How to Fix the ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR (9 Easy Ways)

You are not alone if your browser displays the ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR error. It’s one of those irritating errors that appear when a website cannot be safely accessed by your browser. Basically, your browser and the website couldn’t agree on how to talk securely — and so, it blocks the page to keep you safe.

But don’t worry! This error is usually easy to fix, and I’m going to walk you through 9 simple ways to solve it. Whether you’re new to this or have some technical experience, I’ll explain everything in detail. Plus, I’ll show you how Cloudways hosting makes handling SSL certificates and security a breeze. Let’s get started!

What is ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR?

Consider a scenario in which your browser requests a secure connection, similar to a secret handshake, when you attempt to access a website. SSL/TLS is the name of this interaction. To keep you safe, your browser displays the ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR if something goes wrong during this handshake.

There are several possible causes for this issue, including a malfunctioning computer time, an expired security certificate on the website, or problematic cached data in your browser.

9 Easy Ways to Fix ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR

1. Check Your System’s Date and Time

SSL certificates only work if your computer’s date and time are correct. If your clock is off, your browser might think the certificate is expired or not valid yet.

How to fix:

• On Windows, go to Settings → Time & Language → Date & Time, and turn on Set time automatically.

• On Mac, open System Preferences → Date & Time, and check Set date and time automatically.

After fixing the time, refresh the website.

2. Clear Your Browser’s Cache, Cookies, and SSL State

Sometimes your browser holds on to old information that causes problems.

How to clear cache and cookies:

• In Chrome, go to Settings → Privacy and security → Clear browsing data.

• Select Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files, then click Clear data.

Clear SSL state (Windows):

• Open Control Panel → Internet Options → Content tab.

• Click Clear SSL state.

• Restart your browser and try again.

3. Update Your Browser

Older browsers might not support the latest security standards.

How to update:

• In Chrome, click the three dots → Help → About Google Chrome.
• Chrome will check for updates and install them automatically.
• Restart your browser.

4. Turn Off Antivirus or Firewall (Temporarily)

Some antivirus or firewall programs try to scan secure connections and can get in the way.

Try this:

• Temporarily disable your antivirus or firewall.
• Visit the website again.
• If it works, add the site to your antivirus exceptions.
• Don’t forget to turn your antivirus back on!

5. Disable Browser Extensions

Extensions like ad blockers or VPNs can sometimes interfere with secure connections.

How to disable:

• In Chrome, go to chrome://extensions/.
• Turn off all extensions.
• Reload the website.
• Turn extensions back on one by one to find the problem.

6. Check and Renew Your SSL Certificate (If You Own the Site)

If you’re the website owner, make sure your SSL certificate is valid. Log in to your Hosting account, and renew your SSL.

• If you are a Cloudways user then access Cloudways dashboard.
• Go to your application and find the SSL Certificate section.
• Use the Let’s Encrypt option to install or renew your certificate.

• Enable Auto Renewal so Cloudways keeps it up to date automatically. You will see this option once you install the SSL.

7. Force HTTPS Redirection on Your Website

Make sure your website always uses HTTPS. You can verify this setting against your hosting account to be sure. For Cloudways Users, in your application settings, turn on Enable HTTPS Redirection. This makes sure all visitors use the secure version of your site.

8. Check Your DNS Settings and Flush DNS Cache

Sometimes your computer remembers old website addresses.

How to flush DNS cache:

On Windows, open Command Prompt and type:

ipconfig /flushdns

On Mac, open Terminal and type:

sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder

Make sure your domain’s DNS records point to the right server IP.

9. Disable Chrome’s QUIC Protocol

QUIC is a newer network protocol that can cause SSL errors sometimes.

To disable:

• Go to chrome://flags/ in Chrome.
• Search for Experimental QUIC protocol.
• Set it to Disabled.
• Restart Chrome and check again.

How Cloudways Make SSL Easy?

Cloudways is a hosting platform that takes the headache out of managing SSL certificates and website security. With Cloudways, you get:

• One-click SSL installation with Let’s Encrypt.
• Automatic SSL renewal so you never worry about expiration.
• Easy HTTPS redirection toggle.
• Secure servers with firewalls and DDoS protection.
• 24/7 expert support ready to help you fix issues fast.

If you want hassle-free hosting with strong security, Cloudways is a great choice.

Final Thoughts

The ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR might look scary, but it’s just your browser’s way of keeping you safe. Most of the time, fixing it is straightforward — check your date and time, clear your cache, update your browser, or renew your SSL certificate.

Cloudways makes all this even easier by handling SSL certificates automatically and offering strong security features. So you can focus on what matters — running your website without worrying about errors.

Salwa Mujtaba

Salwa Mujtaba is a Technical Content Writer at Cloudways. With a strong background in Computer Science and prior experience as a team lead in Cloudways Operations, she brings a deep understanding of the Cloudways Platform to her writing. Salwa creates content that simplifies complex concepts, making them accessible and engaging for readers. When she's not writing, you can find her enjoying good music, reading a book, or spending quality time with her family.

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