How to fix a “your connection is not private” error yourself, what the error message means, and how to proceed if your troubleshooting efforts fall short.
We've all been there. You’re online shopping, 20 opentabs deep in research, or visiting a new website for the first time. Then thedreaded "your connection is not private" error shows up in your browser, alerting you that youronline privacy— personalinformation, payment methods and more — may be at risk if you proceed to the site.
You might be wondering how to fix a “your connectionis not private” error. Here, we’ll walk you through how to troubleshoot theproblem yourself, what the error looks like in each browser, and why your connection is not private in the first place.
What is the “Your connectionis not private” error?
A “your connection is not private” error means yourbrowser cannot verify whether a website is safe to visit. Your browser issuesthis warning message to prevent you from visiting the site, because visiting unsafe or malicious websites may put your personal information at risk.
Your browser verifies a site's security certificate toconfirm the site will protect your privacy while visiting it. If a certificateis not up to standard, this means your personal data might not be encrypted andtherefore susceptible to online threats. In short, a "your connection isnot private" error means just that: Your connection is not private, and the error isn't something to ignore.
Why is “Your connectionis not private” appearing?
Before entering a website, your browser checks digitalcertificates of that website to ensure they're meeting requirements and willsafeguard your private information, such as contact information, passwords, and payment methods, usually viaencryption. Most often, the"your connection is not private" error lies in a site's SecureSockets Layer (SSL) certificate, which is required for sites running over HTTPS (connection security). If your browser can't verify anSSL certificate, it stops you fromvisiting the site by giving you the "your connection is not private"error message.
Reasons vary as to why an SSL certificate can't beverified. The certificate might be missing all together, expired, or set upincorrectly, which means the site is unable to properly protect your data. Nomatter the cause of the SSL fluke, the owner of the website must fix it.Sometimes, however, your browser or device settings might be hiccuping andunable to communicate with the website you’re trying to visit. Fortunately, youoften can troubleshoot this dilemma yourself, and the steps are relatively the samefor each browser.
What a “Your connection is not private” errorlooks like on each browser
Each browser communicates its “your connection is notprivate” error differently. Some even tweak the warning to “your connection isnot secure.” Others offer up error codes to help you troubleshoot the problem.And most all issue a literal warning sign. Here’s what you might see.
Google Chrome
If Google Chrome is having difficulty validating acertificate, it'll deliver a large red exclamation mark and tell you:
“Your connection is not private.
Your connection is not private. Attackers might betrying to steal your information from domain.com (for example, passwords,messages, or credit cards).”
It'll be followed by an error code to tip you off to the problem.
Common Error Codes:
- ERR_CERT_SYMANTEC_LEGACY
- ERR_SSL_VERSION_OR_CIPHER_MISMATCH
- NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID
- NET::ERR_CERT_COMMON_NAME_INVALID
- NET::ERR_CERT_DATE_INVALID
- NET::ERR_CERT_WEAK_SIGNATURE_ALGORITHMT
- NTE::ERR_CERTIFICATE_TRANSPARENCY_REQUIRED
- SSL certificate error
Mozilla Firefox
If Mozilla Firefox has trouble validating the certificate, it'll return a lock with a red slash through it, as well as themessage:
“Your connection is not secure
The owner of domain.com has configured their websiteimproperly. To protect your information from being stolen, Firefox has notconnected to this website.”
It too will provide you with a few error codes topinpoint the problem.
Common error codes:
- ERROR_SELF_SIGNED_CERT
- MOZILLA_PKIX_ERROR_ADDITIONAL_POLICY_CONSTRAINT_FAILED
- MOZILLA_PKIX_ERROR_MITM_DETECTED
- SEC_ERROR_EXPIRED_CERTIFICATE
- SEC_ERROR_EXPIRED_ISSUER_CERTIFICATE
- SEC_ERROR_OCSP_INVALID_SIGNING_CERT
- SEC_ERROR_UNKNOWN_ISSUER
- SSL_ERROR_BAD_CERT_DOMAIN
Safari
Unlike other browsers, Safari won’t deliver you error codes out of the gates. Instead, it'll return a crossed out red lock and themessage:
“This connection not is private.
This website may be impersonating “domain.com” tosteal your personal or financial information. You should go back to theprevious page.”
It too might link to the certificate via a “showdetails” button so you understand the risks associated with proceeding to thewebsite.
Microsoft Edge
Microsoft Edge takes cues from Google Chrome's “yourconnection is not private” error message, down to the red exclamation mark:
“Your connection isn’t private
Your connection is not private. Attackers might betrying to steal your information from domain.com (for example, passwords,messages, or credit cards).”
This will be followed by an error code, as well.
Common Error Codes:
- DLG_FLAGS_INVALID_CA
- DLG_FLAGS_SEC_CERT_CN_INVALID
- Error Code: 0
- NET::ERR_CERT_COMMON_NAME_INVALID
How to fix a “Your connection is not private” error yourself
There are many reasons why you might receive a “your connection is notprivate” error. But, it’s often due to a fluke in the SSL certificate—and onlythe owner of the website can fix that. Still, there's a few ways you can fix a“your connection is not private” error yourself, listed here from the simplest of solutions to the more painstaking problem solvers.
1.Reload the page
Sure, it's the oldest trick in the book but reloadingyour browser is the easiest step in troubleshooting why your connection is notprivate. If it doesn’t work on the first reload attempt, try closing your browser entirely and then reloading.
2.Consider if you’re using public Wi-Fi
There are manyrisks related to using public Wi-Fi. Infact, hackers love public Wi-Fi. Part of the equation is that some public networksdon’t run on HTTPS, or it is not configured correctly which causes your browser to believe the website is not secure. This is why manypublic Wi-Fi networks,such as those in cafes, hotels, and airports, require usersto visit a portal screen and accept its terms and conditions before allowingyou to browse. In the event you need to browse on these public Wi-Fi networks,here's how to do so more safely:
How to Connect to Public Wi-Fi
- Connect to public Wi-Fi.
- Browse to a site, such as https://www.norton.com.
- A portal screen should open with a sign-in page to accept browsing terms and conditions.
- Log in, accept terms, and browse away.
Still at a standstill? Try typing 1.1.1.1 into your browser or attempt connecting to another network. Your best bet of all is to use a virtual private network (VPN). If you’re concerned about encrypting Internet traffic, it’s smart to consider a trusted virtual private network likeNorton Secure VPNto help ensure your most sensitive information remains hidden from prying eyes.In any event, keep in mind somedo’s and don’ts of using public Wi-Fi.
3.Check your computer’s date and time
Double check your computer is operating in thepresent. Your computer's clock needs to match your browser, or else it mightnot be able to view a website’s SSL certificate. Oftentimes, a computer’s date and time might be off if it's a newly purchased device. To prevent this in thefuture, be sure to set your date and time to update automatically.
How to update your time on a Mac
- Go to the Apple menu in the upper left corner of your screen, and select System Preferences.
- Choose Date & Time.
- Verify if the date and time are correct.
- To adjust automatically, select the “Time Zone” tab.
- Click the lock in the lower left corner to make changes.
- Check the box “Set time zone automatically using current location”.
How to update your time on Windows
- Right-click the date and time on the taskbar.
- Click “adjust date/time,” and verify if they’re correct.
- To adjust automatically, select "Set time automatically" or "Set time zone automatically" and update.
- Confirm the time has updated in the taskbar, then close your browser and reopen.
4.Go incognito
Incognito mode allows you to browse withoutsaving your history or cache, which can help you analyze why your connection isnot private. For instance, if you're still unable to browse incognito, then thefault is likely on the website having security issues. However, it could alsobe an issue in your browser's cache or an extension. Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, MozillaFirefox, and Apple Safari are all browsers with incognito mode.
5.Clear your browsing data
Computer cookiesare helpful becausethey personalize your browsing experience, based on past activity. They canstreamline your logins and online purchases, because they'll hold onto andauto-fill your personal information and payment methods. It’s convenient, butalso can be a security concern when your connection is not private. Clearingyour browsing data means your device will no longer have that private information stored, but it'll also mean a more secure browsing experience. Ofcourse, how to clear cookies differs per browser.
6.Check your antivirus software
VPNs and antivirussoftware can sometimes be overly protective and may even block some SSLcertificates or override your network to prevent you from accessing malicious websites. To see if they're the point of"your connection is not private" problem, simply disable the software temporarily and attempt to browse.
7.Update your operating system
If your device is not up to date, it might not be ableto communicate with your browser correctly and therefore not be able to verifyif a site is safe for you to visit. Depending on your device, there’s different ways to check whether youroperating system needs updated.
How to check if your Mac operating system is up to date
- Click the apple icon in the upper left corner of your screen, and select “System Preferences”
- Select “Software Update” from the new window
- If updates are available, click the “Update Now” button and proceed with updating
How to check if your Windows operating system is up to date
- Click the Windows icon in the bottom left corner of your screen, and select “Settings”.
- Click “Update & Security”.
- On the left menu, click “Windows Update”.
- View your update status or click "Check for Updates" to see if you need to proceed with updating.
8.Restart your computer
If you’ve tried all of the above steps to no avail, it’s desperate times — and youmight want to take desperate measures to address that “your connection is notprivate” error. Rebooting your computer can be painstaking but it actually serves as a nice reset to clear out any temporary caches. For afull-on reboot, even restart your router.
9.Seek help
Visit help forums for your specific browser to see how others have attempted to troubleshoot their “your connection is not private” error in thepast. Still coming up short? Chances are the problem lies in the certificateitself—it might be expired, issued by an illegitimate source, using an oldalgorithm or not valid on the domain name variation —and fixing it is out ofyour control. You can be a part of the solution, though, by alerting the ownerof the website that you’re experiencing a “your connection is not private”error. Be a good digital citizen and do this politely via email or kindly oversocial media.
10.Proceed cautiously to the website (not recommended)
If you absolutely must reach a website right now, youcan bypass the warning and proceed manually. This is never a recommendedoption, especially if you'll be entering personal information or paymentdetails on a site — and if you're doing so on public Wi-Fi. But it is an optionthe browser gives you on the error message. If you understand the ramificationsof browsing an unsecure site and still want to proceed manually, you can do soby clicking the "proceed to domain.com" button on the error screen orfind the button via an "advanced" link on an error screen. Just bearin mind...your connection is not private. And it’s always best tokeep your data private.
Glossary: Error codesfor “Your connection is not private”
Here are some of the most common “your connection isnot private” error codes explained.
Google Chrome error codes
ERR_CERT_SYMANTEC_LEGACY
The website is running on a Symantec-issued certificate, which is not supported.
ERR_SSL_VERSION_OR_CIPHER_MISMATCH
The website’s SSL certificate might be incompatible with your device orits security settings and softwares.
NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID
The website’s SSL certificate cannot be verified.
NET::ERR_CERT_COMMON_NAME_INVALID
The domain name of the SSL certificate doesn't match the domain name in the address bar.
NET::ERR_CERT_DATE_INVALID
Your computer's time is not syncing up with your browser.
NET::ERR_CERT_WEAK_SIGNATURE_ALGORITHMT
The website’s SSL certificate was issued using an outdated algorithm.
NTE::ERR_CERTIFICATE_TRANSPARENCY_REQUIRED
The website’s SSL certificate has not been publicly logged.
SSL certificate error
The website’s SSL certificate has an error.
Mozilla Firefox error codes
ERROR_SELF_SIGNED_CERT
The website’s certificate is self-signed and therefore untrusted.
MOZILLA_PKIX_ERROR_ADDITIONAL_POLICY_CONSTRAINT_FAILED
The website's certificate was issued by an untrusted authority.
MOZILLA_PKIX_ERROR_MITM_DETECTED
A man-in-the-middle attack has been detected.
SEC_ERROR_EXPIRED_CERTIFICATE
The website’s certificate has expired.
SEC_ERROR_EXPIRED_ISSUER_CERTIFICATE
Your computer's time is not syncing up with your browser.
SEC_ERROR_OCSP_INVALID_SIGNING_CERT
The website and/or its certificate is configured incorrectly.
SEC_ERROR_UNKNOWN_ISSUER
The issuer of the website's certificate is unknown and therefore untrusted.
SSL_ERROR_BAD_CERT_DOMAIN
The website’s certificate is not valid for the domain name.
Microsoft Edge error codes
DLG_FLAGS_INVALID_CA orDLG_FLAGS_SEC_CERT_CN_INVALID
The website's certificate is not installed correctly, expired, ormalicious activity is occurring.
Error Code: 0
The website’ security certificate is not secure.
NET::ERR_CERT_COMMON_NAME_INVALID
The domain name of the SSL certificate doesn't match the domain name inyour address bar.
Keep in mind, even afteryou fix a “your connection is not private” error yourself, it’s worth rememberingprivate browsingis most private ifyou’re using a VPN. That’s because of how a VPNworks — it masks your internetprotocol (IP) address and encrypts your Internet traffic via a VPN tunnel. Essentially, a VPN makes your online actions untraceable. Couple that with security software, andyou have a very secure connection.
