How to Fix the ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR? | Google Chrome Error

You must have run into the  err_ssl_protocol_error when using Google Chrome. It is the most used web browser among Internet users. But what does this Google Chrome problem mean?

This post will explain what this mistake means and walk you through the steps to resolve it so you can get your site back up and running. Various faults with the website server or local computer, or a combination of both, can cause this error. It’s most prevalent on Chrome, but it may vary on the browser you are using.

What does this ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR mean?

The err_ssl_protocol_error in Google Chrome refers to an SSL protocol error that happens when a web browser cannot establish a secure connection.

According to the issue, a specific website cannot establish a secure connection and is giving an “invalid response.” As the problem can occur on the user’s end or on the server that hosts a website, pinpointing the source of the problem can be difficult.

Causes of ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR in Chrome

Before you move to the solutions to the problem, it is better first to determine the source of the issue. This will assist you in resolving the issue more effectively and efficiently. It may even assist you in preventing the problem from recurring. TechNinjaPro has put together a list of the most prevalent causes of the err_ssl_protocol_error:

• Incorrect time and date settings.
• Antivirus/firewall configurations.
• Google Chrome is not updated to the latest version.
• Extensions on your browser are interfering with your connection.
• All the Cache is saved in your browser.

This list error does not include all the possible origins for the err_ssl_protocol_error in Google Chrome. Once it comes to these types of failures, it is essential to remember that the fundamental reason for each SSL protocol fault is unique. 

Therefore, it is now up to the user to figure out where the problem originates from and implement the appropriate fixes to resolve it at your earliest convenience.

Fix The ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR

The procedure of resolving the  err_ssl_protocol_error is not very complicated. This SSL protocol issue, in comparison to other forms of Google Chrome faults, does not require extremely difficult fices that may necessitate the assistance of specialists. 

TechNinjaPro has created a list of the most frequent troubleshooting methods to assist you in resolving this issue.

1. Update To Latest Google Chrome Version

An old version of Google Chrome can sometimes trigger the err_ssl_protocol_error. Updating it to the most recent version may resolve the problem and reduce the chances of appearing in other forms of SSL failures. To upgrade Google Chrome, follow these steps:

1. Double click on Google Chrome to open it.
2. On the upper right side of your screen, look for the three vertical dots.
3. From there, go to Help and open About Google Chrome. 

4. A new window will open, and Chrome will automatically start updating your browser. 

5. Once it is done, it will give you the option to relaunch. 

6. Check if your problem gets resolved. 

2. Clear the SSL State

SSL certificates stored by your PC are simply referred to as the SSL state. When you visit a website, your computer automatically caches these certificates, making a website appear insecure even though you have a valid SSL certificate in your cache.

Cleaning the SSL state in Google Chrome is the first way to solve the issue. Once a secure connection to a website has been established, the browser retains SSL certificates in a cache to speed up subsequent connections.

Clearing the SSL state reduces page load times because, without it, each HTTPS request would demand downloading and authenticating the SSL certificate, which would create problems with the performance.

1. Press the Windows key on your keyboard.
2. Type Internet Options and open the app.

3. Locate the Content tab and click it.
4. Click Clear SSL State.

5. Once the process is finished, restart Google Chrome and see if this has fixed the problem.

3 . Deactivate QUIC Protocol

QUIC Protocol (pronounced “quick”) is an acronym for Quick UDP Internet Connections. It is a new transport layer network protocol created by Google to boost performance by lowering latency. Reduced connection times, improved browser performance, and more consistent connections to web servers are just a few of the additional advantages.

 The main disadvantage of this new network protocol is that it may occasionally result in SSL problems. To disable the QUIC protocol, follow these steps:

1. Double-click Google Chrome to open it.
2. In the address bar, type chrome:/flags/#enable-quic.

3. Select Disable from the drop-down option.

4. Restart your browser to see whether the issue has been resolved.

4. Stop Antivirus and Firewall Interference

It is critical to have antivirus and firewall software installed on your computer. These tools perform an excellent job of safeguarding you from various internet security threats. Antivirus software and firewall settings are well known for interfering with web browsing in the pursuit of screen webpages for viruses and other elements that could harm your computer. 

However, these cybersecurity methods are not without flaws. For example, the err_ssl_protocol_error can occur for various reasons, including when an antivirus application bans a legitimate site due to outdated configuration settings.

If your antivirus or firewall settings interfere with your internet browsing, you can temporarily disable them and relaunch Google Chrome to see if the issue has been resolved. However, to avoid leaving your PC vulnerable, remember to activate your antivirus and firewall settings.

5. Check Your System’s Date or Time

The err_ssl_protocol_error issue sometimes commonly happens when your device’s date and time settings are incorrect. SSL certificates must now have a lifespan of no more than 398 days, less than the previous requirement of two years. This means that every 13 months, websites must renew or replace their SSL certificates. What does this have to do with thee err_ssl_protocol_error?

Setting your Date and time according to the standard will solve many issues you may be facing. If the website believes that the SSL certificate on your computer is invalid, this may not open. Follow the steps to not experience such errors:

1. Go to Settings from the Start menu.

2. Select Time & Language from the Settings window.

3. In the Time & Language window, click on Date & Time.
4. Switch on Set time automatically and Set time zone automatically.

It will also give you the option to set the time zone manually, but it is suggested to set it automatically as it takes the information which will be more correct and error-free. 

6. Delete Browsing History

Storage issues in your computer or any error in the browsing history can also cause the SSL error. Deleting the old history can fix such an issue for you. So follow the steps to remove the browsing history from your Google Chrome.

1. Start using Google Chrome.
2. Click on three dots on the upper right corner of the chrome window.
3. Navigate to History and then again click on History.

4. Alternatively, you can simply press CTRL + H simultaneously on your keyboard.
5. Now hit on the Clear browsing data from the right side of the screen.

6. Go to the advanced tab and check all the boxes.
7. And click on All-Time from the drop-down menu.

8. Tap on Clear Data.

After the completion of the process, restart your google chrome browser and see if you are able to access the site.

7. Disable Extensions of Google Chrome 

Google Chrome extensions assist you in many ways and help users be more productive and efficient. Unfortunately, some corrupt extensions can create problems in your browsing. It will be wise to not install any unknown extension on your google chrome.

If you are facing problems on your google chrome, you should check that you have not installed any malicious extension. To solve the SSL connection, TechNinjaAro will show you how to temporarily disable all the extensions to check if the issue is caused by them or not. 

1. Open Google Chrome on your PC.
2. Click on three vertical dots on the upper right side of your screen,
3. Select More tools and then Extensions from the drop-down menu that appears.

4. You will be able to disable all of the activated browser extensions one by one in the new window.

8. Reinstall Google Chrome

Lastly, if none of the above-mentioned fixes works for you, you are left with only one option. Delete your Google Chrome from the computer and install it again. 

Try this fix when all other solutions are letting you down. This may solve the problem, so follow the steps to get done with it:

1. Search the Control Panel on the Start menu, and hit Enter to open it.

2. Click on Uninstall a Program under the Programs option.

3. A list of programs will come up on your screen.
4. Locate Google Chrome right-click on it to uninstall.

Once you have uninstalled Google Chrome, lets download and install it again:

1. Download Google Chrome using some other browser.
2. Search google.com/chrome in the browser.

3. Click on the Download Chrome for Windows or Mac.
4. Double click the installer. And install it.

After installing Google Chrome on your computer, start it and check if the  err_ssl_protocol_error issue is resolved.

Conclusion

TechNinjaPro has listed 8 fixes for the err_ssl_protocol_error on Google Chrome in this article. Follow any of these to get rid of the issue and have a smooth browning experience.