How To Fix ‘Err_SSL_Protocol_Error’

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Do you use Google Chrome for browsing? If yes, then you might have come across one such website which would have displayed an error “This site can’t provide a secure connection” or an “ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR”.

Well you are not the only one facing this issue. Many internet users across the world face this issue while browsing using chrome. This error can arise when the browser is unable to provide a secure connection to the server.

This error usually occurs when the SSL connections are not enabled. Sometimes, it is not necessary that SSL connections are an issue. Such types of errors can arise in the websites having the SSL connections enabled as well.

Fix Err_SSL_Protocol_Error

Such types of errors can arise even in those websites that are most used by internet users. Websites having an updated SSL/TLS version with the best security can also have such types of errors.

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Sometimes it gets difficult to discern where the problem actually lies, in order to fix the ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR.

Since we cannot connect our system to yours to know why in particular such error is arising in your system, but not to worry we can provide you with some solutions to fix the ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR. So, now let’s see how we can fix this problem.

Understanding Err_SSL_Protocol_Error

The Err_SSL_Protocol_Error is a common SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate-related error message that appears in the Google Chrome browser.

SSL is a security protocol that ensures encrypted communication between your browser and a web server, protecting sensitive information from being intercepted by malicious actors.

When this error occurs, it signifies that Chrome has encountered an issue with the SSL certificate of the website you are trying to visit.

Key Aspects of the Err_SSL_Protocol_Error:

  1. SSL Certificates: SSL certificates are digital certificates issued to websites by Certificate Authorities (CAs). They confirm the identity of the website and establish a secure connection with the user’s browser.
  2. Secure Connection: SSL is essential for secure data transmission, especially when dealing with sensitive information like login credentials, financial transactions, or personal data.
  3. Error Types: The Err_SSL_Protocol_Error can manifest in different ways, such as “ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR,” “This site can’t provide a secure connection,” or “SSL connection error.”
  4. Causes: The error can be caused by various factors, including certificate issues, misconfigurations, outdated browser settings, or problems on the website’s server.

Common Causes of Err_SSL_Protocol_Error

To effectively address the Err_SSL_Protocol_Error, it is crucial to understand its underlying causes. Here are some common factors that can trigger this error:

  1. SSL Certificate Problems:
    • Expired Certificate: SSL certificates have a validity period, and if a website’s certificate has expired, it can lead to this error.
    • Mismatched Certificate: When the certificate presented by the website does not match the domain you are trying to access, Chrome raises the error.
  2. Browser Issues:
    • Outdated Browser: Using an outdated version of Google Chrome can result in SSL-related errors, including the Err_SSL_Protocol_Error.
    • Incorrect Date and Time: An incorrect system date and time on your device can lead to SSL certificate validation failures.
  3. Server and Website Configuration:
    • Insecure Ciphers: Servers using outdated or insecure encryption ciphers may trigger this error in modern browsers.
    • HSTS Preload: Websites with HSTS (HTTP Strict Transport Security) preload may require secure connections, and any SSL certificate issue can lead to an error.
  4. Firewall or Security Software:
    • Overzealous security software or firewall settings can interfere with SSL connections and trigger SSL-related errors.

How To Fix Err_SSL_Protocol_Error

There are various ways to fix this error. The solutions range from adjusting the date and time settings of the system to enabling all the SSL/TLS versions for the system. It can be any method that could be a solution to fixing the error.

Since, you are not here to research fixing the error, but to know how to fix the error. So, let’s find out some probable solutions to your problem. Here are a few methods and solutions to fix this problem. You can use any solution which can solve your problem.

Fix 1: Setting The Correct Date and Time

Well yes, date and time can be an issue that could lead to ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR. If your system is having an incorrect date and time then it will lead to the error. So, to avoid such type of errors, you must keep the system date and time up-to-date.

It can be done in a few simple steps: –

Step 1: Go to the start menu.

Step 2: Click on the date and time settings.

Step 3: Click on the “change date and time” settings.

Step 4: Click on the time zone to change

Step 5: After changing, press OK.

That’s it.

Why is the date and time settings important? Date and time settings are important because there is a certificate issued for SSL/TLS versions but with a time period.

So, date and time should be kept up to date with the date and time of the issuance of the certificate along with the expiry date of the certificate.

The date and time settings of the system help in knowing about the authenticity of the certificate. If there is any issue in the date and time settings, it will lead to authenticity issues which will result in arising of ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERRORS.

Fix 2: Clearing Chrome’s Browsing Data

Another method to fix this error can be the clearing of chrome’s browsing data. It is very simple to clear browsing data. You can simply use Ctrl + Shift + Delete and the browsing data will be cleared.

Another way to clear browsing data is: –

Step 1: Go to start menu of chrome.

Step 2: Click on the menu option at the top right.

Step 3: Click on the history there.

Step 4: Click on the clear browsing data.

And it’s done.

Fix 3: Clearing Your SSL State

There may be times when the above 2 steps might not help. So, another option to fix the problem is by clearing the SSL state in internet options settings on your system.

It can be done in just a few simple steps: –

Step 1: First of all, go to start.

Step 2: Secondly, click on the control panel.

Step 3: Then, click on the network and internet.

Step 4: Next, click on internet options and on content.

Step 5: Lastly, click on “Clear SSL state”.

FIX 4: DISABLING QUIC PROTOCOL

Google chrome’s secured connection is provided with the help of QUIC protocol. The QUIC protocol is open by default in settings.

There are times when conflicting issues might arise between QUIC protocol and SSL protocol of the site due to which the error might occur.

In order to fix this error QUIC protocol should be disabled.

Step 1: Go to your google chrome browser.

Step 2: In the enter URL field, type:

chrome://flags/#enable-QUIC

Step 3: Then press Enter.

Step 4: Now go to the experimental QUIC protocol.

Step 5: Open the drop-down menu.

Step 6: Click on the disabled option to disable it.

FIX 5: CHECKING YOUR ANTI-VIRUS SETTINGS

Warning: This method is not completely safe. Anti-virus settings of the systems are installed to protect the system from any type of threat or risk to the system. Adjustment or changes in the anti-virus settings could result in a risk to the system.

Though it is a bit risky to change anti-virus settings because anti-virus settings protect the system from harmful sites i.e. the sites that still use old SSL protocols.

But yes, anti-virus settings can also be a reason for the error to arise as the anti-virus work is to protect the system from any type of threat or risk posed by an insecure site.

So, at times this becomes a reason for the error to arise when anti-virus settings stop us from visiting such sites.

Follow the steps to check the anti-virus settings: –

Step 1: Go to settings.

Step 2: Check whether the anti-virus is scanning SSL protocol of the site.

Step 3: If it is, then disable the scanning features.

If the error continues then revert to the original settings. There are various ways to adjust anti-virus settings. There are various ways to change anti-virus settings for different types of anti-virus software as the UI and settings are different for every software.

 FIX 6: ENABLING ALL SSL/TLS VERSIONS- THE LAST RESORT

Warning: This method is not completely safe. Enabling all SSL/TLS versions would lead to permissions to those sites as well that are using older versions of SSL/TLS protocols which can lead to a risk to your system.

It’s time for the last resort if nothing of the above-mentioned solution works. Like adjustment in the anti-virus settings is not safe, similarly enabling all SSL/TLS versions is also not safe.

Enabling all SSL/TLS versions means visiting those sites as well that use older versions of SSL/TLS. It could pose a threat or risk to the system. Chrome by default blocks those sites that use older versions of SSL/TLS versions. To enable all SSL/TLS versions:-

Step 1: Go to the start menu.

Step 2: Search or go to the control panel.

Step 3: Click on the internet options.

Step 4: Click on the advanced tab.

Step 5: Tick all the options:

  • Use SSL 3.0
  • Use TLS 1.0
  • Use TLS 1.1
  • Use TLS 1.2

Step 6: Click on apply and press the OK button to save the configuration.

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Conclusion

We live in a technology-driven world. Machines and software are developed by humans and might encounter technical glitches.

We hope these methods might help you in fixing your ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR or This site cannot provide a secure connection to your chrome error. Please do let us know if the error persists.

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