How to Fix “Your Connection Is Not Private” Error  

Key takeaways:  

• The “Your connection is not private” error occurs when your browser detects issues with a site’s SSL certificate. 
• From a simple page refresh to checking SSL certificates, learn step-by-step solutions to resolve the issue. 
• Find out when it’s safe to bypass the warning and when doing so could put your data at risk. 

A sudden “your connection is not private” error can set off warning bells. You’re left wondering if the site is unsafe, if your data is at risk, or if it’s just a glitch. Should you ignore it or fix it?  

The truth is this happens to everyone. While it’s a security feature meant to protect you, it can also block access to sites you trust. If ignored, it could leave your information vulnerable.  

But don’t worry, we’ll show you what you need to know about this error. In this article, we discuss why this happens and how to fix it.  

What does ‘Your connection is not private’ mean?  

The “Your connection is not private” error means that your browser cannot establish a secure connection with the website you’re trying to visit. This means that it’s a warning that the site you are visiting has a problem with its SSL certificate.   

The error message can appear for a few reasons, which are discussed below. Some browsers might display variations of this error message, such as “This connection is not secure” or “Your connection is not private.” Regardless of the wording, it holds the same thought.  

In cases where you’re a website owner or developer, it’s important to make sure that your SSL certificates are renewed and properly configured. Otherwise, visitors may encounter this error and feel uncomfortable providing sensitive information.   

For a more in-depth discussion about SSL read our full article about What is an SSL Certificate and How Does It Work? 

What are the common causes of the ‘Your Connection is Not Private’ error?  

Several factors can cause the “Your connection is not private” error. While SSL certificate issues are the primary reason, other factors like browser-related problems, system date and time settings, network restrictions, and security software interference can also be the culprit. Here’s a breakdown of the common causes:  

SSL certificate issues  

SSL certificates are important for having secure communication between your browser and the website. The browser will display the error message if there’s a problem with the certificate. The most common SSL certificate issues include:  

• Expired or invalid certificate. SSL certificates have an expiration date. The browser will flag the site as insecure and prevent access if the certificate is outdated or hasn’t been renewed. An expired certificate means the website can no longer encrypt your connection, putting any data exchanged at risk.  
• Misconfigured certificate. If the website’s certificate is improperly installed or configured, the browser won’t be able to validate it. This could be due to incorrect certificate chains or server misconfigurations.  
• Untrusted certificate authority. SSL certificates are issued by trusted certificate authorities (CAs). If an untrusted or unknown CA issues the certificate, the browser will warn that the connection is insecure.  

Incorrect system date and time  

Your computer’s system date and time play a role in validating SSL certificates. If your system’s date or time is incorrect, it can cause a mismatch with the SSL certificate’s validity period. This may cause the browser to think the certificate has expired or is invalid, even if it’s correct.   

Browser-related issues  

Sometimes, the issue might not be with the website or its SSL certificate, but with your browser:  

• Outdated browsers. Older versions of browsers may not support the latest SSL encryption standards or may have known issues with verifying certificates, causing errors like the “Your connection is not private” warning.  
• Corrupted cache or cookies. Browsers store SSL certificate information in their cache. If this information becomes outdated or corrupted, it could trigger an error.   
• Glitches or bugs. Temporary glitches in the browser might also prevent the SSL certificate validation process.  

Public Wi-Fi and network restrictions  

Insecure connections, like those on public Wi-Fi networks, can cause SSL validation errors. Public networks are often unprotected. This can lead to SSL certificate validation failures and trigger the “Your connection is not private” message. Additionally, network restrictions or proxies set by your internet service provider (ISP) may block SSL certificates or interfere with encryption, causing this error.  

Antivirus or firewall interference  

Some antivirus programs or firewalls actively monitor and filter internet traffic for security purposes. While this can protect you from threats, some security software may incorrectly block SSL connections or tamper with certificate validation.  

Security threats or malware  

In more severe cases, malware on your device or a compromised network could interfere with the SSL certificate validation process. If your device is infected with malware, it can compromise SSL checks and lead to an error message. Make sure that your antivirus software is up-to-date and scan your device for threats regularly to eliminate this possibility.  

What the ‘Your connection is not private’ error looks like across different browsers  

When you encounter the “Your connection is not private” error, it can appear differently depending on the browser. While the general warning remains the same, each browser provides its own set of details and error codes to help diagnose the problem. Here’s how the error looks across popular browsers:  

Google Chrome  

In Chrome, when the browser encounters an SSL issue, you’ll be shown a “Your connection is not private” message on a privacy error page. The page displays a large red exclamation point and warns that attackers may be trying to steal your information. Along with the warning, Chrome provides specific error codes to help you pinpoint the issue. These codes can include:  

• NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID. This indicates that the SSL certificate can’t be verified because an untrusted certificate authority issues it.  
• NET::ERR_CERT_COMMON_NAME_INVALID. This means the domain name doesn’t match the SSL certificate’s common name, which can signal a potential phishing attempt or misconfiguration.  
• NET::ERR_CERT_DATE_INVALID.  Your computer’s date and time settings might be incorrect, causing the SSL certificate validation to fail.  
• ERR_CERT_SYMANTEC_LEGACY.  The site is using an unsupported Symantec-issued certificate.  
• ERR_SSL_VERSION_OR_CIPHER_MISMATCH.  There’s an incompatibility between the SSL version or cipher settings on the server and your browser.  
• NET::ERR_CERT_WEAK_SIGNATURE_ALGORITHM. The SSL certificate uses an outdated or insecure signature algorithm.  
• NTE::ERR_CERTIFICATE_TRANSPARENCY_REQUIRED. The certificate isn’t publicly logged as part of certificate transparency requirements, which could indicate a misconfigured or suspicious certificate.  

Mozilla Firefox  

Firefox presents a warning with a red lock symbol and a message that reads, “Your connection is not secure,” notifying you that the site may have been misconfigured. Firefox also provides detailed error codes that help identify specific issues with the certificate, such as:  

• SEC_ERROR_EXPIRED_CERTIFICATE. The certificate for the website has expired.  
• SEC_ERROR_UNKNOWN_ISSUER. The certificate’s issuer is not recognized, meaning the certificate may be from an untrusted source.  
• SSL_ERROR_BAD_CERT_DOMAIN. The certificate doesn’t match the website’s domain.  
• ERROR_SELF_SIGNED_CERT. The website uses a self-signed certificate, which is not trusted by default.  
• MOZILLA_PKIX_ERROR_MITM_DETECTED. A man-in-the-middle (MITM) attack has been detected, meaning someone might be intercepting the connection.  
• SEC_ERROR_OCSP_INVALID_SIGNING_CERT. An issue with the certificate’s status checking (OCSP) has been detected.  

In these cases, Firefox gives you the option to go back to the previous page or to adjust advanced settings to bypass the warning (though this is not recommended unless you’re sure of the site’s safety).  

Safari (Mac & iOS)  

Safari’s error page displays the message, “This connection is not private,” and warns that the site may be impersonating the one you intended to visit. Unlike Chrome and Firefox, Safari doesn’t immediately display error codes. Instead, it provides a “Show Details” button, which will offer more insights into the SSL problem. In Safari, the red crossed-out padlock indicates that the connection is insecure. Clicking on the “Show Details” button reveals information about the SSL certificate, including whether it is expired or not trusted.  

Microsoft Edge  

Microsoft Edge uses a similar error message to Google Chrome, with a large red exclamation mark and a warning that attackers could be trying to steal your information. The error message may also include these common error codes:  

• DLG_FLAGS_INVALID_CA. The certificate authority is invalid or not trusted.  
• DLG_FLAGS_SEC_CERT_CN_INVALID.  The certificate’s common name doesn’t match the domain name you’re trying to visit.  
• NET::ERR_CERT_COMMON_NAME_INVALID. This error occurs when the certificate’s domain does not match the intended website’s domain, like in Google Chrome.  
• Error Code: 0. This indicates a generic SSL error where the security certificate is either improperly installed or expired.  

10 ways to fix the ‘Your connection is not private’ error  

If you see the “Your connection is not private” error, don’t worry; there are several ways to troubleshoot and fix the issue. Whether it’s related to SSL certificates, browser settings, or network conditions, these solutions can help get you back to a secure browsing experience. 

Here are 10 effective ways to resolve the error:  

1. Refresh the page  

It might seem simple, but sometimes, reloading the page is all you need to resolve minor glitches such as a browser timeout or unstable internet connection. Press Ctrl + R (Windows) or Cmd + R (Mac) to reload the page. If this doesn’t work, closing your browser and reopening it could help reset any temporary issues.  

2. Check your Wi-Fi connection  

A weak or unstable Wi-Fi connection can often prevent a secure SSL connection with websites. If you’re on a public Wi-Fi network, it’s especially important to note that some networks don’t support HTTPS connections at all, which can trigger the error. Try switching to a different, more reliable network or move closer to your router. If you’re on public Wi-Fi, consider using a virtual private network (VPN) to protect your data.  

3. Check your device’s date & time  

Your device’s clock must match your browser’s time for SSL certificates to be validated correctly. If your computer’s date and time settings are incorrect, SSL verification failures can occur. Adjust your device’s time settings and make sure they are synchronized, then refresh the page.  

4. Clear your browser’s cache & cookies  

Browsers store data in cache and cookies to speed up web page loading. However, these can become outdated or corrupted, which can lead to connection errors. Clearing your cache and cookies will help eliminate outdated information and allow the browser to fetch the latest SSL certificates from the website.  

5. Try incognito mode  

Using incognito mode (or private browsing in some browsers) disables stored cookies and history. This allows you to see if cached data or browser extensions cause the error. If the error doesn’t appear in incognito mode, it’s likely an issue with your browser’s cache, cookies, or extensions. Try clearing your browser cache and cookies to fix it.  

6. Disable antivirus SSL scanning  

Some antivirus programs or firewalls can block SSL connections by scanning encrypted traffic for threats. Temporarily disabling the SSL scan feature in your antivirus software can help you determine if it’s causing the error. Be sure to turn the scan back on after troubleshooting to ensure your system remains protected.  

7. Use a VPN  

Public Wi-Fi networks can leave you vulnerable to security threats, such as MITM attacks, where hackers intercept data between your device and the website. To protect your data, use a VPN to encrypt your internet connection and ensure secure browsing, even on unsecured networks.  

8. Manually proceed (with caution)  

If you trust the website, some browsers allow you to manually proceed to the site by bypassing the error. In Chrome, for example, you can click Advanced and then select Proceed to [website] (unsafe). However, this is risky, especially if you’re entering personal or payment information. Only bypass the warning if you know the website is secure and legitimate.  

9. Check SSL certificate validity (for website owners & developers)  

If you’re a website owner or developer, ensure that your SSL certificate is installed and updated. You can use tools like SSL Labs to check your certificate’s status. If there are any issues—such as an expired or untrusted certificate—you’ll need to renew or reconfigure it. Make sure the certificate covers all subdomains as well.  

10. Force HTTPS redirection (for website owners & developers)  

Website owners should implement HTTPS redirection to ensure visitors are always connecting securely. This automatically redirects users to the HTTPS version of the site, even if they initially type in the HTTP version. You can do this for Apache servers by updating the .htaccess file. For NGINX servers, you can configure server rules for automatic redirection. This helps prevent users from landing on an unsecured version of your site.  

How to protect your privacy online  

Protecting your privacy online is important whether you’re browsing the web or managing an online business. Here are simple steps to help safeguard your data and avoid cyber threats:  

• Use a VPN for secure browsing: A VPN encrypts your internet connection, making it harder for hackers to intercept your data. It keeps your personal information safe, especially on public Wi-Fi or when visiting sensitive sites.  
• Keep your browser and OS updated: Regular updates to your browser and operating system fix security flaws and improve performance. Keeping them up to date helps protect you from the latest threats.  
• Avoid suspicious links: Emails from unknown sources containing links are suspect. These could lead to phishing sites or malware. If unsure, type the website URL directly into your browser.  
• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): 2FA adds extra security to your accounts. Even if someone steals your password, they can’t access your account without the second verification step, like a code sent to your phone.  
• Use trusted SSL-certified websites: You should avoid inputting sensitive data on unsecure websites. This keeps your data safe from hackers and phishing attempts.  
• Add SSL to your domain (for website owners): If you run a website, securing it with an SSL certificate encrypts communication between your site and visitors. It protects their sensitive data and boosts your site’s SEO ranking.  

Take control of your online security today  

The “Your connection is not private” error serves as a reminder that online security should never be ignored. Following the steps in this guide strengthens your privacy and keeps your online activities secure. Website owners should install and maintain an updated SSL certificate to protect visitors, build trust, and prevent security warnings that could damage their site’s reputation. 

Taking the right precautions allows you to browse with confidence and keep your website safe for users. Don’t wait for security issues to arise—act now to stay protected. 

Looking for a reliable SSL solution? Domain.com provides SSL certificates to secure your website and protect visitor data. Also, we cover a range of topics about website security, SSL, and online protection, so or more tips you’d be better to check it out. 

“Your connection is not private” FAQs