How To Fix ‘ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR’ on Google Chrome

Nowadays, everyone is aware of Google Chrome and it has become the most popular browser. Although the users of the Chrome browser sometimes report the error “ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR” or “This site can’t provide a secure connection” while browsing.

Google Chrome is widely used by a lot of people to browse many websites and for other Google based activities as it is one of the best browsers which is fast, reliable, and secured provided with a good interface. But it may show errors sometimes.

One of such kind of error which has been reported on Google Chrome is ERR_SSL_Protocol_Error or “this site can’t provide a secure connection”. It is the most commonly reported error on Google Chrome while opening it. The server issue or no permitted authentication can be the most common causal reason for this error.

ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR

But this is not a big deal as it is a common error which is reported by a lot of users and can be fixed easily. Although it may become irritating when you are receiving this error again and again but don’t know how to fix it.

What is the ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR?

The ‘ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR’ is an error message that typically appears in web browsers when there is an issue with the Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) protocol, which is used to secure internet connections.

This error prevents users from accessing websites securely and indicates a problem with the SSL connection between the user’s browser and the web server.

Read Also:

  1. ERR_CONNECTION_CLOSED
  2. ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS
  3. ERR_INTERNET_DISCONNECTED

Causes of the ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR

Several factors can lead to the ‘ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR’. Understanding these causes is key to effectively resolving the issue:

  1. Incorrect Date and Time Settings: If your device’s date and time are incorrect, it can lead to SSL certificate validation errors.
  2. Browser Cache and Cookies: Corrupted cache and cookies in your browser can sometimes cause this SSL error.
  3. Faulty Extensions or Plugins: Certain browser extensions or plugins, particularly those related to security or network settings, can interfere with SSL connections.
  4. Server-Side Issues: Problems with the SSL certificate on the website’s server, such as expiration or misconfiguration, can trigger this error.
  5. Antivirus or Firewall Interference: Some antivirus or firewall settings may block SSL connections or cause conflicts.
  6. Browser Issues: An outdated or corrupted browser can also lead to SSL protocol errors.

Solutions For ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR on Google Chrome

That’s why we have provided you with a proper guide to fix this error. So, just carry on to the article and find the most effective solution for yourself.

You have to start from Solution 1 and if it not working then move to the next solution.

1. Sync The System Date

The incorrect date of your Computer can be the most common cause of this error is the incorrect date of your Computer. That’s why you must make sure that the date of your computer is synchronized with that of the server of Internet time.

Sometimes whenever the date of your computer is not synchronized with the server then it may possible that you receive the error ERR_SSL_Protocol_Error. You can get rid of this issue easily just by correcting the date of your device.

The date can be corrected manually or you can choose the auto-sync option to correct the time and date of your system with the server. The error may disappear after fixing the date and time, otherwise move to the next solution.

2. Clear Cache of Browser

Another method that you can try is to clear the cache of the browser. Chrome browser stores some cache of different websites. The cache should be cleared from time to time for better and error free browsing. We have provided you the steps to remove the cache.

Follow the steps mentioned below to clear cache:

Step 1: First of all you have press the combination of keys Shift, Ctrl, and Delete.

Step 2: Now from the section of the time range, set “AA Time”.

Step 3: Mark a tick on all checkboxes except browsing history.

Step 4: Hit the Enter key.

All your cache is removed now. Check if the error is fixed. If not then move to the next solution.

 3. Delete Hosts File or Restore To Default

There exists two different ways through which you can restore the host file. The first one is to download the store tool of the host file. This tool will automatically fix the issue ERR_SSL_Protocol_Error in your web browser.

The second one is to manually create the host file. The host file is located in the given location:

“C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\.”

This file may sometimes turns infections and may display information which is incorrect. You have to remove the host file by deleting it and provide a correct code to update it. The error will be fixed by doing so. But unfortunately if still not, then try our next solution.

4. Clear The SSL State of System

Another method that you can try in order to fix the error ERR_SSL_Protocol_Error is to clear the SSL state of your system. This solution can fix the error very quickly. Follow the step mentioned below in order to clear the SSL state of your system:

Step 1: First of all you will have to open the settings of your Google Chrome. To do so, you have to click on the three dots which is present on the right-hand side at top of your browser.

Step 2: Now click on the option “Settings” from the navigation menu which you can find at the left hand side corner at the top of your screen. Then click on the option “System” which is present in the advanced drop down menu.

Step 3: Now select the option “open proxy settings”. By doing so, a new window having Internet Properties will visible on your screen.

Step 4: Now click on the option “Clear SSL State” by going to the Content Tab.

Open any website again and have a look if the issue is fixed now.

5. Adjust Antivirus Settings

Sometimes this is the fault of your antivirus which gives rise to such kind of error. In such a condition, you have to adjust the settings of your antivirus. First of all you have to go to the settings of your antivirus software.

As the settings of different antivirus may vary from one to another, it may be a little bit tricky to find out the exact system of every antivirus software. You can find out the settings of your antivirus by finding out the SSL protocol which is present in the option “advanced settings”.

After opening the settings, have a look if the SSL protocol is getting scanned by your antivirus software. In case, the antivirus is scanning SSL protocol then you have to disable this feature and then change this into “Ask about non-visited sites”. Look for the example given below:

This solution must have fixed your issue but unfortunately if not then we have some more solutions too. Move on and try them.

6. Disable the QUIC Protocol

Let me tell you the is a protocol that stands for Quick UDP Internet Connections which forms a fully secured connection for the server. QUIC is somewhat similar with other protocols such as TLS and SSL. The QUIC is already enabled default in Chrome browser.

Although, the QUIC sometimes gets conflicted with other protocol mostly with SSL of the websites, and can give rise to the error which shows you the error message ERR SSL. In order to fix this error, you just have to put the given command in your address bar: “chrome://flags/#enable-quic” and then hit the Enter key from your keyboard.

Now look for the QUIC protocol which you may find at the top of your screen from where you have to disable it. Finally open any website to check if the issue has resolved. If still not then move and try the next solution mentioned below.

7. Change Internet Security and Privacy Settings

While performing online activities,  both privacy and security are priorities for all users. Most of the time many users have set their security and privacy on a high level. Although sometimes the high level of security and privacy settings may result in the blocking of SSL connection which can give rise to the error.

In such case you must change the settings to get rid of the error. We have provided the steps below. Follow the steps mentioned below to change the privacy and security settings:

Step 1: First of all you have to open your Control Panel.

Step 2: Now go the “Internet Options”.

Step 3: Now move to the tab named “Security” and from there you have to change the level of security from High to “medium”.

Step 4: Now go to another tab named “Privacy” and set the level of privacy to “medium”.

Finally, you have to open any website just to check if the error has resolved now. If yes, then congratulations you have done it. But unfortunately if not then you will have to perform our last solution mentioned below.

 8. Activate all TLS/SSL Versions

If all the above mentioned solutions failed to fix the issue then in that case you must try our last solution to fix the issue. Although, permittings to activate every TLS or SSL versions result in the loading of all the sites which are even outdated and unsecured and that may be hazardous for your device in certain cases.

So, we don’t particularly recommend to perform this method. But when every other solution failed to solve the issue then in that case this is your last option. Follow the steps mentioned below to do so:

Step 1: First of all you have to open Advanced settings from the Chrome browser and click on the option “System”.

Step 2: Now click on the option “Open Proxy Settings.”

Step 3: Now open the tab named “Advanced”.

Step 4: Move to Security options.

Step 5: Mark a tick to every box of TSL/SSL versions.

Finally, restart your browser once to have a look at the issue that has solved now.

Read Also:

  1. 0xc0000142
  2. 0x80004005
  3. Reboot and Select Proper Boot Device

Conclusion

Some best, straightforward, and effective solutions are mentioned in this article to get rid of the error ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR on Google Chrome with a proper guide. You must go through these solutions same as we have mentioned and you will surely be able to fix the error.