"Your Connection Is Not Private" Error and SSL Troubleshooting Guide (NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID) 🔒
When browsing the internet or trying to access a website, you may have encountered the warning "Your connection is not private". This red screen error, shown by browsers such as Chrome, Firefox, or Edge, indicates that your connection’s security may be at risk.In this detailed guide, we’ll cover the main causes of this error, common device-related issues, and how to fix SSL/TLS certificate problems on the server side.
By the end of this guide, you’ll understand what technical alerts like NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID or ERR_CERT_DATE_INVALID mean — and how to resolve them permanently.
Why Does the “Your Connection Is Not Private” Error Occur?
This error originates from the SSL/TLS certificate system — the protocol used to secure the connection between your browser and the website you’re visiting.If your browser cannot verify the certificate sent by the server, it blocks the connection to protect you from potential cyber threats.
The causes of this error generally fall into two categories:
- Device or Network Issues: These issues usually stem from incorrect date/time settings, outdated browsers, cache problems, or interference from security software. In this case, the error appears only on your device.
- Website (Server) Issues: These occur when the website’s SSL certificate has expired, is misconfigured, or issued by an untrusted authority. The error will appear for all visitors in this case.
Step-by-Step: Fixing the Error on Your Device
If only you are seeing this error, try the following basic troubleshooting steps:1. Check Your Device’s Date and Time Settings
This is the most common and easiest cause of SSL errors. SSL certificates have a specific validity period.If your computer or phone clock is incorrect (for example, set to a past date), your browser may think the certificate has expired.
- Fix: Verify that your device’s date and time are correct. Enable automatic time and date synchronization and ensure you’ve selected the correct time zone.
2. Clear Browser Cache and Data
Old or corrupted cache data can prevent the browser from reading SSL certificates properly.- Fix: Go to your browser’s Settings, then clear cache, cookies, and browsing history. Choose "All time" instead of "Last hour" for best results.
3. Check Your VPN or Antivirus Software
Some VPN services and antivirus programs inspect traffic by inserting their own SSL certificates, which can trigger a “man-in-the-middle” warning.- Fix: Temporarily disable your VPN or antivirus and try again. If the site works, disable SSL scanning features within your security software.
4. Update or Reset Your Browser
Outdated browsers might not support the latest SSL/TLS protocols.- Fix: Ensure your browser is up to date. If the problem persists, reset your browser to its default settings.
Professional Fixes: For Website Owners
If users are reporting this issue, the problem is likely with your server’s SSL certificate.1. Check Certificate Expiry Date
This is the second most common cause. If the certificate has expired, browsers will reject it.- Fix: Log into your SSL provider’s dashboard (e.g., Let’s Encrypt, Comodo). Check if your certificate has expired or is about to expire. If so, renew it immediately.
2. Verify the Certificate Chain
An SSL certificate consists of a "chain" including the main and intermediate certificates.If any part of this chain is missing, the browser cannot verify authenticity.
- Fix: Use tools like SSL Checker to scan your domain. If you see “Chain is incomplete,” contact your hosting provider to ensure all intermediate certificates are correctly installed.
3. Fix Misconfigured TLS Settings
Some older servers still use outdated TLS 1.0 or 1.1 protocols, which modern browsers block.- Fix: Ensure your server supports TLS 1.2 or preferably TLS 1.3. You can verify and update this in your hosting control panel (like Plesk or cPanel).
Common SSL Error Codes and Their Meanings
| Technical Error Code | Meaning and Cause | Who Should Fix It? |
|---|---|---|
| NET::ERR_CERT_DATE_INVALID | Most common error. Your device clock is wrong, or the SSL certificate has expired. | User (Adjust Time) or Site Admin (Renew Certificate) |
| NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID | The certificate was issued by an untrusted authority or the certificate chain is incomplete. | Site Admin (Check Certificate Chain) |
| ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR | The browser and server couldn’t agree on a supported security protocol (TLS version). | Site Admin (Enable TLS 1.2 or 1.3) |
| ERR_CERT_COMMON_NAME_INVALID | The certificate doesn’t cover the domain being accessed (e.g., www.site.com vs. site.com). | Site Admin (Verify Certificate Domain Scope) |
1. Is It Safe to Bypass the Warning by Clicking “Proceed Anyway”?
No, it’s strongly discouraged.This warning exists to protect you from man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks. Ignoring it can expose your private data (like passwords or credit card information) to attackers. Always fix the root cause instead.
2. Can I Disable the Error in Chrome Completely?
You shouldn’t disable it unless you’re in a test or development environment.For testing, you can add the `--ignore-certificate-errors` flag to your Chrome shortcut.
Warning: Never use this setting during normal browsing.
3. Will Using Another Browser Fix the Error?
If the problem is due to cached browser data, yes.But if it’s due to the certificate itself (expiration or chain issues), you’ll see the same error across all browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, etc.).
4. Can I Renew My Certificate for Free?
Yes — use Let’s Encrypt. It provides free SSL certificates that auto-renew.Most hosting panels (Plesk, cPanel) support Let’s Encrypt integration with a single click.
