How to Fix ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR on Chrome

Try these before notifying the webmaster

Do you keep seeing ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR repeatedly while attempting to access a website or web page in Google Chrome? Usually, that happens when the browser has trouble using the SSL (Secure Socket Layer) protocol to establish a secure connection with the site.

Just like with other SSL connection errors in Chrome, ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR doesn’t necessarily mean that the error originates from the server-side (although that’s a possibility). Work through the troubleshooting tips below and see if you can fix the error yourself.

Adjust the System Date & Time

Having the date and time set up inaccurately on your computer is a common reason for the ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR in Chrome. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to kick things off by syncing the Date & Time settings on your PC or Mac with the Microsoft or Apple servers.

  1. Right-click the taskbar clock on the bottom right corner of the screen.

  2. SelectAdjust date and time.

  3. Turn on the switches next toSet time automaticallyandSet time zone automaticallyto sync your PC’s date and time with the Microsoft servers.

  4. Open theSystem Preferencesapp.

  5. SelectDate & Time.

  6. Select theLockicon and enter your Mac’s admin password.

  7. Enable the checkboxes next toSet date and time automaticallyandSet time zone automatically using current locationunder theDate & TimeandTime Zonetabs. That should prompt your Mac to fetch accurate date and time data from the Apple servers based on location.

Clear the Chrome Browser Cache

The next fix involves deleting the Chrome browser cache and site settings.

  1. Open Chrome.

  2. PressControl+Shift+Delete(PC) orCommand+Shift+Backspace(Mac) to load Chrome’sClear browsing datapop-up pane.

  3. Switch to theAdvancedtab and selectAll Timeon theTime rangedrop-down menu. Then, check the boxes next to the following:

  4. SelectClear data.

Clear SSL State (PC Only)

Chrome’s browser cache aside, clearing your PC’s SSL state can also help fix SSL-related issues. You can do that via the Internet Properties –Control Panelapplet.

  1. Open theStartmenu (or pressCtrl+S) and typeInternet Options. Then, selectOpento loadInternet Properties.

  2. Switch to theContenttab.

  3. SelectClear SSL Cache.

Tweak the Website URL

Sometimes, typing the URL with or without the WWW (World Wide Web) prefix can trigger the ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR. Modify the URL and check if that helps.

  1. Double-click Chrome’s search bar to reveal the complete URL.

  2. Add or remove thewwwprefix.

  3. PressEnter.

Flush DNS Cache

A corruptDNS (Domain Name Service) cacheon your Mac or PC can cause site-loading issues. Clear it before reloading the site again.

  1. Right-click theStarticon and selectWindows PowerShell (Admin)orWindows Terminal (Admin).

  2. Type in the following command:

ipconfig /flushdns

  1. PressEnter.

  2. Open theLaunchpadand selectOther>Terminal.

  3. Type in the following command:

sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder

  1. PressEnter.

  2. Type in your Mac’s administrator password.

  3. PressEnteragain.

Deactivate Virtual Private Network

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) can enhance your privacy online, but they can also prevent Chrome from checking a site’s connection for authenticity. So if you use a VPN, deactivate it and try reloading the site again.

Set Up Automatic Proxy

Another way to fix ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR in Google Chrome involves disabling automatic or manual proxies.

  1. Open theChromemenu (select three dots on the window’s top-right corner) and selectSettings.

  2. SelectAdvanced>Systemon the sidebar.

  3. SelectOpen your computer’s proxy settings.

Turn off the switch next toAutomatically detect settingsand disable any setup scripts or manual proxies.

Uncheck all boxes underneath theSelect a protocol to configuresection.

Disable Chrome Extensions

Browser extensions are a primary underlying reason for numerous site-related issues. So, get to Chrome’s Extensions screen (selectMore Tools>Extensionson the Chrome menu), disable all active extensions, and check if the ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR recurs. If it doesn’t, isolate the problematic extension and keep it disabled.

Disable QUIC Protocol

By default, the Google Chrome browser uses a low-latency protocol called QUIC to speed up website connections. However, it can result in SSL errors. Try disabling it via Chrome’s experimental features pane.

  1. Type the following into Chrome’s address bar:

chrome://flags/#enable-quic

  1. PressEnter.

  2. Open the pull-down menu next toExperimental QUIC Protocoland selectDisabled.

  3. SelectRelaunch.

If the site continues to generate the ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR, reactivate the QUIC protocol before moving on with the rest of the fixes.

Check the Hosts File

If you have a habit of editing your computer’s Hosts file, remove any mentions of the site’s IP address or domain name.

Update Google Chrome

An outdated Chrome version can also prevent the browser from establishing a secure connection to a website. So, update the browser and check if that makes a difference. To do that, simply open theChromemenu and selectHelp>About Google Chrome.

Disable Antivirus & Firewall

Do you use a third-party antivirus program or internet security utility on your PC or Mac? Disable it and check if the site loads correctly. Try adding the site as an exception to the antivirus settings. Check the utility’s online documentation or user manual for instructions.

Notify the Site’s Webmaster

If the ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR persists in Chrome (and also other web browsers such as Firefox, Edge, Safari, etc.), it’s time to notify the website owner or administrator about the issue. If you’re a webmaster, check your hosting account for any problems related to the site’s SSL certificate or seek help from the hosting provider’s support team.

Dilum Senevirathne is a freelance tech writer and blogger with three years of experience writing for online technology publications. He specializes in topics related to iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and Google web apps. When he isn’t hammering away at his Magic Keyboard, you can catch him binge-watching productivity hacks on YouTube.Read Dilum’s Full Bio

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