How to fix ERR_SSL_UNRECOGNIZED_NAME_ALERT. Free immediate support

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How to fix ERR_SSL_UNRECOGNIZED_NAME_ALERT. Free immediate support






How to Fix the ERR_SSL_UNRECOGNIZED_NAME_ALERT Error

Learn how to troubleshoot the ERR_SSL_UNRECOGNIZED_NAME_ALERT error caused by issues with SSL certificates or server configurations. Discover step-by-step solutions, including checking SSL validity, fixing mismatched domains, clearing browser cache, and updating server configurations. Advanced fixes may involve DNS adjustments or contacting your hosting provider.

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Key Takeaways

  • ERR_SSL_UNRECOGNIZED_NAME_ALERT typically indicates issues with SSL certificates and server configuration.
  • Mismatched domain names and expired certificates are common triggers for this error.
  • Follow a step-by-step troubleshooting process to fix the issue.
  • Solutions include checking your SSL certificate, fixing server and DNS configurations, and clearing browser cache and cookies.
  • Advanced solutions may require contacting your hosting provider or reissuing the SSL certificate.

Step-by-Step Guide to Fixing the ERR_SSL_UNRECOGNIZED_NAME_ALERT Error

1. Check Your SSL Certificate

SSL certificates ensure secure interactions between web servers and browsers. Misconfigurations or invalid certificates are the leading cause of the ERR_SSL_UNRECOGNIZED_NAME_ALERT issue.

  • Ensure Validity: First and foremost, check if your SSL certificate is still valid. Use SSL Labs' SSL Test to confirm the certificate status.

  • Self-Signed Certificates: Check if your site is using a self-signed SSL certificate. Browsers do not trust self-signed certificates, which can trigger the error. If you’re in this situation, it is crucial to get a certificate from a trusted CA like GoDaddy, DigiCert, or Let’s Encrypt.

    Expert Tip: Always opt for automatically renewing certificates to avoid downtimes. Trusted providers like NordVPN include setups for certificate updates that greatly minimize such errors.

2. Verify Certificate Configuration

Correct certificate configuration is essential to avoid SSL errors like this one.

  • Match Domain Names: Ensure the domain name on the SSL certificate exactly matches the domain being accessed. For instance, your www.example.com certificate must match both example.com and its subdomains.

  • Intermediate Certificates Check: Missing or improperly configured intermediate certificates can lead to SSL errors. The chain should link your SSL certificate to a trusted root certificate authority.

    Quick Fix: Use SSL Shopper’s Certificate Checker to verify if your certificate chain is valid and correctly installed.

3. Clear Browser Cache and Cookies

SSL information can be cached in your browser, leading to issues when certificates are updated or changed.

  • Clear Cache: Clear the browser’s cache to ensure it fetches the latest SSL certificate data. For Chrome users, navigate to Settings > Privacy and Security > Clear browsing data.

  • Clear Cookies: Cookies store some SSL/TLS data. Clear cookies to eliminate any disruption caused by outdated elements. In Chrome: Settings > Privacy and Security > Clear browsing data > Cookies and other site data.

    Pro Tip: Use NordPass to safely store your passwords and easily manage session cookies across browsers. This can make clearing cookies less tedious.

4. Update the SSL Certificate

Expired or compromised SSL certificates can also cause ERR_SSL_UNRECOGNIZED_NAME_ALERT.

  • Renew Certificate: If the SSL certificate is expired or invalid, you need to renew it with a trusted provider like Let's Encrypt or GlobalSign. Ensure that the new certificate installation is correct.

  • Check Propagation: After updating or renewing your SSL certificate, propagation across all servers can take time—especially if you're using Cloudflare or AWS CDN.

    Pro Tip: Here, patience is key. While waiting for DNS propagation, avoid unnecessary troubleshooting to prevent further complications.

5. Configure Website to Load Over HTTPS

Switching configurations involving HTTP and HTTPS is sometimes at fault.

  • Implement 301 Redirects: Configure your server to automatically redirect HTTP requests to HTTPS using 301 redirects. This is especially important for SEO and avoiding mixed-content warnings.

    # NGINX HTTPS Redirection
server {
    listen 80;
    server_name www.example.com;
    return 301 https://$host$request_uri;
}

    Expert Tip: If you are switching multiple pages to HTTPS, consider updating all internal links and bookmarks to direct straight to the HTTPS version.

  • Update Internal Links and Search Console: Update internal links to point to HTTPS. Also, don’t forget to add your HTTPS version in Google Search Console.

6. Optimize Server Configuration

Sometimes the issue lies in how your server serves the SSL certificate.

  • Verify that Server Uses Correct SSL: Ensure your web server (whether Apache, NGINX, or others) is configured to serve the correct SSL for your domain.

  • DNS Checks: Ensure DNS servers point to the correct IP address that runs the SSL certificate. If you’ve recently changed hosting, a DNS misconfiguration could cause the ERR_SSL_UNRECOGNIZED_NAME_ALERT error.

    Pro Tip: If you're running into problems with DNS frequently, consider an easy-to-use DNS checker like MiniTool Partition Wizard.

7. Contact Your Hosting Provider

  • Get Technical Assistance: If all else fails, this is a hosting-related issue that might need intervention from your hosting provider. Open a support ticket or schedule a call with your host—providers like Bluehost, SiteGround, or HostGator might need to reinstall your SSL certificate.

    Pro Tip: It’s always a good idea to backup before contacting hosting providers or making significant certificate changes. Use a tool like EaseUS Todo Backup to ensure no progress is lost.

Additional Tips

  • Generate CSR Correctly: Always generate the Certificate Signing Request (CSR) using your site's live domain to avoid certificate mismatches. Failure to do this can cause name-alert issues.

  • Single Domain Certificates: For simplicity and compatibility across browsers, use a single domain SSL certificate instead of wildcard ones whenever possible.

  • Auto-Renew: Set your certificates for automatic renewal to prevent expiration surprises. Providers like Cloudflare, Let’s Encrypt, and DigiCert support auto-renewing SSL.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What causes the ERR_SSL_UNRECOGNIZED_NAME_ALERT error?

This error typically occurs when there is an issue with the SSL certificate of the website. Common causes include expired certificates, mismatched domain names, or incorrect server settings.

2. How long does DNS propagation usually take after updating an SSL certificate?

DNS propagation can take anywhere from a few minutes to 48 hours, depending on the TTL you’ve set for your domain.

3. What happens if I use a self-signed SSL certificate?

A self-signed SSL certificate will not be trusted by major browsers, and users will receive a security warning. It's recommended to use a certificate from a trusted Certificate Authority.

4. Is it necessary to clear cookies and cache when solving SSL errors?

Yes, clearing cookies and cache is a simple troubleshooting step to ensure your browser fetches the most recent SSL configuration.

5. What should I do if my SSL certificate is valid but I’m still seeing the error?

If your certificate is valid and properly configured, check your server and DNS settings. If issues persist, consult your hosting provider.

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