How to fix ERR_SSL_DECOMPRESSION_FAILURE_ALERT. Free immediate support

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How to fix ERR_SSL_DECOMPRESSION_FAILURE_ALERT. Free immediate support






How to Fix ERR_SSL_DECOMPRESSION_FAILURE_ALERT

Learn how to resolve the ERR_SSL_DECOMPRESSION_FAILURE_ALERT error caused by SSL/TLS misconfigurations or outdated system settings. Discover step-by-step instructions, including fixing system time, clearing browser cache, disabling QUIC protocol, and adjusting firewall or antivirus settings. Advanced solutions like clearing the system's SSL state or enabling certain SSL/TLS versions are also covered. For additional help, use our free chatbot designed to assist with technical issues.

Key Takeaways

  • Problem: The ERR_SSL_DECOMPRESSION_FAILURE_ALERT is typically caused by SSL/TLS misconfigurations or outdated browser/network settings.
  • Quick Fixes: Check system time, clear browser cache, and ensure your browser is up to date.
  • Advanced Fixes: Disable QUIC protocol, adjust firewall/antivirus settings, clear SSL state, or enable older SSL/TLS versions.
  • Tools: You may need to adjust network protocols and permissions in Chrome settings or firewall/antivirus software.

Step-by-Step Guide to Fixing ERR_SSL_DECOMPRESSION_FAILURE_ALERT

In the following detailed guide, I’ll provide both basic and advanced steps you can take to resolve the ERR_SSL_DECOMPRESSION_FAILURE_ALERT, a common SSL/TLS-related issue.

1. Check System Date and Time

SSL certificates rely on correct system time for validation. An incorrect date or time may cause SSL-related errors.

  1. On Windows:

    • Open the Start Menu and type date & time settings.
    • Toggle Set time automatically to ON.
    • Set the correct time zone and click Sync now to synchronize.

  2. On macOS:

    • Go to System Preferences > Date & Time.
    • Enable Set date and time automatically.
    • Ensure the correct Time Zone is selected.

Expert tip: Ensure you are using a reliable time server. Often, connecting to a public NTP server (like Google’s time.google.com) could help in consistently setting the correct time.

2. Clear Browser Cache and Cookies

Old SSL data might be stored in the browser’s cache, which can trigger decryption errors.

  • Chrome:

    1. Click the three dots menu > More tools > Clear browsing data.
    2. Select Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files.
    3. Choose the time range to All time and hit Clear data.

  • Firefox:

    1. Open the Menu (three bars) > Settings > Privacy & Security.
    2. Under Cookies and Site Data, click Clear Data.

  • Safari:

1. Go to the **Develop** menu and select **Empty Caches**.

Expert Tip: Regularly clearing cache improves both security and browser performance. Set a reminder to clear it monthly or after visiting SSL-heavy websites.

3. Disable QUIC Protocol (Optional)

QUIC is a transport layer protocol often enabled by default in browsers like Chrome. Disabling it can sometimes resolve SSL-related issues.

  1. In Chrome:
    • Copy and paste chrome://flags/#enable-quic into the URL bar.
    • Set Experimental QUIC Protocol to Disabled.
    • Relaunch Chrome.

Expert comment: QUIC was designed to reduce latency, but in some configurations, it can interfere with your SSL/TLS handshake. If disabling works, leave it off unless you specifically need faster browsing speeds in supported applications.

4. Adjust Firewall or Antivirus Settings

Your third-party antivirus or firewall software might be overly aggressive and block legitimate SSL traffic.

  • Avast:

    1. Open Avast.
    2. Navigate to Settings > Exclusions.
    3. Add the problematic URLs to the browser exclusion list.

  • AVG:

    1. Go to Options > Advanced Settings.
    2. In the Web Browsing Protection section, add sites to SSL Exclusions.

Expert Anecdote: I’ve encountered this issue multiple times while testing antivirus software. Many default settings aggressively block certain encrypted sites—especially when using sensitive online services like banking. Always check for these exclusions if SSL problems persist.

5. Reset Browser Settings (Last Resort)

If everything else fails, you may need to reset your browser to its default configuration. This should be used with caution, as it will wipe saved passwords, extensions, and cookies.

  • Chrome Desktop:

    1. Go to Settings > Reset and clean up > Restore settings to their original defaults.

  • Firefox:

    1. Click the menu icon followed by Help > Troubleshooting Information.
    2. Click the Refresh Firefox button.

Expert advice: Use this as the last solution. Export your bookmarks and backup important data before performing a complete reset.

6. Clear SSL State in the System (Advanced)

In some cases, clearing the system’s SSL cache can resolve SSL/TLS connection issues.

  1. Windows:
    • Open the Control Panel and go to Network and Internet > Internet Options.
    • Click the Content tab.
    • Under the Certificates section, click Clear SSL state.

Expert insight: This can be overlooked easily but is often crucial. It’s similar to clearing browser cache, but it works on a system level, clearing any corrupted SSL data stored across applications.

7. Enable All SSL/TLS Versions (Last Resort)

In rare cases, a website might use an older, less secure version of SSL/TLS. Enabling older protocols could solve the issue.

  1. Chrome:
    • Go to Settings > Advanced > System > Open proxy settings.
    • Under the Advanced Tab, scroll to the Security section.
    • Check Use SSL 2.0, Use SSL 3.0, as well as Use TLS 1.0/1.1/1.2/1.3.

Expert Caution: SSL 2.0 and 3.0 are antiquated and vulnerable to attacks. Enable them only if you are accessing legacy systems and disable afterward.

8. Check for Browser and OS Updates

Make sure both your browser and operating system are running the latest available updates.

  • Chrome:

    • Open Menu > Help > About Google Chrome. The latest version will automatically download.

  • Windows:

    • Check in Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.

Expert Suggestion: SSL-related bugs are often fixed in security patches. Keeping your software updated can solve many issues automatically.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What causes ERR_SSL_DECOMPRESSION_FAILURE_ALERT?

This error typically occurs because of a misconfigured SSL/TLS handshake, often due to incorrect system time, outdated settings, or browser cache.

2. Can antivirus software cause ERR_SSL_DECOMPRESSION_FAILURE_ALERT?

Yes, overly aggressive firewall or antivirus settings can sometimes block SSL traffic, thinking it’s suspicious. Whitelist valid sites and check SSL exclusions in the settings.

3. Do I need QUIC enabled for my browser to function correctly?

No. While QUIC reduces latency in certain scenarios, disabling it should not affect basic web browsing, and can actually solve SSL/TLS errors in some cases.

4. Is enabling older SSL/TLS versions safe?

Enabling older SSL/TLS versions like SSL 2.0 or 3.0 is not recommended because of their vulnerabilities. Only enable these protocols if absolutely necessary and disable them afterward.

5. Will disabling my antivirus fix the problem permanently?

Disabling antivirus is a temporary solution to identify if it’s the cause. Whitelist sites instead of disabling protection long-term.

By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the ERR_SSL_DECOMPRESSION_FAILURE_ALERT and resume secure browsing. Don’t forget to explore some handy tools from trusted providers for added security and recovery:

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