Header Text - How To Fix NET::ERR_AUTHORITY_INVALID Error

Encountering the NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID error on your site can be frustrating, particularly if you’re unsure what it means or how to fix it. This error usually indicates a problem with the website’s SSL certificate, which is important for creating a secure connection between a website server and the visitor’s browser.

SSL certificates are required for website security. They encrypt the data transferred between the server and the user’s browser, protecting sensitive information like passwords and credit card numbers. When a browser doesn’t trust an SSL certificate, users see the NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID error, warning them that the site might not be secure. This can cause users to leave your website, reducing trust and potentially impacting your search engine rankings.

Therefore, resolving this error is important to maintain your website’s credibility and security. In this tutorial, we’ll walk you through the steps to fix the NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID error, covering the most common causes and solutions. By the end of this tutorial, you should understand how to fix this issue. You will also ensure that your site visitors have a secure experience.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

  1. Refresh the page or use incognito mode to bypass cache issues.
  2. Clear your web browser’s cache and cookies to remove outdated data.
  3. Ensure your SSL certificate is from a trusted authority, not self-signed.
  4. Renew your SSL certificate before it expires.
  5. Correct your system’s date and time to avoid validation errors.
  6. Test your site on a different network or use a VPN to rule out network issues.
  7. Keep the web browser updated to the latest version.
  8. Temporarily disable VPN, antivirus, or firewall to check for interference.
  9. Clear your computer’s SSL state to refresh cached certificates.
  10. Use advanced solutions like checking server configuration and consulting your hosting provider.

What Is NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID?

The NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID error is a message that pops up in your browser when there’s a problem with the SSL certificate of your website. SSL certificates create a secure connection between your browser and the website. When your browser encounters an SSL certificate that it doesn’t trust, it triggers this error to warn you that the site may not be secure.

If you haven’t installed an SSL certificate or you use HTTP for your site, which we do not recommend, you could see this error. Several reasons can cause the NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID, some of which are given below:

  • Self-Signed Certificates: These are certificates created by the site owner instead of a trusted Certificate Authority (CA). Browsers don’t trust self-signed certificates by default.
  • Expired Certificates: SSL certificates have an expiration date. If a certificate is outdated, browsers will flag it as invalid.
  • Misconfigured Certificates: Mistakes in the certificate setup, such as incorrect domain names, can cause this error.
  • Incorrect System Date and Time: If your computer’s date and time aren’t correct, it can make even valid certificates appear expired or invalid.
  • Browser-Related Issues: Sometimes, issues within the browser or outdated browser versions can cause this error.

Remember, your browser validates and decrypts every time you visit a website with an SSL certificate. If there are errors during the process, you’ll see a warning. In most cases, web browsers protect you by preventing you (the user) from accessing that website. Additionally, sometimes, you may also encounter the NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID due to local configuration settings.

Now, how does it impact the website? The NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID error significantly affects your website’s accessibility and security:

  • Visitors seeing this error may think your website is unsafe, leading them to leave immediately.
  • Frequent occurrences of this error can reduce traffic as users avoid sites they perceive as insecure.
  • Search engines prioritize secure websites. If your site frequently shows this error, it can negatively impact your site’s search engine rankings.
  • Without a valid SSL certificate, data transferred between your website and users is not encrypted, putting sensitive information at risk.

Therefore, understanding the NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID error and its causes is the first step toward fixing it. Ensuring your SSL certificate is properly installed and trusted by browsers is essential for maintaining a secure and trustworthy website.

Variations of NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID Error

When you encounter the NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID error, it can look different, depending on which browser you are using. Factors like browser version, operating system, and security settings can influence how the error is displayed.

Another key factor is the SSL certificate’s configuration. If the SSL certificate is self-signed, expired, or incorrectly configured, your browser may display this error message. For instance, if the certificate does not match the domain name or lacks proper chain certificates, the browser will consider it untrustworthy, leading to the NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID error.

Here are the variations you might see:

  • Your connection is not private.
  • Warning: Potential Security Risk Ahead.
  • This Connection Is Not Private.
  • Your connection isn’t private.

We will usa three browsers to see how the error is displayed:

Google Chrome

Usually, Chrome reads this error as “Your connection is not private” and displays a red warning page indicating the connection isn’t secure. It advises users to proceed cautiously and provides a Back to safety button. If you would like more details, click on the Advanced button.

NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID Error on Google Chrome

Here are a few other variations that you might see while using Chrome browser:

  • NET::ERR_CERT_COMMON_NAME_INVALID (This happens when the certificate doesn’t match the domain name)
  • NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID
  • NET::ERR_CERT_WEAK_SIGNATURE_ALGORITHM
  • NET::ERR_CERT_DATE_INVALID
  • NET::ERR_CERTIFICATE_TRANSPARENCY_REQUIRED
  • SSL CERTIFICATE ERROR

Regardless of which variation you see, Chrome pinpoints the error’s source within the certificate in every case.

Mozilla Firefox

Firefox shows a page with an orange warning sign, reading the error message as “Warning: Potential Security Risk Ahead” and explaining that the site has a security issue. You, the user, can click Advanced for more details or go back to the previous page, which is the recommended action to avoid any potential issues.

NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID Error on Mozilla Firefox

Did you notice there is no specific error code in the above screenshot? However, the Firefox screen shows one of the following codes in most cases:

  • MOZILLA_PKIX_ERROR_KEY_PINNING_FAILURE
  • SEC_ERROR_UNKNOWN_ISSUER
  • SSL_ERROR_RX_MALFORMED_HANDSHAKE
  • SEC_ERROR_REUSED_ISSUER_AND_SERIAL

When you see any of these error variations, copy it somewhere and do a little research to find a quick solution. According to our experience, having the error code helps you find solutions quickly and easily.

Microsoft Edge

It presents a message with a red warning sign that says, “Your connection isn’t private,” highlighting that the website’s security certificate isn’t trusted. The error’s representation on Edge is like Chrome. It shows the error code, a Go back button to not continue with the website, and Advanced to dig into the error details.

NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID Error on Microsoft Edge

The NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID error can also show up in different flavors, such as:

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

Each browser has its way of representing the NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID error, but the underlying issue remains the same: the SSL certificate is not trusted. By understanding these variations, you can better diagnose and fix the problem, ensuring a secure connection for your website’s users.

Now, you’ve learned what the NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID error is, why it occurs, and its variations.

Fix SSL certificate errors and secure your website! Hosted’s cPanel Web Hosting
provides user-friendly tools to easily manage your SSL certificates and troubleshoot common errors.

How to Fix NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID Error?

There are plenty of ways to fix it. We will start with the basic solutions, which lead to slightly complex fixes.

Run an SSL Server Test

One of the first ways to fix the NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID error is to run an SSL server test. This helps you identify issues with your SSL certificate and provides detailed information about its configuration and validity.

For this tutorial, we’ll test our website using 2 tools: Qualys SSL Labs and SSL Shopper.

Starting with Qualys SSL Labs, a popular and free tool that analyzes your SSL certificate. Here’s how to use it:

Go to the Qualys SSL Labs website. In the text box with Hostname, type your website’s domain name. Click on Submit to begin the analysis.

net::err_cert_authority_invalid - Run SSL Server Test

Now, wait for a few minutes to see the result of the SSL server test. The tool will run a comprehensive test and provide a report detailing the certificate’s trust level, expiry date, and any potential issues.

This report can help you understand whether your SSL certificate is correctly installed and configured or if there are specific problems you need to address.

Ideally, you should get an A+ or A overall rating for all certificates.

net::err_cert_authority_invalid - Result of SSL Server Test

However, if you don’t get the score, scroll to the bottom to see what certificate-related information this tool provides. There should be a section telling you if your certificates are trusted. Remember, if you get a negative result, you should install a certificate from a trusted source.

Continuing with SSL Shopper, an alternative tool to check SSL certificates.

net::err_cert_authority_invalid - Check SSL Certificates with SSL Shopper

If everything is fine, you should see green tick marks as follows; otherwise, there will be a message describing the issue.

net::err_cert_authority_invalid - Result of SSL Shopper

Reload Web Page or Use Incognito Mode

Sometimes, the NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID error is caused by temporary issues or cached data in your browser. In this case, refresh the page by clicking the refresh icon or pressing F5 on your keyboard. This can help if the error is a brief glitch.

net::err_cert_authority_invalid - Refresh Button on Google Chrome

If that doesn’t work, open a new incognito or private browsing window. This mode doesn’t use your browser’s cache or cookies, which might be causing the error.

In Google Chrome, you can press Ctrl+Shift+N to open an incognito window. Or click the three dots in the top-right and select New Incognito window to open Chrome in Incognito Mode.

net::err_cert_authority_invalid - Open New Incognito Window in Google Chrome

In other browsers like Firefox, look for an option labeled New private window.

Once you open Chrome in Incognito Mode, type in your site’s URL and hit Enter. Now, you should see your web page successfully.

By reloading the page or using incognito mode, you can often bypass temporary issues and cached data, helping you determine if the error is more than just a minor hiccup. If the error disappears in incognito mode, clearing your browser’s cache and cookies might resolve the issue for good.

Clear Browser Cache and Cookies

If the above solution worked and you could access your website in Incognito Mode, it’s time to clear your browser cache and cookies. It can help resolve the NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID error by removing outdated or corrupted data that might be causing the issue.

Now, the point is why to clear cache and cookies. Because cache stores temporary files to speed up browsing. Sometimes, old cache files can conflict with the current website data, causing errors.

Similarly, cookies store information about your sessions on websites. Corrupted or outdated cookies can lead to connection problems, resulting in the NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID error.

Now we will look at how to clear cache and cookies in Chrome, Firefox, and Edge.

Google Chrome

Press Ctrl+Shift+Del or navigate to three vertical dots > Delete browsing data as follows:

net::err_cert_authority_invalid - Select Delete Browsing Data on Google Chrome

Go to the Basic tab. Choose the time range or keep All time. After that, select Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files. Lastly, click Delete data to clear cache and cookies.

net::err_cert_authority_invalid - Clear Cache and Cookies on Google Chrome

Mozilla Firefox

Locate the three horizontal lines in the top-right, click on them, and go to Settings.

net::err_cert_authority_invalid - Mozilla Firefox Settings

Click Privacy & Security.

net::err_cert_authority_invalid - Mozilla Firefox Privacy & Security

Scroll down to Cookies and Site Data and click Clear Data.

net::err_cert_authority_invalid - Clear Data in Mozilla Firefox

Check Cookies and Site Data and Cached Web Content. Finally, click the Clear button.

net::err_cert_authority_invalid - Clear Cache and Cookies in Mozilla Firefox

Microsoft Edge

Click the three dots in the upper-right corner and navigate to Settings.

net::err_cert_authority_invalid - Microsoft Edge Settings

Click on Privacy, search, and services. Scroll down to the Delete browsing data area and click the Choose what to clear button.

net::err_cert_authority_invalid - Choose What to Clear in Microsoft Edge

Choose time range. Select Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files. Then, click Clear now to delete cache and cookies in the Edge browser.

net::err_cert_authority_invalid - Clear Cache and Cookies in Microsoft Edge

Following these steps will clear your browser’s cache and cookies, which may resolve the NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID error and improve your browsing experience.

Get a Certificate from a Valid Authority

One of the most common reasons for the NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID error is using an untrusted SSL certificate or self-signed certificate. The self-signed certificates are SSL certificates you create rather than obtaining from a recognized Certificate Authority (CA). Browsers don’t trust self-signed certificates as they haven’t been verified by a third party.

To ensure your site is secure and trusted by browsers, you should get a certificate from a valid CA. You can also use the free options like Let’s Encrypt,a popular, free CA that provides trusted SSL certificates. It’s easy to set up and widely supported, and many hosting providers offer simple integration with Let’s Encrypt.

However, if you’re looking for affordable premium SSL certificates, then you can easily add them from the Hosted Dashboard:

net::err_cert_authority_invalid - Affordable Premium SSL Certificates on Hosted

The premium SSL certificates come with additional features such as warranty, support, SEO boost, and higher levels of validation.

If you use SSL certificates from valid authorities, you ensure your site is secure and trusted by browsers; this prevents the NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID error. This step is mandatory for maintaining a secure and professional online presence.

Renew the SSL Certificate

Renewing your SSL certificate is essential for maintaining your website’s security and ensuring that visitors can trust your site. Premium SSL certificates have an expiration date, and renewing them verifies your domain’s identity, ensuring that the encryption remains valid and effective.

Without renewal, your certificate will expire, causing browsers to flag your site as insecure and potentially displaying the NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID error.

You should renew your SSL certificate manually if your web hosting provider doesn’t do this. Moreover, you might not get access to renewal options via your control panel (like cPanel): this depends on which web host you use.

In that case, if your hosting provider supports automatic renewal (like Let’s Encrypt via Certbot), set it up to avoid manual renewals in the future. Certbot can automatically renew your certificates and keep your site secure without manual intervention.

net::err_cert_authority_invalid - Use Certbot to Automate SSL Renewels

Update System Date and Time

SSL certificates have specific validity periods. If your system’s date and time are set incorrectly, your browser might think the certificate is expired or not valid, causing it to display the NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID error.

In this case, you should update your system’s date and time. How to do this on Windows; you can modify these settings depending on what operating system you’re using.

Hit on the Start menu >  Settings > Time & Language > Date & time. Toggle on Set time automatically. If needed, click Sync now under Synchronize your clock.

net::err_cert_authority_invalid - Sync Your Computer’s Clock

By ensuring your system date and time are correct, you help your browser validate SSL certificates properly, preventing the NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID error.

Try Using a Different Network

Sometimes, network issues can cause the NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID error. For example, if you’re using a public internet connection, your current network is blocking access to the SSL certificate, or there could be a temporary issue with the network.

To rule this out, try accessing your website from a different network. For example, if you’re using Wi-Fi, switch to mobile data or use a different Wi-Fi network. If changing the network fixes the error, you have already figured out the solution.

Alternatively, you can use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to protect your privacy while regularly using public internet. Using VPNs can help bypass network restrictions and provide a secure connection.

They route your internet traffic via a secure server, which can help if your local network is causing the error. A reliable, secure VPN service such as NordVPN is mandatory.

Disable VPN or Antivirus Temporarily

The settings on your VPN or antivirus software sometimes interfere with the browser’s ability to validate SSL certificates. These security tools might block or alter the data, causing the NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID error.

So, disable your VPN and re-visit your site to see if this resolves the error. Otherwise, temporarily disable your VPN and antivirus program.

Then, try to access your site once more. If the error is fixed, try reenabling each software, one at a time, and see if you still get an invalid certificate notification. This will help you identify which is at fault. You may then update the software or contact their support team for assistance.

Wipe Your Computer’s SSL State

The SSL state in Windows refers to the cached SSL certificates and data that your computer stores to speed up secure connections to websites. Sometimes, this cache can become corrupted or outdated, leading to errors like NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID. Wiping the SSL state clears this cache, forcing your computer to fetch fresh certificates and potentially resolving the error.

To clear the SSL State in Windows, press Win + R on your keyboard. This will open the Run dialog box. Type control and press OK.

net::err_cert_authority_invalid - Open Windows Control Panel

In the next window, navigate to Network and Internet > Internet Options. In the Internet Properties window, navigate to the Content tab and click the Clear SSL state button.

net::err_cert_authority_invalid - Clear SSL State on Windows

You’ll see a confirmation message that the SSL cache was successfully cleared. Now, close and reopen your browser. Try accessing the site once more to see if the error is resolved.

Advanced Solutions (if the above steps do not work)

If you’ve tried the basic solutions and the NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID error still persists, it’s time to look into some advanced solutions. These steps need more technical know-how but can effectively resolve deeper issues.

Check Server Configuration

Ensure proper installation of intermediate certificates. Intermediate certificates link your SSL certificate to a trusted root certificate. If these are missing or not correctly installed, validation errors can be caused.

Moreover, verify that all necessary intermediate certificates are installed on your server. Many Certificate Authorities (CAs) provide these along with the SSL certificate.

Consult Your Hosting Provider

Contact your hosting provider’s support team. They can check the server settings and ensure everything is correctly configured. Hosting providers often have tools and expertise to diagnose and fix issues related to SSL certificates and server configurations.

Strip Banner Text - Get Scalable And Reliable Web Hosting. [Learn More]

FAQs

What does NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID mean?

It means your browser doesn’t trust the SSL certificate provided by the website, often due to issues like self-signed or expired certificates.

How can I fix this error quickly?

Refresh the page or try using incognito mode to bypass cached data that might be causing the error.

Why should I clear my browser’s cache and cookies when “cannot verify server identity keeps popping up”?

Clearing your browser’s cache and cookies when “cannot verify server identity keeps popping up” helps remove outdated or corrupted data that could interfere with SSL certificate validation. This process ensures that your browser loads the most recent version of the website’s SSL certificate, potentially resolving the error and allowing a secure connection.

What is a self-signed certificate?

A self-signed certificate is issued by the website owner, not by a trusted Certificate Authority (CA), leading browsers to distrust it.

How do I renew an SSL certificate?

Check the expiration date, generate a new Certificate Signing Request (CSR), submit it to a CA, and install the renewed certificate on your server. You can also use Certbot to renew your certificates automatically; however, ensure your hosting provider allows you to set it up.

Why is my system’s date and time important?

Incorrect time and date settings can cause your browser to see valid certificates as expired or invalid, leading to the error.

Can network issues cause this error?

Yes, testing your site on a different network or using a VPN can help determine whether network issues cause the error.

How do I update my browser?

To ensure you’re using the latest version, navigate to your browser’s settings or help menu and look for an update option.

Why disable VPN, antivirus, or firewall temporarily?

These tools can sometimes interfere with SSL certificate validation. Disabling them temporarily can help identify if they’re causing the issue.

What if the error persists after basic troubleshooting?

Use advanced solutions like checking server configurations, consulting your hosting provider, or using online SSL diagnostic tools to fix deeper issues.

How To Fix ERR_CACHE_MISS in Google Chrome