Want to fix ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR in Chrome browser? Here is an easy guide to solve this issue.
The only problem with fixing the ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR is that it could happen due to numerous reasons, and the only way to fix it is through trial and error. So, to help you fix it, let us now discuss some of the most common reasons the ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR occurs.
What is ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR?
The ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR issue means that the browser cannot establish a secure connection with that website. It could happen for various reasons, and we will check how to fix the SSL connection error.
However, you need to understand that the SSL certificate is designed to encrypt communication between the server. So, the solutions revolve around establishing the connection and fixing the SSL Error.
Why is Chrome Displaying ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR?
There could be numerous reasons due to which your Chrome browser couldn’t establish a secure connection with the server. So, it displays the SSL error ‘err_ssl_protocol_error’, which, in most cases can be fixed easily. However, as this could happen due to several reasons, there are many ways to get through it.
Reasons Behind ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR in Google Chrome?
The reason for this SSL error could be anything from a troublesome Chrome extension that you installed to an outdated Chrome browser in dire need of being replaced with a newer version. So, if you are still wondering how to fix the SSL connection error, you would have to try out the many fixes that we have listed here. However, to make the process easier, we have listed down some fixes that have worked for most people.
How to Fix ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR?
If you have come across this SSL issue and wonder how to fix it, follow the below-listed step-by-step instructions to fix the “ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR” in your Chrome Browser.
Steps to Fix ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR
- Check Whether Chrome Is Out of Date
- Check the System Time and Date
- Clear Browser Cache & Cookies
- Try the System’s Clear SSL State Option
- Disable Google Chrome’s QUIC Protocol
- Check and Adjust Antivirus Settings
- Check Firewall Settings
- Remove or Disable Chrome Extension
- Remove the Hosts file
- Adjust the Internet Security & Privacy Level
1. Check Whether Chrome Is Out of Date
Google Chrome needs to be updated regularly, and if you haven’t done that, then it’s time to do that now. By simply updating your Google Chrome, you could easily solve this SSL connection error in no time. Click on three dots on the right side and go to Help>>About Chrome, where you can find the latest chrome version.
2. Adjust the Date of your system
The reason for all your troubles could very well be the wrong date and time on your computer. So, start by confirming the date and time on your system. At times, fixing the ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR can be as simple as fixing the date and time on your computer.
To correct the Date and Time on Windows:
• Click twice on the Date and Time icon on the taskbar, which is located on the bottom-right corner of the monitor.
• Alternately, you can click on the Windows button, navigate to the Control Panel and click on ‘Clock and Region’ to adjust the date and time.
To correct the Date and Time on Mac:
• Navigate to the Apple Menu
• Select ‘Date and Time’ and adjust it.
3. Clear Browsing Data in Chrome Browser
Your browsing data could be holding you back from accessing the website you are trying to access. So, getting rid of it may very well solve the problem.
To clear the cache of your Chrome browser, follow these steps:
• Open your Chrome Browser
• With the Chrome window open, press Ctrl+ Shift+ Delete
• In the Time Range option, select ‘All Time’ from the dropdown menu
• Check all three options.
• Click on the ‘Clear Data’ option and wait patiently as this could take some time.
• Once done, close the Chrome window, and relaunch it. Then try to access the website.
This fix helps resolve the issue in most cases, but if the SSL connection error persists, try the other fixes listed below.
4. Try the System’s Clear SSL State Option
Another option that can help fix this SSL Error is trying out the ‘Clear SSL State’ option, which helps delete all the SSL certificates locally stored on your computer. In addition, it compels the system to download a new version of the SSL certificate, easily solving the problem.
To do this, follow the below-listed steps.
For Windows:
• Click on the Start Menu
• Type ‘Internet Options’ in the Search and navigate to it
• In the ‘Internet Options’ dialog box, click on the ‘Content’ tab
• Finally, click on ‘Clear SSL State’ and you are done
For Mac
• Click on the ‘Go’ menu and navigate to ‘Utilities’
• Click on ‘Keychain Access’
• On the left side panel, you’ll see the option ‘System’, Click on it.
• You should now be able to select and delete one or more locally stored SSL certificates.
• Log in with the administrator password, when prompted go to do so.
See Also: Check SSL Certificate Details on Web Browsers
5. Disable Google Chrome’s QUIC Protocol
Disabling QUIC, the low latency protocol experimented with by Google, may also help fix a glitch and repair google chrome. By default, the QUIC is active and may interfere with client-server communication.
Follow these steps to disable QUIC:
• Open Google Chrome
• Type this in the URL bar ‘chrome://flags/#enable-quic’
• Hit Enter
• Next to the option ‘Experimental QUIC Protocol’, choose ‘Disable’
• Click on ‘Relaunch’ on the bottom right corner
After you have disabled QUIC protocol and relaunched Chrome, the next step is to type in the website’s URL and try to access it.
6. Check and Adjust Antivirus Settings
Your Antivirus may be responsible for flashing the ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR issue on your Google Chrome. Usually, Antivirus keeps a tab on the web pages that you browse through the TCP/SSL of a website, and when that is outdated, the antivirus blocks access to it. You can disable Antivirus for some time. Depending on which Antivirus you use, changing its settings can help resolve the issue.
7. Check Firewall Settings
As this isn’t the best thing to do, we recommend it as the last option. First, consider disabling whichever firewall you are using, and that may resolve the SSL protocol error, but it would also compromise your security.
8. Remove or Disable Chrome Extension
If you have recently downloaded a Chrome extension and are experiencing trouble after doing that, consider disabling or removing it. In quite a few cases where users couldn’t establish a secure connection, disabling or removing Chrome has helped.
To Disable or remove Chrome, follow the below-mentioned steps:
• Open your Chrome Browser and click on the 3 vertical dots on the top-right corner
• Select ‘More tools’ from the dropdown menu
• Choose ‘Extensions’ from the submenu
• To remove an Extension, click on ‘Remove’
• To disable an extension, click on the toggle button
9. Remove the Hosts file
To remove the Hosts file in Windows:
• Press WIN+R to open the Run Window
• In the Run window, type C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc and click OK
• Right-click on the ‘hosts’ file and delete it.
10. Adjust the Internet Security & Privacy Level
If the above things do not work, then you should check internet security and privacy status. A high level of privacy could block access to websites.
You should follow steps like:
- You should type ‘Internet Options’ in the search box of your computer and click on Enter.
- You will have an ‘Internet Properties’ dialogue box where click on the ‘security’ tab and set the slider to a medium level to access websites.
After that open the desired website.
Conclusion
If you have been experiencing the SSL protocol error, we recommend fixing it by trying out the abovementioned fixes. For best results, try them out in the exact order we have listed them. Do this until you get rid of the ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR issue, and that’s precisely when Chrome stops showing up “this site can’t provide a secure connection” notification. After that, one of the abovementioned tips easily fixes the SSL connection error for you.
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