It’s Easy To Fix NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID Error (9 simple Methods)

While many claim this to be quite intimidating, NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID is a common website error that is quite simple to eliminate. In simpler words, this is something that you shouldn’t worry about.

Before I take you through a tutorial on how to eliminate this error, let’s try to understand it.

err_cert_authority_invalid can occur due to multiple reasons which we’ll talk about later in this article. However, one of the most common reasons behind err_cert_authority_invalid is the invalid date and time of your system. Let’s talk about it in detail.

What Is Net::Err_Cert_Authority_InvalidError?

The net::err_cert_authority_invalid error simply means that your browser is unable to verify the validity of your SSL certification. Now what happens in this error is that even if your site is SSL certified, Google will showcase it as an untrustworthy source.

How many site owners prevent this issue is by ignoring the SSL certification entirely, but this too has its own drawbacks. Ignoring the SSL certification means that your website is untrustworthy and non-credible. This is especially applicable in the case of Ecommerce websites. Therefore, I’d recommend you to get your site SSL certified.

Related: Understanding & Preventing The ‘Briefly Unavailable for Scheduled Maintenance. Check Back in a Minute’ Error

Let’s further discuss some reasons why err_cert_authority_invalid occur.

What Causes The Net::Err_Cert_Authority_Invalid?

Typically, there are four main reasons why you’ll face net::err_cert_authority_invalid. Have a quick look at them.

1. You’ve Set An Invalid Date And Time:

As I’ve mentioned above, the invalid date and time of your system are one of the primary reasons behind err_cert_authority_invaliderror. This is because the invalid time in the system would clash with the actual time of your SSL certification – which will ultimately keep your browser from validating your certification.

2. Expired SSL Certification

If your SSL certification has expired, you may face the err_cert_authority_invaliderror. Now there are a couple of reasons why your SSL certification can expire, one of them being security reasons. One way or another, you’d need to renew your certification at some point in time. Therefore, it would be great if you automate this function.

3. Self-Signed SSL Certification

Many website owners opt for a self-signed SSL certification and why not? After all, it is a cost-effective solution. However, this can cause your browser to not verify the validity of your SSL certificate and warn your audience about it – which is a deal-breaker.

4. Non-Credible SSL Certification

Just like a self-signed certification, your browsers may not verify your certificate validation if it comes from a non-credible source.

SSL certification holds a significant value for a website because they reassure your audience about how secure your website is. If your browser is failing to verify certificate validation, your users will be notified with a message “Your Connection is Not Private”

Let’s talk some different variations of net::err_cert_authority_invalid error.

Different Faces Of NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID Error

There are a few a reasons on which the appearance of NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID error depends. These reasons include your browser, operating system, and the SSL certificate configuration. Here are a few different faces of error based upon different browsers.

Google Chrome

If the browser can’t verify your certification’s validity on Chrome, you’ll simply be notified that Your connection is not private (Chrome). Also, you’ll see an error message saying

“Attackers might be trying to steal your information from domain.com (for example, passwords, messages, or credit cards).”

Refer to this image below.

• The err_cert_authority_invalid chrome will appear in the following variations.
• NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID
• NET::ERR_CERT_COMMON_NAME_INVALID (usually happens when the certificate does not match the domain)
• NET::ERR_CERT_WEAK_SIGNATURE_ALGORITHM
• NET::ERR_CERTIFICATE_TRANSPARENCY_REQUIRED
• NET::ERR_CERT_DATE_INVALID
• SSL CERTIFICATE ERROR

Note that chrome or any browser would allow you to access the site if you want to. However, the recommendation is not to do so.

Mozilla Firefox

Unlike Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox explains thenet::err_cert_authority_invaliderror in a much more detailed and straightforward manner. Here’s what it says.

“Firefox detected an issue and did not continue to domain.com. The website is either misconfigured or your computer clock is set to the wrong time. It’s likely the website’s certificate is expired, which prevents Firefox from connecting securely. If you visit this site, attackers could try to steal information like your passwords, emails, or credit card details.”

Refer to this image.

Here are some variations of net::err_cert_authority_invalid error shown by Mozilla.

• SEC_ERROR_UNKNOWN_ISSUER
• SSL_ERROR_RX_MALFORMED_HANDSHAKE
• MOZILLA_PKIX_ERROR_KEY_PINNING_FAILURE
• SEC_ERROR_REUSED_ISSUER_AND_SERIAL

Safari (iOS)

If you’re a Mac user, Safari would notify you with a ‘This connection is not private’ error using this simple line.

“This website may be impersonating “domain.com” to steal your personal or financial information. You should go back to the previous page.”

Refer to this image.

Microsoft Edge

The net::err_cert_authority_invalid error message on Microsoft Edge is pretty much identical to the one shown in Google Chrome. Check out the image below.

Here are different variations of this error on Microsoft Edge.

• DLG_FLAGS_SEC_CERTDATE_INVALID
• DLG_FLAGS_INVALID_CA
• DLG_FLAGS_SEC_CERT_CN_INVALID
• NET::ERR_CERT_COMMON_NAME_INVALID
• ERROR CODE: O

Now that you know what net::err_cert_authority_invalid error is and why it occurs, let’s talk about how to fix net::err_cert_authority_invalid error.

Related: Fixing The ”Sorry, This File Type Is Not Permitted for Security Reasons” Error in WordPress

How To Fix Net::Err_Cert_Authority_Invalid? (9 Simple Ways)

Fixing the Net::Err_Cert_Authority_Invalid error may sound quite depressing initially, but trust me, by following some easy steps, you can quickly get rid of it.

I’ll start with the basic methods to keep things simple for you. So here are the 9 simple ways to fix err_cert_authority_invalid.

1. Running An SSL Server Test

There’s a high chance that you’re receiving the net::err_cert_authority_invalid because you haven’t properly installed the SSL certificate. This usually happens when you are manually trying to install it, something goes wrong during the setup, and shortly after you’ll see the error.

If that’s the condition, you can quickly fix the net::err_cert_authority_invalid error by running an SSL server test.

The best way to conduct SSL server testing is by using an SSL testing tool such as Qualys SSL Labs. You can download it from here.

Now, this is particularly an easy tool to use where you only have to enter the domain name and hit Submit button. Check out this image.

Once you filled the fields, wait for the scan to complete. If your SSL certification score is A+, then you’re good to go. However, if the results are negative, then you need to reinstall your SSL certification from a credible source.

Here’s how an ideal result looks like.

2. Get An SSL Certification From A Credible Source

Self-signed certificates are one of the biggest reasons why websites fall prey to errors like err_cert_authority_invalid. Even though this is quite a cost-effective solution, but an SSL certification that is not verified by browsers is useless.

A quick solution if you have a budget issue – get a free SSL certification from Let’s Encrypt.

Now even though it is a free certification, I would recommend you get a premium one once you’re good with the budget part. This is especially recommended for bigger websites or websites with Ecommerce functionality because premium packages in the SSL certifications are quite beneficial. They offer multiple advantages like encryption for multiple domains and insurance that might come in handy.

3. Renew Your SSL Certification

SSL certifications require renewal every now and then based upon your contract or the security protocols. Therefore, if your web host doesn’t handle your SSL renewal, then there’s a chance that err_cert_authority_invalid is there because your certification has expired.

If you’re using a free SSL certificate like Let’s Encrypt, the renewal time would be 90 days. However, using premium options here is quite convenient because the time spans before certification renewal are generally higher.

It would be great if you let your website maintenance service providers do the certification renewal for you. This way, you won’t have to worry about the error if the reason behind it is an expired SSL certification.

Once you’ve renewed your SSL certification, reload your website to check if the net::err_cert_authority_invalid error is resolved. If not, then move down to the next method.

4. Use Your Browser’s Incognito Mode

If using the methods mentioned above didn’t solve the problem for you, then the net::err_cert_authority_invalid is most likely coming from your own end of configuration.

Before you start using incognito mode, try reloading your site a couple of times. If the error isn’t resolved, then the net::err_cert_authority_invalid is most likely coming because your browser is loading an older cached version of your website.

In such a case, using the Incognito mode of the browser would easily resolve net::err_cert_authority_invalid issue.

Once your site reloads perfectly fine, you need to clear your browser cache and cookies to get rid of the error permanently.

5. Clear Browser’s Cache And Cookies

Clearing your browser cache and cookies would permanently resolve the net::err_cert_authority_invalid problem if it’s coming due to an expired cached version of your site.

Now it is quite easy and a straightforward procedure to clear browser cache but depending upon your browser, it might get tricky. Here’s an example of cache removal from Chrome.

• In your Chrome browser, go to the right side and click the button.
• Select More Tools and then click Clear browsing data.
• Once the window opens, click the Advanced tab.
• Make sure the Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files are ticked.
• Now click Clear data and restart your browser, then try to access the website again

You can also clear the expired cache version by force refreshing your site. However, this method is not always effective, therefore, I’d recommend you clear the browser cache.

Related: How To Block A Website On Chrome In One minute (Easy Guide For Seamless Web Surfing)

6. Sync Your Computer’s Clock With Current Time

I’ve said in the beginning that the wrong date and time on computers are the biggest reasons behind net::err_cert_authority_invalid error. This is because the time of your device would conflict with the actual time and cause trouble in the verification of your SSL validation.
Here’s the best part, if it’s the clock of your computer that is messing with the validation, then you can quickly resolve err_cert_authority_invalid error without getting your hands dirty with any of the methods in this guide.

Just go to the Settings of your computer and select the Date and Time option. Now sync your clock and calendar with the current time to resolve the error.

7. Use A Different (Private) Network

Using a public Wi-Fi or any other public network may trigger the net::err_cert_authority_invalid because these networks often face trouble routing the traffic insecure manner.

If you’re facing err_cert_authority_invalid while on a public network, I’d recommend you reload your site on a private network – to be precise, on mobile data.

If doing this would remove the error, then it’s quite evident that the network you’re using is the culprit.

If you’re someone who regularly uses public networks, I’d recommend you make good use of VPN services. It would be best if you opt for a premium VPN because they’re highly reliable and secure even if you’re on public networks.

8. Disable Your Antivirus Or VPN

A VPN may be a solution, but it can also trigger err_cert_authority_invalid error. If you’ve already turned on a VPN, try to disable it to resolve the error. The same goes for the Antivirus software.

What you need to do is to disable both of this software and reload your site. If the error is resolved, then turn one of them on and see if the error occurs or not. Do the same for the second option to find the right culprit.

Suppose your VPN software is causing the issue, you need to get another VPN software. The same goes for antivirus software.

9. Wipe Your Computer’s SSL Cache

Just like your browser, your computer also saves the cached copies of your certificates. That’s nothing different for SSL certification.

The final method is to clear that data. Once you’ve tried all the ways to remove err_cert_authority_invalid error and nothing works, this is your ultimate option.

Go the Settings and navigate to the Internet Options in the Content tab. Here you’ll see the Clear SSL State option. Click on that and close the window. Now try to reload your website and the err_cert_authority_invalid will be gone for good.

Wrapping It Up

Like I’ve said earlier, the net::err_cert_authority_invalid sounds quite confusing and depressing initially, but once you practice these 9 simple methods, you’ll easily be able to eliminate them. If you find this guide useful, read our error troubleshooting guides like Understanding & Preventing The ‘Briefly Unavailable for Scheduled Maintenance. Check Back in a Minute’ Error to raise your knowledge on the subject.