How to Fix the NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID Error

In this tutorial, we will show you how to fix the NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID error in Google Chrome.

What Causes the NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID Error

This particular SSL warning is triggered by an invalid SSL certificate. In a nutshell, the browser can’t establish a secure connection with the server because it’s unable to perform the SSL handshake. The culprit is the SSL certificate installed on the server side, as it’s either expired or self-signed.

How to Fix the NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID Error as a Website Owner

Let’s expand on each reason and see how you, as a website owner, can fix this connection error.

1. An expired SSL certificate

SSL certs aren’t eternal. On the contrary, their current lifespan is pretty short – just one year. The good news is that you can get a multi-year SSL subscription service and streamline SSL management. The bad news is that even with timely reminders and notifications, some of the largest websites forget to renew their certificates on time.

This mistake is preventable. All you have to do is renew your certificate before expiry. We’ve already written a comprehensive guide on SSL expiration covering the best renewal practices. Don’t let your cert expire, and the chances of seeing the NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID error in Chrome will diminish.

2. A self-signed certificate

As their name implies, anyone can create a self-signed certificate and become their own Certificate Authority. Problem is, no browser will trust such certs. At best they may prove useful in testing environments and intranet systems where browser warnings are irrelevant, but for a live website, they’re worthless. If you don’t want to face SSL connection errors, use a valid SSL certificate from a certified CA.

How to Fix the NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID Error as a Website Visitor

If you can’t access a website as a user, here are a few quick solutions you should try:

1. Update the date and time on your computer

If the date and time on your computer are not the same as the global Internet time server, Google Chrome may display the error.

Here’s how you to fix this issue:

Windows users:

1. Click the Windows Key and go to the Control Panel
2. Select Clock and Region
3. Under Date and Time select Set the time and date
4. Open the Internet Time tab
5. If your computer isn’t set to automatically synchronize on a scheduled basis, click Change settings, and check the Synchronize with an Internet time server checkbox.

Mac users:

1. Select Apple menu  > System Preferences, then click Date & Time.
2. Click the lock icon in the corner of the window, then enter your administrator password to unlock the settings.
3. In the Date & Time pane, ensure that Set date and time automatically is selected and your Mac is connected to the internet.

2. Clear cache and browsing data

Your browser’s cache keeps temporary files such as images, data, and documents for smooth and fast browsing. But as they accumulate, your computer’s and browser’s performance may decrease and eventually lead to bugs and errors.

To empty your cache, follow the steps below:

1. Open your Chrome Browser and press Ctrl + Shift + Delete.
2. Set the time range to All Time.
3. Check the Cookies and other site data check boxes.
4. Check the Cached images and files checkbox.
5. Click the Clear Data button.

3. Disable Chrome extensions

Browser extensions may conflict with core functions and trigger all sorts of errors. A quick troubleshoot is to disable them temporarily and see if they’re the cause of the problem.

1. Open Google Chrome and go to its Menu on the upper right side.
2. Next, click on More tools and visit Extensions.
3. Remove extensions one by one by clicking Remove
4. Restart your browser and see if it works

4. Configure your Antivirus

Antivirus programs are notoriously overzealous when it comes to your files and apps protection. Sometimes they may clash with certain programs or block a benign website.

To ensure that your antivirus isn’t responsible for the NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID error, disable it and restart the site.

Final thoughts

A valid SSL certificate with proper installation and configuration is the best measure against all sorts of SSL connection errors. As a website owner, you have to protect users’ sensitive data, as nothing scares them more than a warning message in their browser. Never let your certificate expire, and use only reliable Certificate Authorities, universally trusted by all the computer programs, servers, and email clients.

If you find any inaccuracies or have details to add to this SSL tutorial, please send us your feedback at [email protected]. Your input would be greatly appreciated! Thank you.

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