This can be frustrating because the ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR can occur when the web page will not open, but you have an Internet connection. The error shows that the main reason behind it is related to a problem during establishing the secure connection between the browser and the website.
Relax, because this problem is easily remedied with no technical expertise at all. This article will explain the cause of the error, how to correct the error, and how the error can be the result of the website itself.
What Is ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR?
ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR is basically a browser type message, it tells you the SSL/TLS handshake did not land correctly, so the system can’t build a secure link. Usually it happens because there’s some mismatch or problem between the browser and the server, like the whole encrypted tunnel, cannot be set up in the expected way. You might see it on Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and on other browsers that are built on Chromium, depending on how the connection is negotiated at that moment.
This error doesn’t mean that anything is wrong with the Internet connection, because it can be the result of the browser settings, PC settings, antivirus program, or website.
Common Causes of ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR
There can be a variety of causes of this error message. Knowing the cause will make troubleshooting easier.
Old Version of the Browser
It is possible that your browser is simply outdated enough not to offer proper TLS capabilities or has some bugs that could interfere with the secure connection process.
Wrong Date and Time
The system date and time of your computer become important when secure certificate verification is used by a website. The incorrect date, time, or time zone may result in a failed verification and in ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR.
Corrupted Browser Cache and Cookies
There can be an issue due to the recent upgrade of your browser or a change in the security settings of the website that can corrupt the cache and cookies.
VPNs or Proxy Configuration Problem
In case you are accessing a website via proxy or virtual private network, their settings, blocked ports, and unstable connection will lead to problems during the TLS handshake process.
HTTPS Scanning of Antivirus/Firewall
Some security software scans encrypted traffic. Their HTTPS scanning function may conflict with either your browser or the website’s settings and cause connection problems.
Website’s SSL/TLS Configuration Problems
Sometimes there might not be any problem on your side whatsoever. There could be a few issues with your site’s certificate expiration date, or the server setup, protocol, and TLS configuration maybe.
How to Fix ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR
Just go along with these steps , one after another, and see if you can sort out your problem by doing exactly that .
1. Verify Internet Connection
Begin with basic troubleshooting. Open a couple of other websites. If all pages won’t load correctly, restart your router and reestablish your internet connection.
If other sites operate correctly, chances are the problem is related to the particular website, browser, or security settings.
2. Verify Date and Time
In Windows, you need to navigate to Settings, then Time & Language. Enable automatic time and time zone settings here.
Secondly, close and launch your browser. To fix ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR you really need an accurate system clock, because this error pops up when certificate checking fails due to the wrong time settings.
3. Update Your Browser
Visit the About section in your browser and update if there are any available updates. Install the stable version of your browser and restart.
Keeping your browser increases security and improves its compatibility with current SSL/TLS configurations.
4. Emptying Browser Cache and Cookies
In some instances, the cache and cookies may be a hindrance on the internet. In this regard, it is advisable to clear your cache and cookies. If the above fails, then another step to take is to remove the cookies from the specific website.
Note that once you delete the cookies, you will have to sign in again to the websites you had logged into. It would thus be wise for you to save your sign-in details.
5. Disabling Your VPN or Proxy
If you use a Virtual Private Network (VPN), then you can turn it off and open the website. You can try turning off the proxy service too.
If you can access the website after that, it means that the problem lies in your proxy or your virtual network. You should check their settings or change the servers.
6. Disabling the Security Software Temporarily
Certain antivirus software scans the traffic via HTTP Secure (HTTPS). It is therefore necessary to determine whether the antivirus causes the problem.
But you should not turn off the antivirus program since the problem can be solved through updating it or changing some of its settings.
7. Opening the Private Window
Try opening the page in private/incognito mode. The impact of browser extensions or settings will be minimized.
If you succeed in launching the website in this mode, then the problem is related to browser extensions or cookies.
8. Disable Browser Extensions
Extensions might interfere with the web connection. Turn off extensions one by one and reload the website every time.
Start with extensions that affect your privacy and security, such as a browser’s built-in proxy or any other traffic-filtering software.
9. Try Another Browser or Device
Open the website in another browser. Also try using the site from a mobile device or another computer.
If it loads successfully, the problem is in your original browser or device. If the website fails to load on other devices, then there might be an issue with either the website or the network.
10. Flush DNS Cache
DNS cache can be a problem for your connection. In Windows, it will be done through the use of:
ipconfig /flushdns
And then restarting your web browser.
11. Restart Your Router
If there is an issue connecting multiple devices to the same website, restart your router. Wait until the connection is restored completely before testing.
This may be useful in case of problems with network and DNS settings, but will not solve the issue of a broken SSL certificate or server settings.
What If ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR Occurs on One Site Only?
If everything is alright with other sites, while you experience ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR with only one particular domain, try not to do anything big with your computer just yet.
The website might be having some SSL/TLS issue on its servers; their SSL certificate may have expired, the chain might be incorrect, or they might have set up some other protocols or ciphers that don’t work well with your system.
Just try connecting to the site after some time from another network connection.
Is ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR a Security Threat?
There is nothing to do with hacking of your computer with this error. In most instances, the browser is only rejecting any attempt to connect to something that is not secured.
This rejection is useful in a number of ways. Do not ignore the security warnings by the browsers for the sake of accessing any web page, especially those which require a password or payment details.
A browser that rejects any insecure connection may be protecting your data from exposure.
How Website Owners Can Fix the Error
You must configured your SSL/TLS settings in your website correctly. You should also confirm the SSL/TLS certificate, as well as confirm that the domain name on the website is complete.
There are a number of other things that need to be verified about the SSL/TLS configurations, including the TLS protocol, ciphers used, redirect, reverse proxy, and CDNs. Server logs might come in handy when trying to trace the handshakes and protocol issues. Furthermore, you can test the domain through the use of an SSL/TLS checker.
Moreover, it is recommended for website owners to maintain up-to-date versions of server software and security components. Old configuration might cause problems with browser compatibility.
Quick Troubleshooting Checklist
Here is a checklist that can help you if you want a quick fix:
- Make sure that other websites function correctly.
- Make sure that your system is correctly set to the right date & time.
- Get the newest version of your internet browser software.
- Flush the cache memory of your internet browser.
- Disconnect from all virtual private networks/proxy servers.
- Check your antivirus’ HTTPS scanning settings.
- Use the Incognito mode in your browser.
- Turn off any browser add-ons.
- Use a different browser or a different computer.
- DNS flush.
- Router reset.
- Contact the webmaster if all these things did not help.
The above list will allow you to determine the source of the problem.
When Should You Contact Support?
The website owner must be contacted when the problem is occurring only at their website and persists despite being checked in different browsers and from different locations.
If it is a computer belonging to your work, you need to contact your IT administrator as this problem might be because of some security programs or corporate proxies.
If you yourself are managing the website, check your SSL certificate and TLS configurations.
Final Thoughts
ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR might seem difficult, but the reason behind this error is simple enough. Data in your browser, incorrect time settings on your system, settings of your VPN, anti-virus programs, networks, or even the SSL/TLS protocol of the website itself could be behind this.
The solution starts with easy ways like checking the system clock, upgrading the browser, clearing the cache, or even trying a new connection. If you have the issue with just one website, then maybe the server requires some attention.
The trick is to fix things properly without ignoring the security warnings. A secure connection must run without ignoring any certificates or protocols by your browser.
