Cannot Connect Using SSL?
Cannot Connect Using SSL?- Before we get into the topic, lets learn some basics of this topic.
What Does SSL Connection Error Mean And How To Fix It?
Did you know that an SSL certificate is used by more than one-third of today’s websites?
That’s a big jump from only a few years ago when only roughly 7% of websites in the globe had SSL certificates.
Most internet users, on the other hand, have encountered the “SSL connection error” when attempting to access a website.
This issue may also be accompanied by a notice such as “Your connection is not private.”
What Is SSL and How Does It Work?
Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) is an acronym for Secure Sockets Layer.
It’s used to establish a secure data transmission link between the client and the server.
Two keys are used to encrypt this data: a private one and a public one.
The public key is visible to everyone, but the private key is only visible to the message’s receiver.
Instead of the standard “HTTP://,” you’ll see “HTTPS://” in front of a website’s domain name if it has an SSL logo.
This means your connection is more secure, and any information you enter on the website is encrypted to protect it from theft.
What Is A Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) Certificate?
An SSL Certificate is a way of assuring users that the information they send over the internet is safe and secure.
SSL certificates provide information such as the website’s domain, the owner’s address, and other pertinent details.
When someone launches a website, these certificates can be purchased to assist develop trust with internet visitors or consumers.
Why Is There An “SSL Connection Error”?
SSL connection errors are quite common, and they can be caused by a variety of things.
The problem may be discovered on the server that hosts the website, or it may be discovered on the user’s end.
This mistake can occur for a variety of reasons, including:
Do you have a browser issue?
A webpage could be blocked by an antivirus program or a firewall.
- The computer attempting to access the website has an erroneous date and time.
- Using an SSL certificate that isn’t trusted
- The website may contain sensitive information.
- The SSL certificate may contain incorrect information.
- These are only a few of the possible causes of the untrusted certificate error.
It’s also worth noting that such problems may only be transient. You could be unable to access a website today, but you will be able to do so tomorrow.
This problem isn’t limited to a particular website or browser. It’s available in both Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox.
Users have reported encountering this mistake on a variety of websites, including Gmail, Google, and even Reddit.
How to Resolve an SSL Connection Error?
Depending on why the problem develops, there are a variety of treatments available.
You can, for example, change anything in your browser to fix the problem. If the problem shows in the WordPress platform, you can also change the settings there. You can even make changes to your Android phone, as this issue is very common there as well.
Let’s have a look at a couple of options for dealing with the SSL connection problem.
1. Change the date and time.
This is a common source of SSL issues, and it can be resolved in under a minute.
Press the Windows key, then the “R” key, type “timedate. CPL” into the command prompt. This will bring up the time and date settings on your computer.
Check that the information provided is correct and make any required adjustments. If it doesn’t currently fit your time zone, click “Change Time Zone” and select the proper one.
Click “OK” and return to the website. The issue must be resolved.
If the time and date are incorrect every time you turn on your system, the CMOS battery may be malfunctioning.
When the computer is shut off, this battery keeps track of the time. If your computer’s time and date are inaccurate when you turn it on, you should replace the battery.
2 Make a few changes to your browser
A browser issue could be causing the SSL connection error. Here’s what you can do to remedy the situation:
Step 1: Clear Browser History — To enter the settings of your current browser, press CTRL + SHIFT + DELETE at the same time.
- Look for “Clear Browsing Data” or a similar option under “Browsing History.”
- Make sure you delete your browser’s cookies and cache as well.
- Check to check if the problem is still there when you reopen the webpage.
step 2 – Update Your Browser – This is a straightforward step that should be self-explanatory. Look for the “Update Browser” button in the settings of your current browser.
- An older browser can sometimes create an SSL problem, which may be resolved with this simple step.
Step 3 – Use Incognito Tabs – Every browser offers a feature that allows you to explore the web anonymously.
- Access the website in question using an Incognito Tab to determine if the error persists. This has been the solution to many people’s SSL problems.
Step 4 – Reset Your Browser – This option restores your browser to its original state.
- Open your browser’s settings page, click “Advanced,” and look for an option labeled “Reset Browser” or something similar.
- Restart your browser and go back to your website. If the problem persists, proceed to the next step.
Step 5 – Use the Chrome Flag — Use this technique at your own risk.
- This can be a temporary solution to your SSL problem if none of the other approaches worked. It only works with Google Chrome.
- Select “Properties” from the context menu of your Chrome icon.
- Find the “Shortcut” tab. You should see a box next to the “Target:” text where you may type.
After the text in that box, type “chrome.Exe-ignore-certificate-errors.” Make sure anything you type is enclosed in quotations.
Click “Apply” and then “Ok.” Check to verify if the mistake is still there on your website.
This approach tells Google Chrome to ignore security certificates when browsing the web.
This may allow you to get around the SSL connection problem, but it also makes your online presence more open to fraud, so use it at your own risk.
Step 6 – Change Chrome Settings – In some circumstances, lowering the security level in Google Chrome might resolve the SSL problem.
- Go to Chrome’s settings, type “Network,” and then click “Change Proxy Settings.”
- Drag the slider down until you see “Medium-high” security on the “Security” tab. Click “Apply” and then “Ok.”
- Click the “Clear SSL State” button on the “Content” tab, then “Apply,” “Ok,” and restart your browser.
This should hopefully resolve your SSL connection issue.
How to Resolve SSL Issues in WordPress?
If you own a website and use WordPress frequently, you may have already seen the SSL connection error.
Here’s how to get it fixed:
3 Install the SSL Certificate a second time.
When converting from “HTTP://” to “HTTPS://,” you can encounter an issue if you acquired an SSL certificate and manually installed it.
To resolve this issue, try reinstalling the SSL certificate.
If your WordPress hosting provider installed the certificate for you, you can seek help with this problem from them. They might be able to repair the problem by resetting the certificate.
4 Troubleshoot Mixed Content Errors
When some pictures or scripts still use the old “HTTP://” protocol, a mixed content error may display.
This may prevent your website from being fully secure, resulting in an SSL connection error.
You must install the “Really Simple SSL” plugin in WordPress to resolve this issue.
Go to Settings > SSL and review the settings after you’ve activated the plugin. This program works automatically, swiftly correcting mixed content mistakes.
5 Make sure the connection is secured with SSL.
You may still get the SSL connection problem after switching your WordPress site from “HTTP://” to “HTTPS://” on occasion.
Some users claim that mandating the SSL connection from the admin panel solved the problem.
Locate your website’s “wp-config.php” file on the server. To restrict SSL connections, add the following code to that file:
“define(‘FORCE SSL ADMIN, true’);”
Check to see whether this works by refreshing your website.
Check Your Computer For Malware
Even though malware is a rare cause of SSL problems, it is a good idea to try this approach.
6 Use Malwarebytes to get rid of the malware.
Malwarebytes is a well-known application that scans for malware and protects PCs.
It is capable of removing common malware issues that may result in an SSL error. Run a “Quick Scan” and a “Full Scan” with this tool, then restart your computer to see if it works.
Other well-known antivirus products, such as Avast Antivirus, Kaspersky, or BitDefender, can also be used to scan for malware.
7 Turn off anti-virus and firewall software.
Your own firewall or antivirus program may be the source of the SSL issue in some circumstances.
This occurs when an antivirus program incorrectly detects malware on your website.
You can resolve this issue by temporarily turning off your antivirus or firewall. To see if the SSL problem has been resolved, make sure you update your virus definitions and restart your computer.
8 Restore the system
This method should only be used if all other options have failed and you are certain that the SSL issue is caused by you rather than the server.
- To go back to an earlier state, press the “Windows” key, then “R” and “strut.”
- This will open a popup that will guide you through restoring the system to a prior state.
- Consider the last time you were able to view your website without seeing the dreaded untrusted certificate error.
- Select a date before the one on which you believe the problem first appeared from the drop-down option. Click “Next” and wait for Windows to do its thing.
- Did you know that an SSL certificate is used by more than one-third of today’s websites?
- That’s a big jump from only a few years ago when only roughly 7% of websites in the globe had SSL certificates.
- Most internet users, on the other hand, have encountered the “SSL connection error” when attempting to access a website.
- This issue may also be accompanied by a notice such as “Your connection is not private.”
How To Resolve An SSL Error On An Android Phone?
- The SSL error may appear on some Android cellphones.
- To solve the problem, try a few steps similar to the ones listed above.
- Try upgrading your Chrome browser and erasing your browsing data and cookies on your Android phone, for example.
- You should also check the time and date to see if the problem has been resolved.
- Altering your Wi-Fi connection is another possibility.
8 Switch to a different Wi-Fi network
Public Wi-Fi networks should not be relied upon. They are unsafe and may cause SSL issues regularly.
You should connect to a private network and try to view your website again. Is it working now?
You can also make use of your data plan and turn off Wi-Fi for a while. Was the issue resolved as a result of this?
9 Perform a factory reset on your Android device
If nothing else works, including disabling your antivirus app on Android, you may need to reboot your device.
This is a last-ditch effort. Before you reset your Android device, make sure you have a backup of your contents and contacts.
The “Reset” button is located someplace in the settings panel of your smartphone. “Restore to Factory Settings” would be comparable.
Conclusion
It’s not the end of the world if your website receives an SSL connection problem.
Although it can be caused by a variety of circumstances, there are some things you may do to alleviate the problem.
Check out our SSL certificate page to learn more about SSL and to purchase one at a low cost!