How to Fix ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR Chrome?

A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Resolve ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR Chrome

Looking for a guide on how to fix the ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR Chrome error? If so, then you have reached the right page. Google Chrome is one of the best internet browsers, with billions of users actively using it. Still, many times, issues may arise in the working of the browser leading to the display of a certain error message.

Though it may be concerning for people to see the error, there is not much to worry about and it is a common error that can be fixed with various methods.

Hence, in this blog, we will understand what NET::ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR fix Chrome and different ways to improve it for Google Chrome users. Let us begin!

What is ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR?

Before we go ahead and tell you how to fix the Chrome ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR error, let us first understand what err_ssl_protocol_error means.

To comprehend the error, you first need to know about the Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) protocol. SSL protocol is a security measure used by websites to protect data from being intercepted when transmitted from one server to another. This protocol helps users prevent their confidential and private information from getting breached or exposed over the network.

The NET::ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR comes when the SSL encryption protocol prevents data from being transmitted safely. This usually happens when you are trying to visit a HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS) website with an expired SSL certificate. Though this error is most prevalent in Google Chrome, it can also be seen in other browsers. 

See Also: How to Fix SSL_ERROR_BAD_CERT_DOMAIN?

Why Does the NET::ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR Occur?

Now that we know what the error is, let us also understand some of the root causes of why this error occurs in Google Chrome and other browsers. Here are some of the causes that may lead the browser to display this error:

1. Missing SSL Certificate

This error will be projected in case the SSL certificate is missing from the website. 

2. Recent Changes Made to Browser or System

The error may also be displayed in case you made any new changes to the system or website (If you are the website owner).

3. Revocation of the Website’s Certificate you are Trying to Visit

The error may show up in your system if the SSL certificate of the website has been added to the Certificate Revocation List.

4. Certificate Not Renewed

The error might get displayed if the website you are trying to browse has yet to renew its SSL certificate.

5. Incorrect System Clock Settings

Having the incorrect date and time settings in your system is one of the most common causes of this error.

6. Change in Firewall and Antivirus Settings

Any recent changes made to the firewall settings may lead to the occurrence of this error.

7. Misconfigured Protocol Settings and Versions

This error may also get displayed in case the version of your browser isn’t updated or if you have misconfigured the protocol settings of your Google Chrome browser.

10 Easy Steps to Fix “ERR SSL PROTOCOL ERROR” Chrome?

1. Check the System Time and Date
2. Clear Browser Cache and Cookies
3. Disable QUIC Protocol Option
4. Temporarily disable Antivirus
5. Disable Browser Extensions
6. Temporarily disable Firewall
7. Fix your Internet Security and Privacy Level
8. Remove the Hosts file from Your System
9. Clear SSL State
10. Update Browsers to Latest Version

Let’s discuss each solution in detail:

1. Check the System Time and Date

As mentioned above, one of the common reasons for the occurrence of this error is due to incorrect date and time settings. As the authentication process of the browser needs to validate the certificate, having a wrong date on your system may lead to this error. Therefore, go to the system’s date and time settings and correct the date and time if required.

2. Clear Browser Cache and Cookies

Another common reason that may be preventing you from visiting HTTPS websites is the presence of extensive browsing data in your browser. Hence, clear all your browsing data and check if the error still prevails. Here is how you can clear your browsing history:

• Open the Google Chrome browser.
• Press Ctrl + Shift + Delete on your keyboard.
• Reset the Time Range option to “All Time”.
• Select the checkbox that says “Cookies and other site data”.
• Also, check the  “Cached images and files” option.
• Finally, press the Clear data button.

3. Disable the QUIC Protocol Option

Though it is not recommended, you can permanently remove this error from Google Chrome by disabling the QUIC protocol. Here are the steps to do it:

• Open your Google Chrome browser and type chrome://flags/#enable-quic in the URL bar and enter. 
• Experimental QUIC protocol settings will open that would have selected the Default option. Click the option and change it to Disabled.
• Now scroll down to the end of the page and press the button ‘Relaunch’.

This would fix NET::ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR Chrome permanently.

4. Temporarily disable Antivirus

Not necessarily, but the Chrome ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR may get displayed if you have recently installed new antivirus software. Antivirus programs these days are highly sensitive and can block websites if found to be outdated SSL/TLS versions.

Therefore, if the error started coming to your browser just after you installed a new antivirus program, the best way is to disable the antivirus and check if the website starts working. If yes, then go to the antivirus settings, and see if you have any option to bypass this network check.

5. Disable Browser Extensions

The browser extensions may be another reason for the occurrence of this error. So check if you have recently added any new extensions in your browser that may be causing this error.

To view the Chrome Extensions of your browser, type chrome://extensions/ in the URL bar. Then, disable the extensions that may have caused this issue.

6. Temporarily Disable Firewall

Your firewall may have blocked the website’s IP address, which may be causing this error. Hence, go to your firewall settings and remove any websites blocked by the firewall.

7. Fix your Internet Security and Privacy Level

To fix the NET::ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR Chrome error, you can also change the security level of your internet security settings and check if you can browse the website. Follow the steps to reduce the security level of your browser:

• Type Internet Options in the search bar of your computer.
• When the Internet Properties open, go to the Security tab, and you will find a slider that controls the Security level.
• Set the level to Medium-high and click on OK button.

Now check if your websites have started working or not.

8. Remove the Hosts file from Your System

You can also get rid of this error by removing the host file from your system. But, it is not recommended to do so, as it can expose your network to malware in certain cases.

The following is the process to remove the host file:

• Press Windows + R to open the run window.
• Type C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc and hit the enter button.
• You will find a file named ‘Hosts’ in the folder.
• Delete the file to eliminate the error.

9. Clear SSL State

Follow the below steps to Clear SSL State:

• Go to Control Panel
• Open Network and Sharing Centre option.
• Select Internet Options from the left bottom.
• A window stating Internet Properties will appear. 
• Navigate to the Content tab and press Clear SSL State.

The above-given process will fix the NET::ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR Chrome error.

10. Update Browsers to Latest Version

• Go to Chrome, Click on the three dots, and Open the Settings option.
• select Help > About Google Chrome to verify that it’s running on the latest version.

lastly restart the google chrome and check whether your website is working or not.

Final Thoughts on How to Fix ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR Chrome

One of the above-given methods will fix Chrome ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR on all browsers for you. However, if your SSL certificate expires, it is always recommend to you purchase a new certificate instead of using different hacks. It will provide you with better internet security and ensure a safe internet browsing experience.