Alex Ruben
How to Fix ERR_SSL_VERSION_OR_CIPHER_MISMATCH Error in Chrome
The “ERR_SSL_VERSION_OR_CIPHER_MISMATCH” error can be frustrating, particularly when you’re trying to access secure websites. This tutorial will guide you through a series of steps to troubleshoot and resolve the SSL connection issues effectively. By the end of this guide, you’ll have a better understanding of SSL certificate problems and how to fix them, helping you access websites securely across different browsers such as Chrome, Edge, and Firefox on Windows 10 and Windows 11.
Step 1: Clear Your Browser’s Cache and Cookies
Browser caching can sometimes lead to incorrect versions of websites being loaded. Clearing your cache and cookies is an essential first step in resolving this issue. To do this, open Google Chrome and follow these steps:
- Click on the three vertical dots at the top right corner to open the menu.
- Navigate to Settings.
- Scroll down and select Privacy and security.
- Click on Clear browsing data.
- Ensure that both Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files are selected, then click on Clear data.
Once completed, restart Chrome and attempt to access the site again.
Step 2: Check Date and Time Settings
An incorrect date or time on your system can cause SSL verification failures. Verify your computer’s date and time settings as follows:
- Right-click on the date and time display in the bottom-right corner of your screen.
- Select Adjust date/time.
- Ensure that Set time automatically and Set time zone automatically options are enabled.
After adjusting, try accessing the website again.
Step 3: Update Google Chrome
Using an outdated version of Chrome may also lead to compatibility issues. To ensure Chrome is up-to-date, follow these steps:
- Open Google Chrome and click on the three vertical dots in the top right corner.
- Hover over Help and select About Google Chrome.
- Chrome will automatically check for updates. If an update is available, it will begin downloading.
- Once the update completes, click Relaunch to restart Chrome.
Revisit the desired website after the update.
Step 4: Disable QUIC Protocol
The QUIC protocol may sometimes cause this error. You can disable it with these steps:
- Type
chrome://flags/into the address bar and press Enter. - In the search box, type QUIC.
- Locate Experimental QUIC protocol and set it to Disabled.
- Restart Chrome.
After disabling the QUIC protocol, check if the issue persists.
Step 5: Adjust SSL Settings
Sometimes your SSL settings might need adjusting. Here’s how to do it:
- Open Chrome and navigate to
chrome://settings/. - Look for Privacy and security and click on Security.
- Scroll down to find Advanced settings.
- Make sure that Use secure DNS is enabled and select “With your current service provider”.
This ensures Chrome utilizes valid SSL certificates for secure connections.
Additional Tips & Common Issues
If you’re still experiencing issues, consider the following:
- Try using a different browser to see if the issue persists—this can indicate whether the problem is with Chrome or your network settings.
- Check and disable any conflicting extensions that may interfere with SSL connections.
- If you’re using a VPN, disable it temporarily as it might be causing the SSL error.
Conclusion
By following these steps, you can effectively troubleshoot and resolve the ERR_SSL_VERSION_OR_CIPHER_MISMATCH error in Google Chrome. Whether it’s clearing your browser’s cache or adjusting SSL settings, understanding these steps ensures better security and access to websites. If issues continue, you may also seek more technical support specific to your network settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes the ERR_SSL_VERSION_OR_CIPHER_MISMATCH error?
This error typically occurs due to a misconfiguration in the SSL certificate, outdated browser settings, or issues with the server you’re attempting to reach.
Can I fix this error on browsers other than Chrome?
Yes, similar troubleshooting steps can be applied to other browsers like Edge and Firefox, including clearing cache and ensuring your system’s date and time settings are correct.
What should I do if none of the above steps work?
If the error persists after trying all these solutions, consider reaching out to your internet service provider or the website owner for further assistance.