You have to understand why “NET::ERR_CERT_DATE_INVALID” error message occurs. The error message has different variations for different web browsers. You should be aware of the variations so that you do not panic and take the correct steps to solve the problem. In this article, we will get all the information regarding “NET::ERR_CERT_DATE_INVALID” error and how to fix the error in simple steps.
What Is “NET::ERR_CERT_DATE_INVALID” Error Message?
Assuming that you are using Google Chrome, you might come across the error message “NET::ERR_CERT_DATE_INVALID” starting that your connection is not private. If you are using any other web browser, the error message may appear with different variations. The error message is shown when your web browser restricts you from opening the website you want to open. The error message is more like a warning to you about the risks the website involves when you open it. It is possible to ignore the error message and proceed with opening the website, but it is highly recommended that you do not open the website. This is because the warning cum error message appears only when the website is not safe, and there is no something wrong with the website which could put your online security at risk.
Why Do You See “NET::ERR_CERT_DATE_INVALID” Error Message?
There are different reasons why “NET::ERR_CERT_DATE_INVALID” error message can occur. It is generally an issue with the website you are trying to visit. Here are the possible reasons for the error message to appear on your web browser when you try to open any website.
Antivirus – The antivirus you have installed for online protection can trigger NET::ERR_CERT_DATE_INVALID error. If you have installed an antivirus recently and the problem is occurring thereafter, you need to either uninstall the antivirus or change the configuration in your antivirus. Whenever there is the slightest security issue on a website, the antivirus blocks it instantly, especially when it does not qualify in its security parameters. Compatibility Issue – If the website’s technology is not compatible with the web browser you are using, you can see the error message. In fact, there are certain web browsers where you can set very strict security parameters. In a highly strict security environment, some websites may not open, and the web browser can show the error message. SSL Certificate and Glitch – If the website’s SSL certification has certain issues, the website will be blocked, and the web browser will show the error message. The issues could be SSL certification expired, system date and SSL date mismatch, and likewise.
What Are The Different Variations Of “NET::ERR_CERT_DATE_INVALID” Error Message?
We have already stated that different web browsers show different versions of the “NET::ERR_CERT_DATE_INVALID” error message. All the different variations mean the same thing, and you should be aware of them. This is because different users use different web browsers on different devices.
1. Google Chrome
If you are using Google Chrome on your phone or computer, you will not see “NET::ERR_CERT_DATE_INVALID” error message as the heading. Instead, you will see “Your connection is not private”. “NET::ERR_CERT_DATE_INVALID” will appear in the lower section. This is a warning, and Chrome provides you an alternative way to bypass this to access the website anyhow. You have to click on Advanced button to get the option to bypass the error message. You may also see “NET::ERR_CERT” which means there is an issue with SSL certification of the website. You may even see “NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID” which means the web browser cannot validate SSL certification’s authority for the website.
2. Mozilla Firefox
Firefox mostly shows “NET::ERR_CERT_DATE_INVALID” error message, but it will not be the heading. Instead, you will see the error message “Warning: Potential Security Risk Ahead”. You can click on Advanced button to ignore the warning and proceed visiting the website.
3. Microsoft Edge
You will see “Your connection isn’t private” error message as the heading. This is mainly showing “NET::ERR_CERT_DATE_INVALID” error code. You will find Advanced button to ignore the error message and visit the website you intended to.
4. Safari
If you are an Apple device user, you are more likely to use Safari web browser. You will see the same error message as in Chrome. The heading of the error message will read “This Connect Is Not Private”. You will find “NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID” in the lower section. But you cannot ignore the warning, and you cannot proceed further in Safari.
How Can You Fix “NET::ERR_CERT_DATE_INVALID” Issue?
There is no one specific solution to solve the issue. There are different reasons for the error to occur and hence, the solutions are several. You have to perform these steps one by one and see which one works for you.
1. Refresh The Webpage
The first and foremost thing you should do is to refresh or reload the website you are trying to visit. You can close your web browser once and relaunch it to open the target website again. This can work because there are times when there could be some internet issue and even web browser malfunctioning due to temporary cache material. Once you are sure that it is not working, go ahead with the next solution.
2. Get Date & Time Correct
If the date and time of your computer are not correct, it can cause SSL certification validation error due to a mismatch of date and time. If your motherboard’s battery has become faulty, the date and time may not be updated. There are times when you could misconfigure the date and time. If you have selected a wrong local time zone, date and time can be different than the actual. Whatever the case may be, you should first check the date and time on your computer. If you are a Windows user, it is located at the bottom-right corner. If it is not accurate, here are the steps to follow. Step 1: Go to Start menu button. Search for “Date and time settings”. Step 2: Open Date and time settings. Toggle on “Set time automatically” if not already turned on. Step 3: If the date and time are not accurate, turn off “Set time automatically” and change the date and time manually.
3. Check SSL Certificate
We have already stated that the error could occur if the website’s SSL certificate might have expired. If your users are complaining that your website is not opening on the web browser, you can check the validity of your website’s SSL certification. If expired, you need to renew the certification. If you are using Chrome, right-click on the body and select “Inspect Element” option from the menu. You have to select “Security” tab and then click on “View Certificate” button. A pop-up window will appear containing all the details of the SSL certification. Note: You can even use tools such as Geocerts or DigiCert to check the SSL certificate of any website. If you find out that someone’s website’s SSL certificate has expired, you can report the website admin from their social media pages.
4. Do Not Use Public Wi-Fi
We all know that public Wi-Fi networks are never safe and secure. When you can try to open a website from an unsecured network, your browser will warn you. Therefore, if you are using public Wi-Fi network, you should change it to private or personal Wi-Fi network or even mobile data. You can also use mobile data hotspot as well. Similarly, if you have VPN turned on, you should turn it off and access the target website as usual.
5. Disable Browser Extensions
Some web browser extensions can malfunction and block websites from opening. They can trigger SSL certification related error messages. Therefore, it is wise to disable all the extensions on your web browser once and see if the problem is solved. If the problem stays, you can enable the extensions again. If the problem is solved, then you can disable extensions one by one and find out which one is causing the problem. If you are using Google Chrome, type “chrome://extensions” on the address bar, and you will see all the installed extensions. Toggle them off at once and refresh the website that is not opening and showing error message.
6. Disable Your Antivirus
Antivirus could be a major reason why you are seeing the error. This is because most antivirus software offers online protection and when the website does not match its parameters, antivirus will block the website. Therefore, you have to either change the configurations and settings of your antivirus software or disable and uninstall antivirus software. If the problem is not solved, you can enable the antivirus software and try out other solutions.
7. Clear Browser Cache And Cookies
When you visit a website, your web browser saves certain data about the website so that you can open the website faster and in the same state as you left it the last time. These data are stored in the cache memory in the form of cookies. But sometimes, the old data can be the culprit behind the website not opening and showing the error message. Therefore, it is important that you clear the web browser data regarding the website to see if it fixes the problem. But before you do that, you should open the website in Incognito mode of the web browser. When you open the website in Incognito mode, the previously saved cookies in the cache memory will not work. If the website opens, then the issue is with the cookies and cache memory of the web browser. If you are using Chrome, click on three-dot icon at the top-right corner. From the menu, click on New Incognito Window option. If you want to delete cache memory and cookies, go to Settings from the menu. Go to Security and Privacy and click on Clear Browsing Data option. Thereafter, you should select “All Time” and finally, click on Clear Data button.
8. Clear SSL Cache
Apart from clearing your web browser cache and cookies, you can clear SSL cache on your system. SSL cache is where the website’s credentials are saved for faster loading. If you are using Windows operating system, go to Control Panel. Open Network and Internet option. Go to Content tab and click on Clear SSL State button. Once the clearing is done, click on OK button.
9. Reset Web Browser Settings
If clearing things are not working for you, you need to reset the settings of your web browser. When you reset the settings on your web browser, it can clear all the cache memory, cookies, browser history, customized settings, extensions, bookmarks and everything else. If you are using Google Chrome, go to Settings from the three-dot icon at the top-right corner. Once Settings window opens, search for reset. Click on Restore settings to their original defaults. Follow the on-screen to complete the process. Restart the web browser and see if the problem is solved.
10. Update Web Browser And Operating System
When the web browser you are using or the operating system of your device is not updated, there can be compatibility and security issues. SSL certificates of certain websites may not work on outdated web browser versions and operating systems. Therefore, you can ensure that your web browser is updated and so is the operating system of your device.
Conclusion
The “NET::ERR_CERT_DATE_INVALID” error message is quite common. The issue is mainly related to SSL certification. We have stated all the possible reasons why the error message could be occurring. Thereafter, we have provided all the different solutions to solve the error message so that the intended website can open on your web browser. Comment * Name * Email * Website
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