When browsing the internet, you might encounter a message that says "net::err_cert_authority_invalid." This error can be confusing and frustrating, especially if you’re trying to access a website you trust. But don’t worry—this blog will discuss what this error means and how you can fix it in simple steps.
What Does "net::err_cert_authority_invalid" Mean?
Websites use something called an SSL certificate to secure the connection between your browser and the website. This certificate is like an ID card for the website, proving that it is legitimate. The "net::err_cert_authority_invalid" error happens when your browser can’t verify the certificate’s legitimacy. It’s as if the website’s ID card is missing or can’t be trusted.
This error can occur due to various reasons:
The website’s SSL certificate is self-signed or issued by an unrecognized certificate authority (CA).
The certificate has expired.
There’s a problem with the date and time settings on your device.
Your browser has cached an old certificate or is using outdated information.
Now, let’s move on to how you can fix this error.
Steps to Fix "net::err_cert_authority_invalid" Error
Step 1: Check Your Device’s Date and Time Settings
One of the most common reasons for this error is incorrect date and time settings on your device.
Windows:
Right-click on the date and time in the bottom-right corner of your screen.
Select “Adjust date/time.”
Make sure the date and time are correct. If they’re not, toggle the switch to “Set time automatically” or manually adjust the settings.
Mac:
Click on the Apple icon in the top-left corner and select “System Preferences.”
Click on “Date & Time.”
Make sure “Set date and time automatically” is checked, or manually adjust the date and time.
Android:
Go to “Settings.”
Tap on “System” > “Date & time.”
Toggle the switch to “Use network-provided time” or manually adjust the settings.
iPhone/iPad:
Go to “Settings.”
Tap on “General” > “Date & Time.”
Toggle “Set Automatically” or manually adjust the date and time.
Once your device’s date and time are correct, try accessing the website again. If the error persists, move on to the next step.
Step 2: Clear Your Browser Cache
Your browser stores data from websites you visit, known as cache. Sometimes, this cached data can cause conflicts, leading to the "net::err_cert_authority_invalid" error. Clearing your browser’s cache can help resolve this.
Google Chrome:
Click on the three vertical dots in the top-right corner.
Go to “More tools” > “Clear browsing data.”
Choose “All time” in the time range.
Check the boxes for “Cookies and other site data” and “Cached images and files.”
Click “Clear data.”
Mozilla Firefox:
Click on the three horizontal lines in the top-right corner.
Go to “Settings” > “Privacy & Security.”
Scroll down to “Cookies and Site Data” and click “Clear Data.”
Check the boxes for “Cookies and Site Data” and “Cached Web Content.”
Click “Clear.”
Safari:
Click on “Safari” in the top-left corner and select “Preferences.”
Go to the “Privacy” tab.
Click on “Manage Website Data” and then “Remove All.”
Confirm by clicking “Remove Now.”
Microsoft Edge:
Click on the three horizontal dots in the top-right corner.
Go to “Settings” > “Privacy, search, and services.”
Under “Clear browsing data,” click “Choose what to clear.”
Select “All time” in the time range.
Check the boxes for “Cookies and other site data” and “Cached images and files.”
Click “Clear now.”
After clearing the cache, restart your browser and try visiting the website again.
Step 3: Update Your Browser
An outdated browser might not recognize newer SSL certificates, leading to the error. Updating your browser can fix this.
Google Chrome:
Click on the three vertical dots in the top-right corner.
Go to “Help” > “About Google Chrome.”
Chrome will automatically check for updates and install them.
Restart your browser.
Mozilla Firefox:
Click on the three horizontal lines in the top-right corner.
Go to “Help” > “About Firefox.”
Firefox will check for updates and install them.
Restart your browser.
Safari:
Safari updates are part of macOS updates.
Click on the Apple icon in the top-left corner and select “System Preferences.”
Click on “Software Update” to check for updates.
Install any available updates.
Microsoft Edge:
Click on the three horizontal dots in the top-right corner.
Go to “Help and feedback” > “About Microsoft Edge.”
Edge will automatically check for updates and install them.
Restart your browser.
Step 4: Check the SSL Certificate
If the error is still not resolved, the problem might be with the website’s SSL certificate itself. You can check the certificate to see if it’s expired or not issued by a trusted Certificate Authority.
In Chrome or Edge:
Click on the padlock icon in the address bar.
Click on “Certificate” to view the details.
Check the “Issuer” and “Valid from/to” dates.
In Firefox:
Click on the padlock icon in the address bar.
Click on “More Information” > “View Certificate.”
Check the “Issuer” and “Valid from/to” dates.
If the certificate is expired or not issued by a recognized CA, there’s not much you can do on your end. You might want to contact the website administrator to inform them of the issue.
Step 5: Temporarily Bypass the Warning (Not Recommended)
If you’re confident that the website is safe, you can temporarily bypass the error. However, this is not recommended as it can expose you to security risks.
In Chrome or Edge:
Click on “Advanced” at the bottom of the error page.
Click on “Proceed to website.”
In Firefox:
Click on “Advanced” at the bottom of the error page.
Click on “Accept the Risk and Continue.”
Remember, bypassing the warning should be your last resort and only for websites you trust.
Conclusion
The "net::err_cert_authority_invalid" error can be a hassle, but it’s usually easy to fix. Start by checking your device’s date and time, clearing your browser cache, and updating your browser. If the problem persists, the issue might be with the website’s SSL certificate, and you should contact the site’s administrator. Remember, while it’s possible to bypass the error, doing so can expose you to security risks, so proceed with caution.
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