A err_ssl_protocol_error is an error message that appears when a secure connection cannot be made to a WordPress website. This sounds a bit vague and of course you want to get rid of it. What exactly the error message means and what you can do about it, we explain here! The error can have several causes. For example, it can be due to the server of your website, but also to the local computer that you often use. Sometimes it’s even a combination of both data. Most problems occur in Google Chrome, but other browsers also experience this error message. We first discuss what the error message looks like in different browsers.
Google Chrome
With Google Chrome you are told that no secure connection can be provided. The domain you wanted to visit sent an invalid response, according to Chrome. The well-known error code err_ssl_protocol_error is also listed on the page.
Mozilla Firefox
Firefox warns you of a potential security risk further down the road. The website has found that there may be a chance of criminals stealing your data. You’ll have the chance to go back to the website you came from, or dive into the advanced settings.
Microsoft Edge
Edge is the least comprehensive of all three browsers. This browser only lets you know that a secure connection to the page cannot be made. Edge does mention possible causes of the problem, such as an outdated website or the use of insecure TLS settings around security. According to Edge, it’s best to contact the website owner if the problem continues.
How to solve ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR?
Now of course you want to get rid of the error message as quickly as possible. We’ll discuss 8 ways you can avoid this error message. Follow it in the following order to maximize the chances of the notification disappearing.
Because such an error message can arise both from the server and from the local computer, we will discuss steps that you can do for both possibilities. So one time you focus on a solution on the local computer, while the next tip can be about the server settings or the SSL certification.
Renew SSL status
The first step that can help fix the error message is to refresh the SSL status in your Chrome browser. Chrome stores SSL certificates in a cache to make the next connection to this website faster. This prevents that a new HTTPS request has to be made for the SSL certification for each site visit. Sometimes this data can become outdated, for example when the site migrates to another hosting party. Therefore, you can clear the SSL status first to resolve this. Then reconnect by restarting the browser and connecting to your website.
Check SSL certificate DNS settings
The problem may also stem from a problem with your website’s DNS settings. For example, these have not been implemented completely or incorrectly. The SSL certificate is then created correctly, but linked to the wrong domain. Through a verification tool for your SSL certificate, Qualys SSL Labs, you can check if there are any problems with your certification. You don’t need a browser cache for this. You can read how to use the tool in the step-by-step plan below:
- Open Qualys SSL Labs and search for ‘SSL Server Test’
- At the top of ‘Hostname’, enter your domain and click ‘Submit’
- Check the report you get, including all data
- When everything is green, everything works properly. If you get a color other than green, see where the problem is and try to solve it.
Check date and time
The problem of the err_ssl_protocol_error error message can also be due to the computer itself. One of the causes may be due to an incorrectly set date and time on your computer. When these are set up incorrectly, this can cause problems when the SSL certificate has to be retrieved.
When retrieving the SSL connection, the current time and date must be correct on your system. SSL certifications have a fixed expiry date. So if your date and time are incorrect, this can cause a problem within the authentication process. To prevent this, an SSL connection always assumes a valid date and time. Therefore, make sure that these two are correct on your computer.
For Windows:
- ‘Windows + X’ key
- Select ‘System’
- In the search bar, search for ‘Time’
- Select ‘Change date and time’
- Check that the date and time are correct
- Do you want to be sure that your date and time are correct? Then turn on the options for setting the correct time and time zone
For MacOS:
- Click the Apple logo at the top left of your taskbar
- Select System Preferences
- Choose Date & Time
- Check that the date and time are correct
- Check “Set date and time automatically” to make sure the time is correct
Delete cache and cookies
Clearing your browser cache can also fix the problem itself. If you want to tackle it thoroughly, it is best to also delete your cookies in your browser. Keep in mind that you then have to accept the cookies from each website again and log in again everywhere. See how to delete the cache and cookies in your browser. Often these parts have a special subhead within the settings, so this should be easy to find. Can’t figure it out yourself? With a quick Google search you are quickly helped.
Temporarily disable browser extensions
Browser extensions can also make the connection difficult, causing the error message to occur. By checking all the extensions, you can see if they are actually the problem. You can view all extensions by clicking on the three dots at the top right. In this list, look for “More Tools,” and then choose Extensions. Surfing to ‘chrome://extensions’ is also possible.
Now you will see an overview of all the extensions you are currently using. Do you first want to check if the problem occurs with the extensions? Then turn them all off and visit the site again. If the problem doesn’t occur again, it’s because of your extensions. Then disable all extensions one by one, to find out which one is causing the problem. Did you find that annoying extension? Leave it off for a while and check for updates regularly. They may be able to solve the problem. Does an update not help or are there no more updates coming out? Then it is best to say goodbye to your extension.
Update browser to new version
For your browser, the last step is to update the software of the browser itself to the latest versions. Using older versions of browsers increases the chance of an error, since the secure connection can be established less accurately.
New updates always establish new secure connections and remove errors from the old software. For example, the error message can possibly be fixed.
Google Chrome updates the software automatically as soon as you close the browser. Do you always have tabs open? Then you have to do this manually. Chrome often indicates this to you by displaying a green area with ‘Update available’ at the top right. By clicking on this (or by closing your tabs) the update will be performed.
Update operating system to new version
Now that we know for sure that it is not the browser, we can start looking at your own computer again. Also, make sure it’s up to date, as it provides the same enhanced security. As long as you as a Windows 10 user have turned on your automatic updates and regularly turn off your computer, these updates are no problem at all. Do you not have it turned on or does your computer not know this option? Then be sure to check whether a software update for your operating system is available.
With MacOS, you can do this by clicking the Apple logo in the top left corner and choosing About This Mac. If you see the “Software update” button, a software update is available. By clicking on this button, you will run it automatically. You can also check your Mac settings or the App Store to see if a software update is available. Do you see that the update is going to take a very long time? Let your computer restart first. This is often much faster than the full system update and may already prevent the problem.
Disable antivirus and firewall
Although antivirus software and a good firewall are both extremely important for safe online browsing, they can sometimes cause problems. For example, your antivirus software can check https connections to sites to make sure they don’t leave viruses on your computer. Sometimes the software gets to work with this a little too fanatically, so that reliable sites are wrongly labeled as unreliable.
To check if this is indeed the problem, you can temporarily (!) disable the software. For completeness, also turn off your Firewall for a while. Only do this if you know that the website is completely safe! Now check the website again and see if the problem still occurs. Don’t forget to re-enable both your antivirus software and your Firewall as soon as possible, once the issues are resolved.
Why is a secure connection important?
A secure connection is a lot more important than most people think. Therefore, some background information about the importance of this error message. When you visit a website, you’ll see that the URL often starts with “HTTP” or “HTTPS.” These are so-called security protocols, which indicate how all data from a website is sent from the server to your browser. There are strict rules that must be adhered to for these protocols, especially for the newer and more extensive HTTPS. An example of this is the SSL connection. You can best recognize it yourself by the padlock for the URL in the search bar of your web browser. This SSL connection ensures that third parties can no longer access your data. All your personal data and financial data can never fall into the hands of criminals. That’s exactly why secure connections are so important.
Need help solving
Still can’t get rid of the error message? Don’t panic. There are an awful lot of specialists available who have dedicated themselves entirely to this error message. They can probably solve it for you in no time, so that you can continue with your site.
Do not hesitate and let our WordPress specialists advise you in case you need help! Please contact us via live chat, e-mail or call us on 030 20 72 488.
