Have you encountered the err_ssl_protocol_error in Google Chrome? As the most preferred web browser among Internet users, chances are you have. But what exactly does this Google Chrome error mean? In this article, we will talk about the ins and outs of the err_ssl_protocol_error and provide you with a couple of tips to help you fix this pesky issue.
Read on to find out more!
But first… what is Google Chrome?
Put simply, Google Chrome is a free Internet browser developed by tech giant Google. It was first released in 2008 and has become one of the most popular web browsers with more than three billion users worldwide or more than 60% of the web browser market share. An open-source program, Google Chrome is available for Linux, Mac OS X, Windows, Android, and iOS operating systems.
While Google Chrome is certainly up there in terms of popularity, it’s far from perfect. If you’re one of the three billion Google Chrome users, it’s highly likely that you’ve encountered several annoying Google Chrome flaws and bugs. One of them is the err_ssl_protocol_error.
What does the err_ssl_protocol_error mean?
As the name implies, the err_ssl_protocol_error in Google Chrome refers to an SSL protocol issue that occurs whenever a web browser is unable to establish a safe connection. Typically, users encounter an error page that looks like this:
In the error, it says that a certain website can’t provide a secure connection and is sending an “invalid response.” Since the issue can be found either on the user’s end or the server hosting a website, it can sometimes be tricky to pinpoint where the issue is stemming from.
What causes the err_ssl_protocol_error in Google Chrome?
When fixing any type of error, it’s always best to understand where the issue is coming from. This helps users fix the problem in a more effective and efficient way. It can even help you prevent the issue from happening again! Fortunately for you, we compiled a list of the most common reasons why you might see the err_ssl_protocol_error:
- Wrong date and time settings
- Antivirus/firewall settings
- Outdated Google Chrome browser
- Browser extensions interfering with your connection
- Cache stored in your browser
While this is not a comprehensive list of sources that can cause the err_ssl_protocol_error in Google chrome, it’s a great place to start. When it comes to these types of errors, it’s important to note that the root cause of each SSL protocol error depends on a case-by-case basis. It’s now up to you, as the user, to pinpoint where the issue is coming from and apply the necessary fix to solve the error as quickly as possible.
8 proven methods to fix the err_ssl_protocol_error in Google Chrome
While definitely a pain, the good thing about the err_ssl_protocol_error is that it’s pretty simple to fix. Compared to other types of Google Chrome errors, this SSL protocol issue does not involve overly complicated fixes that may require the help of specialists. Fortunately for you, we compiled some of the most common troubleshooting methods that will help you get rid of this error.
1. Check Your System’s Date or Time
Most of the time, the err_ssl_protocol_error occurs when your device’s date and time settings are inaccurate. Industry standards require SSL certificates to have a lifespan no longer than 398 days, down from two years. This means that websites are required to renew or replace their SSL certificates every 13 months. But how does this relate to the err_ssl_protocol_error?
Put simply, incorrect time and date settings may hinder you from connecting to a certain website. If a website mistakenly thinks that the SSL certificate is invalid, users would not be able to open the website and would instead encounter the err_ssl_protocol_error. To fix this, follow the step-by-step process below:
- Press the Windows key on your keyboard.
- Click Settings on the left side of the panel.
- Scroll down and choose Time & Language.
- Once a new window opens, click Date & Time.
- Turn on both Set time automatically and Set time zone automatically.
If the problem persists, you can also try to set your time and time zone manually to make sure that you are in the right time zone.
2. Clear Your Browsing Data
Most of the time, clearing your browsing data would enable you to fix this SSL error. Here’s how you can clear your browsing data:
- Open Google Chrome.
- Locate the three vertical dots on the upper right side of your screen.
- Once a drop-down menu opens, click Settings.
- Scroll down and click Clear browsing data.
- Select Browsing history, Download history, Cookies and other site data, and Cached images and files, and then click Clear data.
- Once the process is finished, restart Google Chrome and check to see if this has fixed the problem.
3. Clear Your SSL State
We know what you’re thinking, what’s an SSL state? The SSL state simply refers to the SSL certificates stored by your computer. These certificates are automatically cached by your computer whenever you visit websites and can cause issues where a website will appear insecure even if there’s a valid SSL certificate stored in your cache. If you’re wondering where to start, we’ve got you covered! Follow the instructions below:
- Press the Windows key on your keyboard.
- Type “Internet Options” and open the app.
- Locate the Content tab and click it.
- Click Clear SSL State.
- Once the process is finished, restart Google Chrome and check to see if this has fixed the problem.
4. Disable QUIC Protocol
QUIC (pronounced as “quick”) stands for Quick UDP Internet Connections. It is a relatively new transport layer network protocol designed by Google to improve performance by reducing latency. Some of its other benefits include reduced connection times, better browser performance, and more stable connections to web servers. The only downside to this new network protocol is that it can sometimes cause SSL errors. Here’s how to disable QUIC protocol:
- Open Google Chrome.
- Paste “chrome://flags/#enable-quic” in the address bar.
- Click the drop-down menu and choose Disable.
- Relaunch the browser to check if the problem has been fixed.
5. Check Your Antivirus and Firewall Settings
It’s no secret that antivirus programs and firewall settings can sometimes interfere with online browsing. After all, they’re supposed to scan websites for viruses and other factors that may pose a threat to your system. However, these cybersecurity measures can sometimes make mistakes. There are times when you may encounter the err_ssl_protocol_error especially if an antivirus program blocks a legitimate site due to outdated configuration settings.
If you think your antivirus and firewall settings are interfering with your online browsing experience, you have the option to temporarily disable it and relaunch Google Chrome to see if the problem has been fixed. Remember to re-activate your antivirus and firewall settings so as not to leave your system unprotected.
6. Disable Google Chrome Extensions
Browser extensions are great web-based technologies that help users become more efficient and productive. However, there are certain malicious extensions that can interfere with your connections and could cause an SSL connection error. It can be difficult to determine which browser extension is causing the issue especially if you have multiple browser extensions installed. The best course of action to take is to temporarily disable extensions one by one to correctly identify the extension that’s causing issues. To disable Google Chrome extensions, follow our step-by-step guide below:
- Open Google Chrome.
- Locate the three vertical dots on the upper right side of your screen.
- Once a drop-down menu opens, select More tools and then click Extensions.
- In the new window, you will be able to toggle all the enabled browser extensions one at a time to disable them.
7. Update Google Chrome
The err_ssl_protocol_error can sometimes be caused by an outdated version of Google Chrome. Updating your browser to the latest version can sometimes fix the issue and will lessen your chances of experiencing other types of SSL errors. Here’s how to update Google Chrome:
- Open Google Chrome.
- Locate the three vertical dots on the upper right side of your screen.
- Click Update Google Chrome. (Note: If you can’t find this option, it means you have the latest version)
- Once the update is successful, relaunch the browser to check if the problem has been fixed.
8. Reinstall Google Chrome
Sometimes, the most complex problems require the simplest solutions. Uninstalling and reinstalling Google Chrome may help fix the err_ssl_protocol_error issue. If you’re wondering how to start the process, check out our quick guide below.
To uninstall Google Chrome:
- Press the Windows key on your keyboard.
- Type “add or remove programs” and then click the app.
- Locate Google Chrome and click Uninstall.
To reinstall Google Chrome:
- Start by downloading the Google Chrome installer.
- Open another browser and type “google.com/chrome”.
- Now click Download Chrome for Windows (or for Mac) and then save the file.
- Locate the downloaded file and double click to start the installation process.
- Once you have successfully installed Google Chrome, check to see if you are still encountering the err_ssl_protocol_error issue.
Final Thoughts
We hope that the methods provided above helped you fix the err_ssl_protocol_error issue. If the problem persists, try to get in touch with Google Chrome’s support team and let them know about the issue that you are experiencing. Do you have other tips on how to fix the err_ssl_protocol_error in Google Chrome? Let us know in the comments below!