How To Fix The ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR: 5 Easy Solutions

Err_ssl_protocol_error is one of the most common Google Chrome error messages. This error can be frustrating for both website owners and visitors alike.

Err_ssl_protocol error message occurs when you try to visit a website using an HTTPS connection. This error message is displayed if the browser fails to establish a secure connection with the server. 

As a website owner, this error can cause you a loss of web traffic. As a visitor, it negatively impacts your user experience.

This error message typically appears in your browser when there is a conflict with your SSL certificate. Or it shows up when there is an issue with your browser.

In this article, I will share the possible causes of err_ssl_protocol_error and five easy ways to fix it.

What Is The ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR Message?

The err_ssl_protocol_error is a common browser error message that appears when there is an issue with the SSL connection. 

What is SSL?

SSL, or Secure Socket Layer, is a security protocol to protect sensitive information transmitted online.

This error happens when your browser fails to establish a secure connection with the website’s server.

SSL certificates ensure that websites are secure and encrypt the data between a web server and a web browser. 

Suppose your website’s SSL certificate is invalid or expired. In that case, you cannot establish a secure connection with the website, and the err_ssl_protocol_error message will appear in your browser. 

There are a few possible causes behind the err_ssl_protocol_error message. The most common reasons are an expired SSL certificate, issues with the QUIC Protocol, incorrect device date and time settings, antivirus and firewall settings, and browser cache and cookies.

Reasons for SSL Certificate Expiring

#1. Expired SSL Certificate

If a website’s SSL certificate has expired, it can cause the err_ssl_protocol_error.

Note: Web Hosting, Reseller Hosting, and VPS/Cloud Dedicated servers at SirsteveHQ come with free and automatic SSL certificates. All domains and subdomains hosted with us will have complete SSL coverage (i.e., HTTPS).

#2. Incorrect Date And Time On Your Device

An incorrect date and time can also cause this error. SSL certificates are verified based on the date and time set on your device, and any mismatch can cause the browser to receive an error message.

#3. Antivirus And Firewall Settings

Some antivirus and firewall software are known to interfere with the SSL/TLS connections. This interaction can lead to error messages like err_ssl_protocol_error.

#4. Browser Cache And Cookies

A corrupted or outdated browser cache and cookies can sometimes cause the err_ssl_protocol_error message. Clearing your browser cache and cookies often resolves this issue.

How To Fix The ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR Message: 5 Easy Ways

#1. Check The SSL Certificate 

The first step to fixing the err_ssl_protocol_error message is to check the website’s SSL certificate.

You can check out the SSL certificate of any website by clicking the padlock icon in your browser’s address bar. 

Next, click the “connection is secure” button in the dropdown menu. It should read, “certificate is valid” at the bottom of the menu bar. 

If the SSL certificate has expired, you can contact the website administrator and let them know. You can ask your hosting provider to renew your SSL certificate if it is your website. 

Once the SSL certificate is renewed, the error message should disappear. 

#2. Update The Date and Time Settings

Incorrect date and time settings can cause conflicts with your SSL certificate. To fix this SSL connection error, update your device’s date and time settings to the correct time zone. Make sure they are synced with the internet. 

This is a relatively easy fix. First, go to settings, and select “date and time settings.” Make sure that the “Automatic Date and Time” setting is enabled.

For example, I use a MacBook, and the screenshot below should help Mac users understand how to update the date and time settings. 

Check if the err_ssl_protocol_error message still persists. If it has disappeared, then this was the fix that you needed.

#3. Disable The QUIC Protocol 

The QUIC protocol is a feature designed to speed up your internet connection by compressing data packets. 

However, it can also cause conflicts with your SSL certificate, triggering the err_ssl_protocol_error message. 

You can disable the QUIC protocol in your web browser’s settings. To turn it off in Chrome, go to chrome://flags/#enable-quic and set it to “Disabled.”

Check if the error persists. If the error message has disappeared, disabling the QUIC protocol was the fix you needed. 

#4. Disable Antivirus And Firewall Settings (Temporarily)

Certain antivirus and firewall settings can block your SSL certificate and trigger the err_ssl_protocol_error message.

To fix this issue, temporarily disable your antivirus and firewall settings and try reaccessing the website.

Note: Temporarily disabling your antivirus and firewall settings might resolve the issue. However, this is not a safe long-term solution, as your Antivirus program and firewalls protect your device from malicious attacks. If the error message disappears, try adding these websites to a safe-to-browse list in your antivirus software. 

#5. Clear Your Browser Cache and Cookies

Clearing your browser files can help fix the err_ssl_protocol_error message by removing any conflicting data that may be stored in your browser. 

To clear your Chrome browser cache and cookies, go to the settings in Google Chrome, click clear browsing data, and select cache and cookies. 

Conclusion: Final Thoughts

The err_ssl_protocol_error message can be a real pain point for website owners and internet users. Knowing its possible causes and how to fix it can save you time and frustration.

Following the abovementioned solutions, you can continue browsing your favorite websites securely and without interruptions.

SSL certificates are essential for maintaining website security, and an invalid SSL certificate can put both your and other users’ data at risk. 

The err_ssl_protocol_error can be a frustrating error when trying to access a website. However, it is important to understand that there are simple ways to fix SSL errors. Make sure you troubleshoot with all the five solutions mentioned above before contacting support.