How to Fix SSL_ERROR_BAD_CERT_DOMAIN?

A Step-by-Step Guide to Resolve SSL_ERROR_BAD_CERT_DOMAIN Error
Have you ever seen the SSL_ERROR_BAD_CERT_DOMAIN error when surfing the web? Understanding and fixing this problem is essential but can be frustrating and perplexing at times. But what is the SSL ERROR BAD CERT DOMAIN error? What causes it? And how can you fix it?
Worry not! We’ll answer all these questions and more in this post.
When an SSL certificate is not valid for the domain name you are trying to access, you will see the SSL ERROR BAD CERT DOMAIN issue. SSL, short for “Secure Socket Layer,” is a technology used to encrypt information sent between a user’s browser and a website.
To ensure that a website is legitimate and that its owner is who they claim to be, it should have what is called a Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) certificate.
See Also: How to Fix ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR Chrome?
Why You Fix SSL_ERROR_BAD_CERT_DOMAIN Error
Fixing the SSL ERROR BAD CERT DOMAIN error is crucial for ensuring the security of your personal and financial information while browsing the internet. A non-valid SSL certificate indicates that the data transferred between your browser and the website is not encrypted, leaving you vulnerable to interception and misuse.
Understanding the SSL_ERROR_BAD_CERT_DOMAIN Error
The first step in fixing this mistake is learning about the SSL certificate due to which this error takes place.
An SSL certificate is a digital certificate that confirms the legitimacy of a website and its owner. It is offered by an authorized certification authority for example Sectigo or Comodo. The certificate is vital to internet security since it encrypts information in transit between a user’s browser and a website.
An alert window will appear whenever something is off or unfinished in the network. However, this error can occur for several different reasons, most of which are listed in the following section.
What are the Causes of SSL_ERROR_BAD_CERT_DOMAIN Error
- 1. Mismatch between the Certificate and Website Name
- 2. Certificate Not Issued by Trusted Authority
- 3. Invalid or Outdated SSL Certificate
- 4. Incorrect SSL Certificate Installation
- 5. Outdated Browser Cache
Let’s glance over the root causes for the SSL_ERROR_BAD_CERT_DOMAIN error:
1. Mismatch between the Certificate and Website Name
One of the leading causes of the SSL_ERROR_BAD_CERT_DOMAIN error is a mismatch between the certificate and the website name. This can occur when a website’s SSL certificate is not issued for the exact domain name that you are trying to access.
2. Certificate Not Issued by Trusted Authority
Another cause of the SSL_ERROR_BAD_CERT_DOMAIN error is a certificate not issued by a trusted certificate authority. This error can occur when a website uses a self-signed certificate or a certificate from an untrusted CA, which can compromise the security of your data.
3. Invalid or Outdated SSL Certificate
An invalid or outdated SSL certificate can also cause the SSL_ERROR_BAD_CERT_DOMAIN error. SSL certificates have a limited lifespan; you must renew them regularly to maintain their validity.
If a website’s SSL certificate has expired, it will no longer be recognized by your browser as a valid certificate, and the SSL_ERROR_BAD_CERT_DOMAIN error will occur.
4. Incorrect SSL Certificate Installation
Incorrect installation of an SSL certificate can also cause the SSL_ERROR_BAD_CERT_DOMAIN error. This error can occur when the certificate is installed on the wrong domain or is not correctly configured for the website.
5. Outdated Browser Cache
Finally, an outdated browser cache can cause the SSL_ERROR_BAD_CERT_DOMAIN error. Your browser may be caching an obsolete version of a website’s SSL certificate, which can cause an error even if the certificate is valid and up-to-date.
4 Easy Steps to Fix the SSL_ERROR_BAD_CERT_DOMAIN error
There are several methods to fix the SSL_ERROR_BAD_CERT_DOMAIN error; we will go through each in detail.
- Method 1: Make sure that the website address is correct
- Method 2: Checking your device
- Method 3: Checking the certificate
- Method 4: Updating the certificate
There are several methods to fix the SSL_ERROR_BAD_CERT_DOMAIN error; we will go through each in detail.
Method 1: Make sure that the website address is correct
Common causes of the SSL ERROR BAD CERT DOMAIN problem include misspellings in the website’s address. Verify that you typed the correct URL into the browser’s address bar before moving on to subsequent troubleshooting steps. Ensure that there are no errors, such as a lack of spacing, wrong spelling, or inappropriate characters. Go to the next method if you’ve typed in the right URL.
Method 2: Checking your device
Clean Browser History, Cookies, and Cache. Your device’s browser history, cookies, and cache can also cause the SSL_ERROR_BAD_CERT_DOMAIN error. Clearing your browser’s history, cookies, and cache may fix this error. Follow the below steps to fix it:
- Google Chrome: Click on the three dots in the upper-right corner of the browser, select “More tools,” and then “Clear browsing data.”
- Mozilla Firefox: Click on the three lines in the browser’s upper-right corner, select “Options,” and then “Privacy & Security.” From there, you can clear your browser’s history, cookies, and cache.
Method 3: Checking the certificate
Another reason for the SSL_ERROR_BAD_CERT_DOMAIN error is an invalid SSL certificate. To verify the certificate’s validity and authority, follow these steps:
- Google Chrome: Click on the padlock icon in the address bar, select “Certificate,” and then “Details.”
- Mozilla Firefox: Click on the padlock icon in the address bar, select “More Information,” and then “Security.”
If the certificate’s domain and authority are invalid, it’s time to move on to the following method.
Method 4: Updating the certificate
The website owner may have obtained a new certificate if the certificate is invalid. To fix the SSL_ERROR_BAD_CERT_DOMAIN error, you need to install the new certificate. Here’s how:
- Obtain the new certificate from the website owner or the certificate authority.
- Install the new certificate on your device.
Troubleshooting the ‘SSL ERROR BAD CERT DOMAIN’
When you receive the SSL_ERROR_BAD_CERT_DOMAIN error, there are a few alternative solutions you can try to resolve it. These can include:
Disabling SSL verification
You can temporarily disable SSL verification in your browser to test if the site loads. Remember that this is a last resort because of the risk it poses to your data.
Adding an exception for the site
You can bypass the certificate problem by telling your browser to ignore the site as an exception. This will allow you to access the site, but it’s still recommend only to do this if you trust the site and understand the risks involved.
Conclusion on How to Fix SSL_ERROR_BAD_CERT_DOMAIN
That was a wrap. In summary, if you receive the SSL_ERROR_BAD_CERT_DOMAIN error, you can try a few alternative solutions, such as disabling SSL verification or adding an exception for the site. To ensure the security of your personal information, it’s important to understand and resolve these errors. For further assistance to resolve this or other SSL certificate errors, you can reach out to our team of professionals. Moreover, you can buy genuine SSL certificates from trusted CA at the cheapest rate from us.