How To Fix SSL Handshake Failed Error

When you install an SSL Certificate on your WordPress site, it enables HTTPS, which helps secure the connection between your site and visitors. But sometimes, things don’t go as planned. Verifying an SSL certificate and establishing a secure connection can run into problems, leading to errors. 

One common issue is the SSL Handshake Failed error. If you’ve seen this message and aren’t sure what it means, here’s what to do. The error itself doesn’t offer much explanation, which makes troubleshooting frustrating. The good news is that this problem can be fixed with a few simple steps. This tutorial explains the SSL handshake failed error, why it happens, and how to fix it quickly.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• The SSL handshake failed error happens when a secure connection between your web browser and the server cannot be established.
• A common cause is an expired, revoked, or misconfigured SSL certificate, which prevents a secure connection.
• Incorrect system date and time settings on your device can also lead to SSL handshake failed.
• Outdated web browsers may not support the latest SSL/TLS protocols, so updating your browser can help.
• TLS version mismatches between the client (browser) and server can cause the handshake to fail.
• Incompatible cipher suites between the server and browser can block the SSL connection.
• If using Cloudflare, Error 525 occurs when Cloudflare cannot verify the SSL certificate on the origin server.
• Contacting your hosting provider or CDN support if SSL issues persist after troubleshooting.
• Regularly update software, monitor SSL certificates, and perform security audits to prevent SSL handshake errors.

What is an SSL Handshake?

When you visit a website that uses HTTPS, your browser and the website’s server need to agree on a secure way to communicate. This process is called the SSL Handshake. It happens in the background within seconds, ensuring your data stays safe from hackers. 

You can think of it like introducing yourself to a new friend. Before you start talking, you both check that you understand the same language and trust each other. The SSL handshake works similarly; it helps the browser and server confirm each other’s identity and agree on encryption rules before sharing data. 

Here’s an easy breakdown of the steps involved in an SSL handshake: 

1. When you enter a website’s URL, your browser (client) sends a message to the server. This message includes supported SSL/TLS versions, encryption methods (cipher suites), and other security details.
2. The server replies with its SSL certificate and chooses the best encryption method that the browser and server support.
3. The browser then checks the SSL certificate to confirm it’s valid and issued by a trusted authority. The connection fails when the certificate has expired, invalid, or is self-signed.
4. Once the certificate is verified, the browser and the server securely exchange encryption keys. These keys are used to scramble (encrypt) data so they can understand it.
5. Both sides create a unique session key using the shared encryption details. This key is used for secure communication throughout the session.
6. The browser and server can communicate securely, and the website loads over HTTPS. Any data exchanged, like login details or credit card numbers, is encrypted and protected from attackers. 

So, without the SSL handshake, a secure connection cannot be established, which can result in serious security risks. Since the handshake involves multiple steps, there are many points where errors can occur.

If something goes wrong during the process, it can result in a handshake failure or even trigger a warning saying Your Connection is Not Private. This can prevent visitors from staying on your site, leading to potential trust and security concerns.

Common Causes of SSL Handshake Failure

These errors can happen due to issues on the client-side (your device and browser) or server-side (the website’s hosting server). Let’s go through the most common causes. 

Client-side issues include:

• Incorrect System Date and Time Settings
• Browser Misconfigurations or Outdated Versions
• Interference from Third-Party Applications or Firewalls.

However, server-side issues are:

• Expired, Revoked, or Misconfigured SSL Certificates
• Protocol Mismatches Between Client and Server
• Cipher Suite Incompatibilities
• Server Name Indication (SNI) Configuration Problems. 

Introduction to Cloudflare Error 525 

Cloudflare Error 525 happens when Cloudflare can’t connect securely with your website’s server. This error means the SSL handshake between Cloudflare and your server has failed. 

Here, the SSL handshake process helps Cloudflare and your server agree on security rules before they share data. If this process fails, visitors trying to access your site will see the Error 525: SSL Handshake Failed message instead of your content. This can make your site look unsafe, which may drive users away. 

There are a few common reasons why this error happens. Let’s look at them one by one. 

• No Valid SSL Certificate on the Origin Server
• Mismatch in SSL/TLS Protocols Between Cloudflare and the Origin Server 
• Issues with Cipher Suites Supported by the Origin Server.

A failed SSL handshake means that Cloudflare can’t securely connect to your website’s server, blocking visitors from accessing your site. Therefore, understanding these causes will help you fix the issue and restore secure connections.

SSL Handshake Failed vs Cloudflare Error 525 

You might wonder how the SSL Handshake Error and Cloudflare Error 525 are linked. These two are closely related but happen at different points in the connection process. 

SSL Handshake Error is a general term for failures in the SSL handshake process between a client (browser) and a server. It can happen for many reasons, such as an expired SSL certificate, TLS version mismatches, or unsupported cipher suites. This error can occur in direct connections (user to website) or when a Content Delivery Network (CDN) like Cloudflare is involved. 

However, Cloudflare Error 525 (SSL Handshake Failed) is a specific SSL handshake error occurring between Cloudflare and the origin server (your hosting server).

Even if your website appears to have an SSL certificate through Cloudflare, the server must also have a valid and properly configured SSL certificate. If Cloudflare can’t establish a secure SSL handshake with the origin server, it blocks access to the site and displays Error 525 to visitors. 

Now that you know what an SSL Handshake Failed error is, why it occurs, and the association between it and Cloudflare 525, let’s explore how to resolve it.

5 Ways to Fix SSL Handshake Failed Error

In this section, we discuss 5 different ways to resolve SSL handshake error or Cloudflare 525:

1. Update System Date and Time
2. Verify SSL Certificate Validity
3. Configure Web Browser for SSL/TLS Protocol Support
4. Check for Cipher Suite Compatibility
5. Verify & Configure Server Name Indication (SNI) for SSL.

Let’s start with the first one below: 

Update System Date & Time 

SSL certificates have a validity period, so they are only trusted between specific start and end dates. When your device tries to connect to a website, it checks if the SSL certificate is still valid.

If your system clock is set to the wrong date, which could be in the past or future, your browser may think the certificate has expired or is not yet valid. This can lead to an SSL handshake failed or a Cloudflare 525 error when using Cloudflare’s SSL service. 

Here’s how to adjust date and time settings on Windows:

Click Start and open Settings.

Go to Time & Language → Date & Time. Toggle Set time automatically to ON (syncs your time with internet servers). If needed, click Sync now to update the time manually. 

Now, restart your browser and try accessing the website. 

Verify SSL Certificate Validity 

Another reason for SSL handshake failures and Cloudflare Error 525 is an expired or invalid SSL certificate. If a website’s SSL certificate is invalid, browsers and security services like Cloudflare will block the connection to prevent potential security risks. 

In this case, checking the SSL certificate’s validity is crucial in troubleshooting these errors. Let’s go through how to do it and what to do if your certificate is expired or invalid. 

• USING A CHROME BROWSER

Open your browser and go to the website where the SSL error is. Click the tune icon in the address bar, and select Connection is secure.

Next, click Certificate is valid.

Look for the expiration date under the Validity Period. If it has expired, the SSL certificate needs to be renewed.

• USING ONLINE SSL CHECKER TOOLS

If you can’t access the website, use an online SSL checker. For this tutorial example, we use Qualys SSL Server Test. This free, reliable tool allows you to verify your website’s SSL configuration.

To use it, enter your domain name under Hostname and click Submit. The tool then analyzes your SSL settings and displays a report with key details about your certificate.

The results page will show whether your SSL certificate is still valid or if it has been revoked. If the certificate has expired or is incorrectly configured, it could be the reason behind the SSL handshake fail. Checking this status helps you identify issues before they impact your website’s security.

If you discover any problems with your SSL certificate, update it to resolve the handshake error. And, if you installed your SSL certificate over a year ago, it may be time to renew or reissue it.

Remember, keeping your certificate updated is essential for preventing connection errors and critical to secure your WordPress website, especially if you run an online store with WooCommerce.

TIP: Regularly monitoring your SSL certificate ensures your website remains secure and prevents users from encountering security warnings. If you haven’t checked your SSL status recently, now is a good time to do so and make any necessary updates.

Configure Web Browser for SSL/TLS Protocol Support

Sometimes, an SSL Handshake Failed error happens because of a browser misconfiguration. The best way to identify if your browser is the issue is to switch to a different browser. If the problem disappears, your original browser may be misconfigured. 

Another quick troubleshooting step is to disable browser extensions that might interfere with SSL connections. Resetting your web browser to its default settings can also resolve any misconfigurations. 

A protocol mismatch is another common reason for SSL handshake failed. This happens when the server only supports TLS 1.2, but your browser is configured to an older version like TLS 1.0 or TLS 1.1. Since these older versions are no longer widely supported, a secure connection cannot be established, leading to an SSL Handshake Failed error. 

Here’s how to enable TLS 1.2 in Google Chrome: Navigate to Control Panel → Network and Internet → Internet Options.

Select Advanced. Under Security, check if Use TLS 1.2 is enabled. If not, enable this. Also, uncheck outdated protocols like SSL 2.0, SSL 3.0, TLS 1.0, and TLS 1.1 as they are being phased out. After that, click OK and restart Chrome.

After making these changes, try re-accessing the website to see if the SSL handshake issue is resolved. 

IMPORTANT:

If your server supports TLS 1.3, ensure you enable it. However, if you’re a Linux user, refer to official documentation, such as the Red Hat TLS hardening guide, to adjust protocol settings. 

Check for Cipher Suite Compatibility

If you’re still struggling with an SSL handshake failed error, the issue can be a cipher suite mismatch. Cipher suites are a set of algorithms that secure SSL/TLS connections by handling key exchange, data encryption, and message authentication. If the server’s cipher suites don’t match or aren’t supported by Cloudflare, the handshake will fail, leading to an error. 

For a successful SSL handshake, the client (browser) and the server must support the same cipher suite. If they don’t, the connection will fail. To determine if a cipher suite mismatch is causing SSL handshake failed, use the Qualys SSL Server Test (we’ve already used this tool to verify SSL certificates’ validity). Here’s how to do it: 

Visit the Qualys SSL Server Test page. Enter your website’s domain name. Click Submit and wait for the analysis to complete.  Then, look for Cipher Suites in the results.

This report shows all the cipher suites your server supports. When the server supports outdated or weak ciphers, you should update its settings and remove these insecure options to ensure a secure connection. 

Verify & Configure Server Name Indication (SNI) for SSL 

An SSL Handshake Failed error can sometimes be caused by incorrect Server Name Indication (SNI) settings. SNI allows a web server to host multiple SSL certificates on a single IP address. This is essential for websites in shared hosting environments.

• CHECK IF A SERVER REQUIRES SNI 

One of the easiest ways to check if a website depends on SNI is by using the Qualys SSL Server Test. To do this, enter your domain, click Submit, and review the results. If you see a message saying This site works only in browsers with SNI support, it means SNI is required for your SSL certificate to work.

Another method is to inspect the ClientHello message during the SSL handshake. This involves checking the extended hello header to see if the correct SSL certificate is presented. While more technical, this approach provides deeper insights into how the server handles SSL requests. 

• USE OPENSSL TO TEST SNI CONFIGURATION

If you can access a command-line interface, you can test SNI support using OpenSSL. Try running the following command without SNI: 

openssl s_client -connect host:port

Example command: openssl s_client -connect example.com:443

Next, test the same connection with SNI enabled: 

openssl s_client -connect host:port -servername host

Example command: openssl s_client -connect example.com:443 -servername example.com

If both commands return the same certificate, then SNI is correctly configured. However, if different certificates appear or the first command fails, SNI may not be enabled correctly.

• HOW TO FIX SNI CONFIGURATION ISSUES

If your server does not support Server Name Indication (SNI) or is misconfigured, you may need to take specific steps to resolve the issue. The first approach is to enable SNI on your web server. Most modern hosting providers support SNI by default, but in some cases, manual configuration may be necessary. This involves confirming the server is correctly set up to handle multiple SSL certificates on a shared IP address.

However, if enabling SNI is not an option, or you consider it too expensive, switch to a dedicated IP address. A dedicated IP ensures that your SSL certificate is assigned to a unique address, eliminating the need for SNI. This approach is great for older systems or hosting environments that do not support SNI. By making these adjustments, you can prevent SSL handshake failed and ensure secure connections for your website.

Additional Troubleshooting Steps

If you still face SSL handshake failed or Cloudflare Error 525 after applying basic fixes, you may need additional troubleshooting. Some common causes include firewall interference, server errors, or hosting provider restrictions. Below are key steps to identify and fix these issues.

• CHECK FOR FIREWALL OR ANTIVIRUS INTERFERENCE

Sometimes, security software mistakenly blocks SSL/TLS connections, preventing a secure handshake between your browser and the server. Here, temporarily disabling firewalls or antivirus programs can help determine if they are the cause. If the issue disappears, add the website to the safe list in your security software to restore access while keeping your system protected.

• REVIEW SERVER LOGS FOR ERRORS

For website owners, checking server logs can reveal SSL handshake failed caused by certificate issues, TLS version mismatches, or incompatible cipher suites. Server logs provide detailed error messages that help pinpoint and resolve the problem.

• CONSULT HOSTING PROVIDER FOR CDN SUPPORT

If the problem persists, it may be due to server-side restrictions or Cloudflare misconfiguration. If so, contact your hosting provider or CDN support to verify your SSL settings, TLS compatibility, and server-side encryption methods.

If using Cloudflare, ensuring the SSL mode is set to Full (Strict) can prevent conflicts between Cloudflare and your origin server.

Preventive Measures

Fixing SSL handshake errors is crucial but preventing them from happening in the first place is even better. If you update everything on time, you ensure your system is protected against the latest threats and is compatible with new security standards.

Managing SSL certificates properly is also crucial. SSL certificates expire, and when you don’t renew these on time, visitors may see security warnings when they try to access your site.

Therefore, monitoring certificate expiration dates and renewing them before they expire helps maintain a safe and uninterrupted browsing experience. Many hosting providers and SSL services offer automatic renewal options to make this process easier.

Another crucial step is to conduct regular security audits. Checking your security settings and server configurations can help you identify vulnerabilities before they become serious problems.

These audits should include reviewing firewall rules, ensuring strong encryption settings, and verifying that only necessary services are running on your server. By routinely inspecting your website security setup, you lessen the risk of attacks and keep your WordPress website safe.

Taking these preventive measures protects your site and helps build trust with your visitors. A secure and well-maintained website ensures a smooth user experience and secures sensitive data from cyber threats.

FAQS

Other Tutorials of Interest

– How To Fix ERR_BAD_SSL_CLIENT_AUTH_CERT Error

– How To Fix SSL_ERROR_NO_CYPHER_OVERLAP Error

– How to Fix: This Site Can’t Provide a Secure Connection Error

– How To Fix ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR.

– How To Fix NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID Error