and the issue remains unresolved, the problem might lie with the SSL certificate itself.

Contact your SSL certificate provider to verify if there’s a known issue with the issuance.
They may either reissue a new certificate or guide you through advanced troubleshooting steps.

12. Temporary Workaround (Unsafe)

As a last resort, there’s a way to bypass the error temporarily—though it’s not recommended for security-conscious users.

On the error screen, type thisisunsafe and hit Enter.

This will force Chrome to bypass the ERR_CERT_INVALID error.

Warning: Using this method can expose you to potentially insecure websites. Do it only if you are absolutely sure you trust the site.

FAQs:

1. Why does Google Chrome show `ERR_CERT_INVALID`?

This error typically occurs when there’s an issue with the SSL certificate of the website, like that it’s expired, improperly configured, or untrusted.

2. Does clearing cache fix SSL certificate errors?

Yes, clearing your browser’s cache can solve the problem if your browser is using an outdated version of the website’s certificate.

3. Is it safe to bypass the `ERR_CERT_INVALID` warning in Chrome?

Bypassing removes the browser’s security block, but it’s unsafe. You risk exposing your data to an insecure site, so use this with caution.

4. Can my antivirus cause SSL certificate errors?

Yes, some antivirus software can interfere with SSL certificates and cause errors like ERR_CERT_INVALID by blocking certain certificates it sees as suspicious.

5. Will using a VPN help avoid `ERR_CERT_INVALID` errors?

Yes, a VPN like NordVPN can mitigate certain SSL errors caused by regional restrictions or ISP-related interference, offering a secure and private browsing experience. While it may not resolve all certificate-related issues, it significantly enhances online safety and privacy.

End of guide.

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