Fix Net::ERR_CERT_INVALID Error on Chrome

Google is very strict in maintaining the privacy of the users by providing top-level security to all its internet products. If Google finds any security breach in the privacy of the users then it will restrict the users from accessing the stuff online.

One such warning which you may have come across while browsing Chrome is HTTPS/SSL Error with the message “Your Connection is Not Private”. The warning will come along with a Red Padlock showing the “Connection is Not Secure”.

Today in this post I will talk in detail regarding this issues and all the potential solutions to fix it. The warning which we generally see are;

NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID

NET::ERR_CERT_COMMON_NAME_INVALID

NET::ERR_CERT_DATE_INVALID

Net::ERR_CERT_INVALID

NET::ERR_CERT_WEAK_SIGNATURE_ALGORITHM

What Cause Net Err Cert Invalid Error on Google Chrome?

The above HTTPS Error occur due to various reasons individually;

Net::Err_Cert_Authority_Invalid

• The certificate issued is obsolete.
• The Browser is old.
• The website certificate and browser connection are not secure.

Net::Err_Cert_Common_Name_Invalid

• Certificate does not match issuers name
• Google Chrome browser error
• Address error due Certificate Mismatch

Net::Err_Cert Date_Invalid

• Date on the computer is wrong.
• The certificate is not updated.

Fix Net::ERR_CERT_INVALID Google Chrome Error

Solution 1. Date & Time Correction

To Fix – Net::Err_Cert_Date_Invalid

On your Windows PC click the location indicating Time/Date and correct the date to same to exact.

Reload the page and you should see the warning gone with the page loaded in the Green Padlock showing the“page is Secure”.

Solution 2. Chrome Extension Issue

To Fix- Err_Cert_Common_Name_Invalid

Open the error generating Web Page in the incognito mode of Chrome Browser.

If the page opens securely in private mode, a Chrome extension is causing the error.

To fix the error, turn off the extension. Just go to; chrome://extensions and uncheck all the extensions.

Solution 3. Install Trusted Certificate

To Fix -Err_Cert_Invalid

This fix should only be employed if you are in very much need.

Step 1. Click the HTTPS lock icon and Hit details.

Also, you can go to More Tools > Developer Tools; click on the Security tab.

Step 2. Click “View Certificate”.

Step 3. Hit “Details” in the Certificate viewer and select the top certificate (Should be from an address other than the one you were trying)

Step 4. Then hit “Export” and save the certificate file.

Step 5. Go to Chrome Settings → Advanced → Manage Certificates.

Step 6. Hit “Import”. Select the certificate file you saved above and hit enter granting all the options.

Restart Chrome,chrome://restart (it reopens all your tabs).

This will fix the problem of  NET Err Cert Authority Invalid & NET Err Cert Common Name Invalid.

Solution 4. Import Trusted Certificate SSL

To Fix – Err_Cert_Authority_Invalid

Manage Certificate

First, check the SSL certificate issuers for the website. Do a Google search and download Root CA certificate of the SSL issuer on your PC.

Then, Go to Chrome Settings → Advanced → Manage Certificates

Here, click on the Intermediate Authorities and import the downloaded Root certificate. This will for sure fix the warning error on Chrome.

This will fix the warning NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID & NET::ERR_CERT_COMMON_NAME_INVALID.

Solution 5. Uninstall Anti-Virus Software

If you have antivirus that provides ‘HTTPS protection’ or ‘HTTPS scanning’ then it is preventing Chrome from providing security.

Turn off the AV and if the page loads normally then make the necessary changes to avoid the AV to interfere with the Chrome.

Solution 6. Change Protocol DNS Settings

DNS Server Change

Step 1. Search ‘ncpa.cpl‘ in Windows.

Step 2. Look for the option called Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).

Step 3. Click on it and click on the Properties button.

Step 4. Now manually use following DNS servers; Preferred DNS server as 8.8.8.8 & Alternate DNS server as 8.8.4.4 (Google’s public DNS) (Set IP as automatic)

Step 5. Restart the browser and check websites.

This will fix the Net Err Cert Common Name Invalid error on Chrome.

Solution 6. Clear DNS Cache of Google Chrome

Step 1. Simply visit the URL ‘chrome://net-internals/#dns‘.

Step 2. Click on Clear Host Cache button next to Host resolver cache.

Step 3. You will notice the websites are working properly.

Step 4. This is one of the easiest and most useful fixes to stop the issue of DNS servers.

hit-clear-host-cache-button

Solution 7.  Proceed to Site

If you are not sharing any of your personal details or passwords and just wish to browse through the site then  you can visit the site without any issues;

Advanced → Proceed to Site (Unsafe) → Done

Solution 8. Update the Software

Updating the Chrome Browser and/or Windows Software if available can solve the issue to a great extent.

I recommend you first go with Chrome update – Settings → Help → About Chrome → Update Chrome

Solution 9. Reset the Settings to Default

You can also restore the original Chrome settings and check for the fix

Settings → Advanced → Scroll Down & Reset

Solution 10. Clear History & Data

You can also clear history and complete data of the Chrome Browser. This will help in removing any malicious certificates installed by some bad sites. This would come handy if you are facing issues for some specific sites.

Settings →  Clear Browsing Data →  Select Cookies & Caches delete → Hit Clear Browsing Data

Solution 11. Miscellaneous Methods

If the three methods above don’t work for you then try some other methods listed below.

1. Uninstall Antivirus

Some people reported that after uninstalling their Antivirus program (mostly McAfee) the problem was gone.

2. Disable Your Firewall

Disabling the firewalls may solve the problem as some app may interfere when Chrome is trying to connect. This could be the solution for you too. Disable your firewall and check for the error.

3. Try Connecting in Safe Mode

Boot your computer into safe mode and try to load Chrome. This will help you determine if any third party software is causing the issue as the safe mode will only consist of inbuilt useful files. To do this reboot your computer and hold down the F8 key. Then select Safe mode with networking from the list of options.

Note & Conclusion: With the solutions above you can potentially fix Net:: Cert Error on Google Chrome for Windows 7, 8.1, 10 and Mac. I hope the post was helpful. Do comment below for any assistance or support if needed. Also, provide your suggestions on the same.

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