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ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR is a common error that can make your web experience abrupt and confusing. In this article, we explore in depth what this error is, why it occurs and provide effective steps to fix ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR.
What is ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR?
ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR indicates that there is a problem in the SSL (Secure Socket Layer) protocol that occurs when the browser fails to establish a secure connection to the website. This message can appear for a variety of reasons, from SSL certificate problems to incorrect settings.
What Causes ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR:
Understanding the causes is the first step in resolving ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR. It can originate from expired SSL certificates, incorrect server configurations, or even protocol conflicts. Identifying the root cause of the problem is key to applying the correct solutions.
SSL Certificate and Web Site Legitimacy:
When our browser requests a website, one of the first steps is to request the site’s SSL certificate. This certificate acts as a credential that verifies the authenticity of the website. It is an additional layer of security by encrypting the communication between the browser and the server.
The TLS Protocol Authentication Process:
When initiating an SSL connection, web browsers not only request the server’s certificate, but also send an authentication certificate from the client to the website server. This two-way exchange of certificates is part of the TLS (Transport Layer Security) protocol, also known as the TLS binding protocol.
This authentication process ensures that both the server and the client are who they say they are, thus establishing a secure connection.
Secure Data Transmission:
Once the authentication process using TLS is successfully completed, data transmission between the browser and the server is secure. This ensures that sensitive information, such as passwords or credit card details, is protected against potential threats and cyber attacks.
When you encounter the error message “ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR” as a visitor, you can try to resolve the problem by following these steps:
- Disable an obsolete or problematic browser extension:
Some browser extensions can interfere with the SSL connection. Disable the extensions one by one to identify if any of them are causing the problem.
- Temporarily disable your firewall or antivirus:
Security programs, such as firewalls or antivirus, can block the SSL connection. Temporarily disable these tools to see if the problem persists.
- Clear the browser cache:
The browser cache may contain outdated information that causes connection problems. Try clearing the browser cache and restarting the browser before accessing the site again.
- Disable QUIC protocol:
QUIC (Quick UDP Internet Connections) is an experimental transport protocol that may cause conflicts with the SSL connection in some cases. Try disabling QUIC in your browser and check if the error persists.
- Set the system date and time:
Make sure the date and time on your device are set correctly. Errors in date and time synchronization can cause problems with SSL certificates. Adjust the settings if necessary.
Three Effective Steps to Fix ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR:
- Make sure SSL is installed on your website:
Making sure SSL is installed on your website is crucial to ensure secure connections and avoid errors like ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR. When choosing a hosting check if it has this technology and configuration as there is in Cloupsy.
To check if your website has SSL installed, you can follow these general steps. The exact way to do this may vary depending on the hosting provider you are using.
Browser Check:
A quick way to verify if SSL is installed is to simply visit your website in a browser and make sure the URL begins with “https://” instead of “http://”. Also, a lock icon should appear in the address bar, indicating that the connection is secure.
Check the Hosting Control Panel:
Access your hosting provider’s control panel. Depending on the service, you may find a specific section for SSL. Look for terms such as “SSL/TLS” or “SSL Certificates” in your control panel.
SSL Certificate Verification:
Within the SSL related section, you should find a list of SSL certificates associated with your domain. Check for an active and valid certificate. The certificate information usually includes details such as issuer name, expiration date and status.
Online tools:
You can also use online tools to verify SSL installation. There are web services that offer SSL certificate verification by entering your domain name. Some options include “SSL Checker” from SSL Labs or “Why No Padlock”.
Certificate Provider:
If you purchased your SSL certificate through a specific provider, such as Let’s Encrypt, you can log into that provider’s account to check the status and configuration of your certificate.
Contact Technical Support:
If you are having difficulty finding the information or if you are unsure of the SSL status of your site, contact your hosting provider’s technical support. They will be able to provide you with detailed information and help you troubleshoot any problems.
- Force HTTPS Redirection:
Once the SSL certificate is installed correctly, be sure to configure your website to force HTTPS redirection. This can be done in the same SSL/TLS section of the control panel. Enabling this option will ensure that visitors access your website over secure connections.
- Clear browser cache
The browser cache may contain outdated or incorrect data, which contributes to connection errors. Clearing the cache is a simple but effective step to fix ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR.
Clearing the browser cache is a common solution to resolve ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR issues. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
Google Chrome:
- Open Chrome and press Ctrl + Shift + Del (Windows/Linux) or Command + Shift + Del (Mac).
- Select “Clear browsing data.”
- Make sure to select “Cached data and images” and other options you want to delete.
- Click “Clear Data.”
Mozilla Firefox:
- Open Firefox and press Ctrl + Shift + Del (Windows/Linux) or Command + Shift + Del (Mac).
- Select “All” in the time range and check “Cache”.
- Click “Clear Now.”
Microsoft Edge:
- Open Edge and press Ctrl + Shift + Del (Windows/Linux) or Command + Shift + Del (Mac).
- Select “Cached data and files.”
- Click “Clear.”
Safari:
- Open Safari and go to “Safari” in the menu bar.
- Select “Clear History” and choose the “All History” time range.
- Click “Clear History”.
Clear SSL status
Google Chrome:
- Open Settings in Chrome.
- Scroll down and click “Advanced”.
- In the “Privacy and Security” section, click “Manage Certificates.”
- Select the “Certificate Content” tab.
- Click “Clear SSL status.”
Mozilla Firefox:
- Open Options in Firefox.
- Go to the “Privacy and Security” section.
- In the “Security” tab, click on “View Certificates”.
- Select the “Servers” tab.
- Find and remove the certificates related to the site.
Microsoft Edge:
- Open Settings in Edge.
- Look for “Manage Certificates” and click that option.
- Select the “Personal” tab.
- Search for and remove certificates related to the site.
Safari:
- Open Preferences in Safari.
- Go to the “Security” tab.
- Click on “Show Certificates”.
- Select the certificate related to the site and click “Remove”.
After performing these steps, close and reopen your browser before trying to access the website again. If the problem persists, it may be helpful to check the site’s security settings and ensure that the SSL certificates are configured correctly.
How Different Browsers Display ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR:
Google Chrome:
Google Chrome presents clear and detailed messages for ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR, making it easy to identify the problem.
Opera:
Opera also provides detailed information about ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR to guide users towards resolution.
Microsoft Edge:
When Microsoft Edge encounters an SSL error, it might display a message similar to this one:
Mozilla Firefox:
Firefox also offers a “Technical Details” option that will provide more specific information about the error, such as the SSL error code and additional details about the connection.
In Conclusion, by understanding the causes and following the proper steps, you will be able to fix ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR in all browsers. Keeping your SSL certificates up to date and ensuring secure configurations are essential practices for a smooth browsing experience.
