How to solve NET:: ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID Error in Google Chrome

If you are searching for tips on how to fix NET:: ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID Error on Google Chrome? You can find a solution in the below explanation.

The error will look something like this:

This is a standard SSL certificate error faced by Google Chrome users.

Whether you have encountered this error as a web owner or a visitor, there are specific tips you can implement to resolve the issue.

Let us look at the troubleshooting tips on how to fix NET:: ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID Error on Google Chrome stepwise.

Fix NET:: ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID Error on Google Chrome (For web owners)

If you are the website owner and you are coming across this error while using an SSL certificate, there are some serious issues. But of course, you can resolve them.

Ask yourself these questions before taking any step-

• Is your certificate self-signed?
• Did you obtain the SSL certificate from a trusted Certificate Authority?
• Is the certificate still valid? Or is it expired?

Knowing the answers to these questions can help fix the NET:: ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID Error on Google Chrome.

Solution 1: Get SSL certificate from trusted Certificate Authority

Maybe, you are applying a self-signed certificate due to a limited budget. The problem with self-signed certs is that they are not recognized by the servers as a Certificate Authority has not issued them.

Even when you have obtained an SSL certificate from a CA, if it is not from a trusted CA, Google Chrome will not recognize it. Hence, you will realize the NET:: ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID Error.

Make sure while installing an SSL certificate that you have selected your digital certificate from a reputed brand.

Quick research will let you know about the authenticity of a CA and its popularity.

Solution 2: Check your certificate’s expiration date on Chrome

The NET:: ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID Error is also encountered when your SSL certificate has passed its expiration date.

To check your certificate’s expiration date on Chrome,

• Go to the address bar and click in the padlock icon.

• Next, a box will pop-up. After that, under the “Certificate” prompt, click on “Valid.”

• You will see the expiration date listed alongside the Certificate icon.
• To see more information like verified organizational information and certificate details, Click on “Details.”
• Renew the SSL certificate if it is expired. Understanding the role of SSL certificates in cybersecurity is also beneficial. SSL certificates do more than encrypt data; they’re crucial for a secure and trustworthy online presence. Using a certificate from a trusted CA like Prima Secure (primasecure.com) not only secures your website but also contributes to the overall safety and integrity of the internet.

Fix NET:: ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID Error on Google Chrome (For web visitors)

When you are a visitor and encountering NET:: ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID Error on Google Chrome, try the following troubleshooting tips.

• Check for the incorrect date and time set on your system

Incorrect date and time on your system can be causing the error. Whether you are using a PC or laptop, check the date and time, and if it is incorrect, reset it. Ensure to enable set time automatically.

• Right-click on time and date on the taskbar and click on Adjust Date & time.
• A window will be there where you can toggle the button for ‘Set time Automatically’

• Update to the latest version of Google Chrome

Using an older version of Google Chrome will give you more mediocre user experience, but it may also not support the latest version of the SSL encryption algorithm. Consequently, the NET:: ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID error happens.

To upgrade to the latest version of Google Chrome,

Go to the Chrome browser and click on more options. Next, click Help, and then on About Google Chrome.

You will see the ‘About Chrome’ page. It will check for Chrome updates.

In case there are updates available, the system will automatically download the latest version of Chrome and install it.

You will be required to re-launch the browser to complete the update installation.

• Deactivate Google Chrome extensions

Sometimes, Chrome extensions might be the cause of the NET:: ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID error. To check if it is the issue,

First, open the Web Page that is generating the error in the Chrome Browser incognito mode.

The page might open securely in private mode. If it is the case, the Chrome extension is the culprit. You will have to deactivate the extensions.

Open Google Chrome. In the upper-right corner of the window, click on the three dots icon.

Next, click on the ‘More Tools’ option and then on the ‘Extensions’ options.

Stop an extension by clicking the blue knob switch, so it becomes gray.

Continue to disable the extensions one by one and re-launch Google Chrome until you find the culprit.

When you find the extension causing the error, remove it by clicking the Remove button.

• Disable Firewall

Firewalls may sometimes block Chrome from providing security. To check if it is the case, disable your Firewall.

To disable Firewall in Windows 10,

Open control panel

Choose System and Security

Select Windows Firewall.

Next, pick Turn Windows Firewall on or off.

Then click on the bubble next to Turn off Windows Firewall.

Now, you can press OK to save the changes.

Re-launch Google Chrome to see if this tip has resolved the error.

Note that you will be going online without any security when you disable the Firewall. Do not forget to enable it as soon as you do the necessary work on the page and leave.

• Change Protocol DNS settings

Changing the protocol DNS settings might resolve the issue.

Here are the steps that you need to follow:

• Go to Windows and search ‘ncpa.cpl.’
• Find Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click on it.
• Next, tap on the Properties button.
• You will have to manually change the Preferred DNS server as 8.8.8.8.
• Use an alternate DNS server as 8.8.4.

Set IP as automatic.

Restart Google Chrome to see if it has resolved the NET:: ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID error.

Wrapping Up

The steps mentioned above are tried and tested ways to solve NET:: ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID error on Google Chrome.

You will have to perform each step one by one until you find the solution for fixing the error.

Using an SSL certificate is crucial to provide data security to your users. Apart from encrypting your data, it can gain customer trust, increase your SEO rankings, boost traffic, validate your business name, and improve business reputation.

Make sure that you obtain an SSL certificate from a trusted CA this alone can prevent unnecessary issues and complications related to SSL.