How To Fix the “Your Connection is Not Private” Error

If you encounter the "Your Connection is Not Private" error, your browser cannot confirm the security of the website you're trying to visit. This happens when there's a problem with the website's SSL certificate – a digital credential that authenticates its identity and encrypts your data.

This comprehensive guide is designed to help everyday users and website administrators understand and troubleshoot this error. We'll provide step-by-step solutions to fix this issue and browse the web safely.

What is the "Your Connection is Not Private” error?

The "Your Connection is Not Private" error is a security warning that appears when your web browser cannot verify the authenticity of a website's security certificate.

This certificate, known as an SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate, encrypts data transmitted between your browser and the website to establish a secure connection (HTTPS). Without it, your data could be vulnerable to hackers or eavesdroppers.

You can’t control if a website you visit has an SSL and other protections in place. But you can take extra steps, like using a secure browser or installing a VPN before connecting to the internet.

"Your Connection is Not Private” error variations

This error message can appear differently across browsers, but the underlying issue is the same. Some common variations include:

1. Safari

The "This Connection Is Not Private" or "Safari Can't Verify the Identity of the Website" error in Safari typically indicates a problem with the website's SSL certificate. This certificate is crucial for establishing a secure connection and encrypting data between your browser and the website.

2. Google Chrome

"Your Connection is Not Private” followed by an error code:

NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID: The website's SSL certificate is from an untrusted authority.
NET::ERR_CERT_COMMON_NAME_INVALID: The domain name in the certificate doesn't match the website.
NET::ERR_CERT_WEAK_SIGNATURE_ALGORITHM: The certificate uses outdated encryption.
ERR_CERT_SYMANTEC_LEGACY: The website uses an old, untrusted Symantec certificate.
NET::ERR_CERT_DATE_INVALID: The certificate is expired or not yet valid (check your system time/date or the server's certificate).
NET::ERR_CERTIFICATE_TRANSPARENCY_REQUIRED: The certificate lacks required transparency information, indicating potential risks.
ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR: There's an error in the SSL/TLS protocol negotiation.
ERR_SSL_VERSION_OR_CIPHER_MISMATCH: The browser and server can't agree on a compatible SSL/TLS version or encryption cipher, often due to outdated software.

3. Microsoft Edge

"Your connection isn't private," often accompanied by an error code:

NET::ERR_CERT_COMMON_NAME_INVALID or DLG_FLAGS_SEC_CERT_CN_INVALID: The website's SSL certificate doesn't match the domain name you're trying to access. This is usually due to server misconfiguration or using the wrong domain name.
Error Code: 0: A general SSL error with various causes, often appearing with more specific errors like NET::ERR_CERT_COMMON_NAME_INVALID.
DLG_FLAGS_INVALID_CA: Your browser doesn't trust the certificate authority (CA) that issued the website's certificate. This could be because the CA is unknown or your browser's list of trusted CAs is outdated.

4. Mozilla Firefox

"Warning: Potential Security Risk Ahead" or "This Connection is Not Secure." followed by an error code:

MOZILLA_PKIX_ERROR_ADDITIONAL_POLICY_CONSTRAINT_FAILED: The website's certificate has extra security rules your browser doesn't understand.
SEC_ERROR_EXPIRED_ISSUER_CERTIFICATE: The certificate validating the website's security has expired.
SEC_ERROR_EXPIRED_CERTIFICATE: The website's security certificate has expired.
SEC_ERROR_UNKNOWN_ISSUER: Your browser doesn't recognize the website's certificate issuer.
MOZILLA_PKIX_ERROR_MITM_DETECTED: Firefox suspects someone is intercepting your connection (Man-in-the-Middle attack). This could be due to a compromised network, a rogue security program, or an attack.
ERROR_SELF_SIGNED_CERT: The website is using a less secure, self-created certificate.
SSL_ERROR_BAD_CERT_DOMAIN: The website's domain name doesn't match its certificate, possibly indicating a phishing scam.

This is not an exhaustive list of all possible error codes. However, these are the most common ones you might encounter.

Bypassing the "Your Connection Is Not Private" error

Most browsers offer a "Proceed Anyway" or similar option when you encounter the "Your Connection is Not Private" error. Choosing this route is strongly discouraged and should only be considered in specific situations.

Clicking "Proceed Anyway" on a website with an unverified connection puts your information at risk. It exposes sensitive data, such as passwords, credit card information, and personal details, to potential hackers.

You might consider the "Proceed Anyway” option in a few limited cases. These could include:

Trusted internal networks: If you’re on a private network (like your company’s intranet) where you trust the website owner and understand the risks.
Development sites: When working on a website under development, you might need to bypass the error for testing purposes temporarily.

However, if you must proceed, do so with extreme caution. Here’s how:

Safari: Click "Show Details," then click "visit this website."
Google Chrome/Microsoft Edge: Click "Advanced," then "Proceed to [website name] (unsafe)."
Mozilla Firefox: Click "Advanced," then "Accept the Risk and Continue."

How to fix the "Your Connection is Not Private” error for users

If you encounter the "Your Connection is Not Private” error while surfing the internet, try these simple solutions that often resolve the issue:

1. Reload the page: Sometimes, websites experience temporary glitches. Simply hitting the refresh button can clear these up and allow the certificate to load correctly.

2. Check your date and time: If your computer’s date and time are incorrect, it can interfere with the SSL certificate’s validation. Go to your system settings and make sure they’re accurate.

Windows: Right-click on the clock in the taskbar -> "Adjust date/time.”
macOS: Click the Launchpad -> System settings -> General -> Date and Time.

3. Clear browser cache and cookies: Browsers store website data, including potentially outdated or corrupted certificates. Clearing your cache and cookies can force your browser to fetch a fresh certificate.

Safari: "Safari" menu -> "Preferences" -> "Privacy" -> "Manage Website Data." Click "Remove All."
Chrome: Three dots (top right) -> "More tools" -> "Clear browsing data." Select "Cookies and other site data" and "Cached images and files." Click "Clear data."
Edge: Three dots (top right) -> "Settings" -> "Privacy, search, and services" -> "Clear browsing data." Choose "Cookies and other site data" and "Cached images and files." Click "Clear now."
Firefox: Three lines (top right) -> "History" -> "Clear Recent History." Select "Cookies" and "Cache." Click "Clear Now."

4. Try incognito/private browsing: Open a new private window (Ctrl+Shift+N in Chrome and Edge, Ctrl+Shift+P in Firefox, Command+Shift+N in Safari). If the website loads, the issue might be with your browser extensions or cached data.

5. Temporarily disable antivirus/VPN: Overly cautious security software can sometimes block legitimate certificates. Disable your antivirus or VPN temporarily and try loading the page again. Remember to re-enable your security software afterwards!

6. Check your Wi-Fi connection: Try switching to a different network if you're on public Wi-Fi or using your mobile data. Public networks are less secure and can sometimes cause certificate errors.

7. Restart your computer/device: This simple step can often clear up temporary glitches and refresh your network settings.

8. Update your browser: Outdated browsers might not support the latest security protocols. Go to your browser's settings and check for updates.

9. Clear SSL state: Your computer stores a cache of SSL certificates. Clearing this can help if a certificate has become corrupted.

macOS:

Open Keychain Access (found in Applications > Utilities).
In the menu bar, go to View > Show Expired Certificates.
Delete any expired certificates related to the website causing the error.

Windows:

Press Win + R to open the Run dialog.
Type inetcpl.cpl and press Enter.
Go to the Content tab.
Click Clear SSL state and then OK.

Linux: The process varies depending on your distribution, but it usually involves deleting certificate files in your home directory.

10. Change DNS servers: DNS (Domain Name System) translates website names into IP addresses. Sometimes, default DNS servers can cause problems. Try switching to a public DNS provider like Google DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1).

macOS:

Go to System Preferences > Network.
Select your network connection and click Advanced.
Go to the DNS tab and click the "+" button to add the DNS server addresses.

Windows:

Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Change adapter options.
Right-click your network connection and select Properties.
Double-click Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).
Select the following public DNS server addresses and enter the addresses of your chosen DNS provider.

Linux: The process varies depending on your distribution but usually involves editing the /etc/resolv.conf file.

11. Check for malware: Malicious software can sometimes interfere with your browser's security settings. Run a full scan with a reliable antivirus or anti-malware program.

12. Update your operating system: Outdated operating systems are more susceptible to vulnerabilities that can trigger certificate errors. Ensure your Windows, macOS, or Linux versions are up-to-date.

13. Contact your Internet Service Provider: If the problem persists, there might be a network-level issue. Contact your ISP's support for assistance.

How to fix the "Your Connection is Not Private” error for website owners

If visitors to your website encounter the "Your Connection is Not Private" error, it's essential to address the issue promptly. Here's a breakdown of the common culprits and how to resolve them:

1. Renew or re-issue SSL certificate: SSL certificates expire, typically after one or two years. Check your certificate's expiration date through your hosting provider's dashboard or an online SSL checker tool. If it has expired, renew it promptly. If the certificate is still valid, try re-issuing it to see if it resolves the problem.

2. Ensure correct SSL installation: An incorrect installation can trigger the error even with a valid certificate. Here are common mistakes to avoid:

Incorrect certificate files: Make sure you've uploaded the correct certificate (CRT), private key (KEY), and intermediate certificate (if applicable) to your server.
Mismatched domain: The certificate must match your website's exact domain name (including subdomains).
Improper configuration: Check your web server's configuration (e.g., Apache or Nginx) to ensure the SSL directives are correct.

3. Fix mixed content issues: Mixed content occurs when a secure (HTTPS) page loads resources (like images or scripts) over an insecure (HTTP) connection. This weakens the overall security and can trigger the error.

Identify mixed content: Use your browser's developer tools (usually accessed by pressing F12) to look for resources loaded over HTTP on your HTTPS page.
Update URLs: Change all HTTP links to HTTPS in your website's code (HTML, CSS, JavaScript). If the resource isn't available over HTTPS, consider finding an alternative or hosting it yourself.

4. Check server configuration:

Clock synchronization: An inaccurate server clock can cause certificate validation issues. Ensure your server's time is synced with a reliable time source (e.g., NTP servers).
Redirects: If you recently migrated to HTTPS, ensure all HTTP requests are properly redirected to HTTPS.

5. Contact your hosting provider: If you've tried the above and are still experiencing issues, your hosting provider can be an invaluable resource. They can help you diagnose more complex server-side problems and ensure your SSL configuration is correct.

If your website handles sensitive user data (e.g., an online store or a login page), promptly fixing this error is not just a technical matter – it's a matter of protecting your users and your business's reputation.

Conclusion

The "Your Connection is Not Private" error is a critical warning that signals a potential security risk. Understanding the causes and following the troubleshooting steps we've provided will empower you to address the issue effectively.

Prioritizing your online safety is essential. Be cautious of websites that trigger this error, ensure your software is up-to-date, and never share sensitive information on untrusted sites. By remaining vigilant and informed, you can confidently explore the internet while safeguarding yourself from threats.